Bengaluru: A discussion on demonetisation resulted in heated exchange between Congress and BJP members in the Assembly. Congress member K.N. Rajanna, who initiated a debate, referred to the impact of demonetisation on co-operative sector and farmers during his speech. When the member said that demonetisation had affected poor people instead of helping curb black money, the BJP members took exception.

At one point, Mr. Rajanna ridiculed BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa without taking his name for being jailed for some days. In turn, the BJP referred to the episode of ₹150 crore- worth of unaccounted cash being recovered from the residence of Small Industries Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi during income tax raids, and argued that he did not have the moral right to continue. Pointing out that the debate was on motion of thanks to the governor’s address, the BJP members contended that the Governor had not referred to demonetisation at all. However, Speaker K.B. Koliwad overruled their objections and allowed the discussion in “public interest”. Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande said demonetisation had affected the State’s resources, particularly registration of properties.