Demonetization anniversary: Chidambaram says RBI should release demonetization-related documents
As opposition celebrates "black day," former finance minister P Chidambaram slammed the Modi government for the demonetization move. He said millions suffered and it can't be denied that lives and jobs were lost because of demonetization. He urged people to read real-life stories and pray for the "millions who suffered." What are the opposition leaders saying? How is the BJP responding? Read on!
'Eliminated black money will be found in Gujarat election's campaigning'
Chidambaram claimed that the cash held with public is Rs. 15Lcr, and it will soon reach the November 2016 level of Rs. 17Lcr. Further, for transparency's sake, he said the RBI should release "RBI Board's agenda, background note and (former Governor) Dr. Raghuram Rajan's note" regarding demonetization. He questioned that if the government is confident, why is it not releasing the documents.
Rahul Gandhi: Demonetization "a tragedy" and "thoughtless act"
Congress VP Rahul Gandhi who will lead a candlelight march in Surat, Gujarat called demonetization "a tragedy" and "thoughtless act." He said that his party had stood with all the people who had suffered due to demonetization. Resorting to poetry, he tweeted "even a single tear spelt danger for the government and one (government) has not seen an ocean coming out of the eyes."
How have other opposition parties protested?
RJD chief Lalu Prasad said that demonetization served the purpose of "converting black money into white with greater ease." WB CM Mamata Banerjee called demonetization a "DeMoDisaster" and turned her Twitter picture black. DMK working president Stalin said "We got freedom at midnight (in 1947). But, we have lost our freedom in midnight" referring to Modi's announcement on November 8 evening.
Meanwhile, BJP's Manohar Parrikar and Ravi Shankar defended demonetization
Meanwhile, BJP marked demonetization's first anniversary as "anti-blackmoney day." Goa CM Manohar Parrikar said demonetization struck a blow to "anti-India forces." He claimed it increased financial inclusion and formalized the economy. In a strange claim, law minister Ravi Shankar said demonetization reduced prostitution. He said girls from Bihar, WB, Assam were being trafficked and pimps were paid in cash, which became difficult after demonetization.
Smriti flags off "digital rath," ally Nitish praises move
Union minister Smriti Irani marked the day by flagging off a "digital rath" that will encourage merchants to adopt cashless payments. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, whose party is BJP's ally, praised the Modi government's "effective action" against black money. He congratulated the government for launching an attack on benami properties. PM Modi shared a video highlighting demonetization's benefits on his Twitter handle.
