5 Questions: ‘Why create a fissure when none exists?’, asks Meenakshi Lekhi

Why is the government reluctant to go for voting after discussion?

Why create a fissure when none exists? Because of some members of the Opposition, the message going to the public is that the country is divided on the issue, when it is not. Everyone on the ground favours demonetisation.

The Opposition is criticising the Prime Minister for not coming to Parliament for a debate.

He has been attending Parliament daily — you can check the records. The PM takes an active interest in Parliament issues.

Some Opposition parties are taking a line slightly different from that of the Congress and the TMC. Do you think they will support a discussion rather than disruption?

I am sure political sense will prevail. A discussion should take place. Discussion is the right way of sending the message to people of the country. If you do not speak and only shout slogans, you are only talking rhetoric, not substance.

What message would you give the Opposition?

Only when there is a debate does substance come out. Even if you want to point out the government’s failings, you will fail in your communication by not entering into a discussion. If you want to put the government in the dock, do it by all means, but through a debate. But if you only want to create rhetoric, the right message is not going to the people…you are exposing yourself as if you stand by the corrupt.