From The gallery: ‘Burden on PM, not us, if House not functional’

This is most unfortunate. It is the prime minister who made the announcement and he refuses to participate in the discussion on alleged demonetisation. Forget this issue. When did the prime minister participate in any discussion?

But how long can the stalemate be allowed to affect legislative business?

How can the stalemate not continue until such time the prime minister participates in the discussion?… It’s a perfectly reasonable demand. If we are reasonable and the prime minister is unreasonable, the burden is on him, not us, if the House is not functional.

The BJP says there is confusion in the Opposition ranks and they are not speaking in one voice.

What has that to do with the functioning of the House? If the Shiv Sena is opposed to them, there is confusion in their own ranks. Even if you privately talk to the Akalis, they are not with them.

But why is the Opposition in Lok Sabha insisting on a discussion with voting?

We will know who is with the PM, who is not with the PM. We will know which way the Shiv Sena votes, which way the Akalis vote, which way the AIADMK votes. It is to reflect the mood of the nation through the mood of the House.

Could there be any compromise formula?

That is for the ruling party, BJP, to come forward and provide a solution which is reasonable and fair.