The “aakrosh diwas” announced by the Opposition to protest against demonetisation was “observed” in both Houses of Parliament too.

Opposition leaders demanded the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rajya Sabha, and an apology from him for the problems faced by the public due to the way the decision is implemented.

Soon after the Upper House paid homage to Cuban leader Fidel Castro, the Opposition members started protests raising the problems faced by people in rural areas. Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Centre keeps changing the banking rules. “Twenty-six notifications have been issued by the Centre so far. There is no system. Currencies are not available. There should be a discussion. The Prime Minister announced this decision and he should be present inside the House,” Azad said.

Congress deputy leader in the House Anand Sharma said none of the notifications were tabled in the House. “Until now, combined with the Finance Ministry’s 23 circulars, and the circulars of the RBI, there are 34 notifications in all. Not one has been tabled in this House. It is not only that the PM is not coming and explaining... Where are the notifications? It is the illegality that is being committed,” he said.

SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav said the country was at a standstill due to the decision. “It’s getting worse day by day. Workers are dying. Factories are getting shut. Shops are closed. The poor don’t have money with them,” he said.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said the discussion on demonetisation could be continued if Modi were to be present.

Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu urged the Chair not to allow the Opposition to disrupt Zero Hour. Many members in the Treasury Benches also walked to the aisles demanding a discussion on the matter.

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