‘Black day’ in Lok Sabha: Opposition ; Government says tax measure can’t wait

The government, however, blamed the opposition for not participating in the debate and said it was "tragic" that the Bill had to be passed in the din.

Published: November 29, 2016 7:38 PM IST

By Press Trust of India

'Black day' in Lok Sabha: Opposition ; Government says tax measure can't wait

New Delhi, Nov 29 :  Terming as “black day” in Lok Sabha the passage of taxation bill amidst din without debate, opposition parties today accused the government of being “undemocratic and dictatorial” and hinted at approaching the President on the issue. The government, however, blamed the opposition for not participating in the debate and said it was “tragic” that the Bill had to be passed in the din. It asserted that the measure had to be passed for the “welfare of the poor and country” and cannot wait for those who are unable to “digest” the action against black money and corruption. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, “We want that Income Tax Amendment Act should come through the rules.

The amendments proposed by the Opposition MPs and leaders should also be kept in mind before taking the assent from the President.” Revolutionary Socialist Party said that it is contemplating to take up the issue with President Pranab Mukherjee. “The government has been totally undemocratic, dictatorial, authoritarian in passing such an important bill without discussion amidst din. It has taken advantage of the superior numbers to avoid discussion. It is unfortunate that we did not get any relief from the Chair.

“I had written to the Speaker (Lok Sabha) in the morning that this bill should not be allowed to be passed in the din. But what we apprehended happened. Inspite of all of our protest, this bill was passed. The very purpose of the bill was sort of defeated,” said Saugata Roy TMC MP. Amid din, a bill which seeks to tax money deposited in banks post demonetization was passed in the Lok Sabha today within minutes without any debate.

Amid fierce slogan shouting by the opposition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Taxation Laws (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2016 was brought after it came to the government’s notice that some people were trying to illegally exchange the demonetised Rs 1000 and Rs 500 currency note.

Roy said that the government is “stubbornly” sticking to its stand that there will be no discussion but “we (opposition) are all together and we will continue to press for discussion” under a rule which entails voting. CPI(M) leader Mohammad Salim said that it is a “black day” in the history of Lok Sabha and an “undeclared emergency”. It is not a fight against blackmoney but “rewarding” black money hoarders”, he alleged.

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