Jaitley defends demonetization, dubs it an 'ethical move not political'
What's the story
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today defended demonetization, saying it was a "highly ethical" move and not a political one.
His statement comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi engaged in a war of words during the respective election rallies over the decision that was suddenly announced in November 2016 to junk a bulk of the currency in circulation.
Information
Demonetization increased tax return filings, revenue immensely: Jaitley
Jaitley was speaking after releasing the BJP's manifesto in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the November 28 Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The minister said demonetization has increased the tax return filings and also increased the revenue of the states and the Center immensely.
Statements
Only a family has issues with demonetization, not people: Modi
Congress President Rahul Gandhi yesterday criticized the government over demonetization, saying it was the "biggest scam" of India.
Meanwhile, addressing a rally in Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh, Modi had claimed people didn't have issues with demonetization, but "only a family".
He claimed the Congress was "worried" that he took away all the money its "minions and friends" had stashed under their beds, in one stroke.