Oppn set to bring statutory resolution in Upper House to stall note ban bill

The opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha will bring a statutory resolution on the last day of the first phase of Budget session on Thursday, disapproving the Specified Bank notes (Cessation and Liabilities) Ordinance 2016 promulgated by the President on December 30 last year.

In the Business Advisory Committee meeting of the Upper House on Tuesday, the Bill on the above mentioned ordinance is listed for discussion and passing for February 9.

United opposition parties like Congress, TMC and RSP had moved statutory motion against the ordinance on Tuesday in the Lok Sabha. But because of lack of numbers, it had no impact in preventing the Demonetisation Bill of the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley from passing.

On the other hand, Opposition enjoys majority in the Rajya Sabha.

Sensing the mood of the opposition, treasury bench is now issuing the whip for their members to be present in the house. Opposition would not be able to ensure full presence of the members of parliament on the last day due to the engagement in the ongoing Assembly elections.

If the Opposition becomes successful in defeating the treasury bench, the Finance Minister will not be able to table the Bill for demonetisation which is also listed for the last day. Government sources told that even if the Opposition is able to stall the Bill from passing, ultimately the Bill would be deemed to be passed after 14 days.

Now, it becomes a challenge for the opposition parties to ensure the presence of all the opposition MPs, especially of Samajwadi Party and the BSP, who are fighting a tough battle this time in Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.

Meanwhile, BJP also issued a whip to its Rajya Sabha members asking them to remain present in the House as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to reply on Wednesday on Presidential Address.