PM likens Congress's 'Black Paper' to 'kaala teeka', lauds Manmohan Singh's contribution to democracy in RS

New Delhi: In a sarcastic jibe at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for coming out with a 'black paper' against his government and referred to it as 'kaala teeka' (to ward off the evil eye) in the midst of good work being done by his government.

Kharge released a 54-page "charge sheet" indicting the Centre ahead of the government's tabling in Parliament of a 'white paper' on the "mismanagement" of the economy prior to 2014 with an aim to draw lessons.

The prime minister also referred to black robes worn by opposition MPs in the House as a mark of protest and said, "We also saw a fashion parade in the Rajya Sabha when some members came in black clothes."

In his farewell note to retiring Rajya Sabha members, Modi on Thursday lauded the contribution of his predecessor Manmohan Singh to the House.

"Manmohan Singh came to vote in the Rajya Sabha on a wheelchair to help strengthen democracy", Modi said.

He gave his best wishes to all retiring members expressed the hope that that new generations will benefit from their experience.

Sixty-eight members of Rajya Sabha are retiring between February and May after completing their term.