JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav criticised the government over notes ban inviting a response from Arun Jaitley
Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav, whose party leader Nitish Kumar has welcomed demonetisation, today joined the rest of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha in attacking the government on hardships arising out of the ban on high denomination currency notes.
Mr Yadav also had a heated exchange of words with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley when the BJP leader needled him to check with his party before criticising the government on the issue.
The incident happened when members of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, BSP and Samajwadi Party protested in Parliament.
Speaking about the terror attack in Nagrota, Mr Yadav said this has never happened that seven armymen, including two officers, have been killed, but there has been no obituary reference.
Claiming that there have been deaths due to demonetisation, Mr Yadav alleged, "You say the demonetisation has been done in national interest, so have the 90 people, old and young, who have lost lives standing in queues (to get new currency)."
At this, Mr Jaitley retorted: "Sharadji should first discuss within his party to know if it (the party) is in agreement with him or not."
Mr Yadav replied saying there are no differences. "We are not against demonetisation. We are against the destruction caused by the move," he said.
He also asked Mr Jaitley why he had not responded to his demand for condolence.
Mr Jaitley said: "If you want discussion (on the issue), let there be discussion."
Mr Yadav replied again, saying first there should be condolence and then we'll have a discussion. He went on to ask if Prime Minister Narendra Modi was with him or not.
"Is your Prime Minister with you? Is he listening to you," he asked.