CPI-M blames PM Modi for parliament logjam over demonetisation

New Delhi: Blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continued disruptions in parliament over demonetisation, the CPI-M on Tuesday demanded that the central government acknowledge that over 70 people have died following its move to demonetise higher denomination notes.

"If the Parliament is not functioning, the entire blame lies on the prime minister who is not ready to address the Parliament due to arrogance. The discussion is on the announcement made by him, so it is a must for him to participate," said Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.

Yechury called the demonetisation move an attack on people's right to property and said the government must own up to the responsibility of the over 70 people that have died post the Modi government's November 8 announcement of the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

"Is the government ready to accept that more than 70 people have died because of their move? The government has been in denial mode and they have refused to do that," he said.

"This is an abnormal situation where people cannot use their own money. How can you deny me using my own property. This is an attack on the people's right to property," said the Marxist leader.

He also said a myth was being created that the people are actually hailing the demonetisation move.

"It is like promising all the sheep of giving a blanket and then skinning them for the wool needed for the blanket. That is what the prime minister has done.

"We are going to take the issue to the people through people protests," said Yechury, adding the Left parties would meet to decide on the call for the opposition parties MPs to stage a demonstration outside parliament on Wednesday.