Demonetization 'old man' photo fake? BJP-Congress spar over image
An old man crying as he stands near a long queue was captured on camera by Hindustan Times, a photo that became the face of demonetization troubles. The man, a former armyman, now says he supports demonetization. He was reportedly crying as a woman had stepped on his leg. BJP took the chance to slam Rahul Gandhi, who shared the photo on demonetization anniversary.
The photo that tugged at hearts across the nation
The sudden demonetization of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes on November 8, 2016, caused major troubles for citizens. People had to spend hours in bank queues to exchange old notes; 100 people died before 2016 ended, apparently due to demonetization-related stress. An HT photo of a man identified as Nand Lal then went viral and was hailed as the face of the event.
Man now claims he wasn't crying because of note ban
On the anniversary of demonetization, Rahul shared the picture with the caption: "A drop of tear is a warning for the ruling government, you couldn't see a sea of tears." Other opposition members too followed suit. But recently, Nand Lal said he respects the government's decision. "There were problems initially after currency was banned. But I have no problems now."
INC now stands for Incorrect News Congress: Amit Shah
BJP slammed Rahul for spreading 'fake news'. "Congress talks about poor but works for one single family. INC now stands for Incorrect News Congress," said Amit Shah. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Rahul will convert the Indian National Congress to "the Indian Fake News Congress". "At least he must stop insulting soldiers for his nefarious designs," Prasad said.
I can't give lectures like Modiji: Rahul retorts
On the same day, while addressing a rally in Surat, Rahul said he can't "give lectures like Modiji". The "basic difference" between Congress and BJP was that Congress listened to people while BJP was "designed like a loudspeaker," he said. "You give your problems in writing. I cannot promise, but I'll look into it, and if (we win), we'll try to solve them."
