PM will attend LS, but speak on note ban only if needed: Rajnath

New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said in the Lok Sabha that if the Opposition is adamant that Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak in Parliament, he will do so.

“The PM will come to the Lok Sabha for this debate, but he will intervene only if required,” the Home Minister said.

“If you have a complaint on implementation then we are ready to debate. Don't doubt our integrity,” Rajnath retorted.

The Opposition, in the resolution of a joint meeting earlier, had demanded that Modi attend Parliament and apologise to the people of the country for the demonetisation move.

A vociferous Opposition in the Lok Sabha continued their protests against the government over the demonetisation issue, forcing adjournment of the proceedings till noon.

Soon after the House expressed its condolences over the death of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, Oppositon members, including those from the TMC and Congress, demanded that they wanted to speak on the demonetisation issue.

With Speaker Sumitra Mahajan declining their request and saying that the matter could be taken up after Question Hour, Opposition members trooped into the Well holding placards and shouting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as the government.

"No placards please... No papers," Mahajan told the protesting members and also reminded them that it was against the rules.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that the week-long deadlock can only end when the PM comes for discussion in the House.

Over 30 members, including from Congress, TMC and the Left parties, were in the Well while members of AIADMK were seen standing near their seats.

Amid the din, the Question Hour went on for around 20 minutes and saw four questions as well as supplementaries being taken up. With the protests continuing unabated, Mahajan adjourned the House till noon.

Opposition parties have been stepping up their protests against the government's decision to withdraw old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and are also observing 'Jan Aakrosh Diwas' across the country on Monday.

Lok Sabha has witnessed a virtual washout of proceedings since the Winter Session started on November 16 due to the protests over the demonetisation issue.