New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday launched a sharp attack on communists during a debate in the Rajya Sabha, calling them “cowards” and accusing them of avoiding answers in Parliament.
The remarks came as the Upper House passed amendments moved by the Centre to the Payment and Settlement Systems law. The Bill had already been cleared by the Lok Sabha.
Speaking on the Bill, CPM member John Brittas alleged that charges were being imposed on UPI transactions due to pressure from the United States, drawing a comparison with developments in Brazil. He also said the current approach went against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that India’s digital payments system was built as a free public asset.
Brittas’ speech was stopped by the Chair after he exceeded the allotted time, following which he staged a walkout in protest.
Responding later, Sitharaman said Brittas could have stayed to hear her reply. She accused communists of dismissing others’ statements as untrue, “changing facts,” and insisting on their right to speak while lacking the courage to face a point-by-point response. She further alleged that Brittas was creating confusion not just in the House but across the country, calling it a communist tactic.
