PM Modi attacks Opposition over note ban protest today

Lucknow/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Opposition for protesting his demonetisation drive, warned those trying to save their black money through various means, while asking people to embrace digital payment channels to tide over a persisting cash crunch.

Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar on Sunday, the PM said, “We want to shut out corruption and they (Opposition) want to shut down the nation. You tell me whether it should be bhrasthachar bandh or Bharat bandh.”

The Opposition has called for a nationwide protest on Monday against the PM’s shock move to replace all high-value currencies that sucked out about 86% of the currency in circulation. But Mr Modi called demonetisation a cure to the 70-year-old disease of corruption.

The PM also used Mann Ki Baat — his monthly address on national radio — to warn those using poor people’s Jan Dhan bank accounts to park their illegal money. He said a very strict ‘benami’ law would be put in place against such transactions.

The PM urged technology-savvy young people to spare some time teaching others how to use digital payment platforms.

“I want to tell my small merchant brothers and sisters, this is the chance for you to enter the digital world,” Mr Modi said, urging them to use mobile banking applications and credit card swipe machines.

Mr Modi said demonetisation was an essential step in national interest for the benefit of the poor, farmers and labourers.

At the rally, the PM responded to criticism that his move has caused hardship, and said when the ailment is chronic, the treatment does entail some pain.

“I had already told the people that they would face some inconvenience for 50 days. The government is trying to reduce the inconvenience. Bade logon ko badi taqleef ho rahi hai aur chhote login ko chhoti  taqleef ho rahi hai magar isse desh ko nai disha milegi”, he said.

The PM’s move has people scrambling for notes in a country where cash drives most transactions. The chaos has allowed the Opposition to attack the BJP-led government at the Centre ahead of key state elections.  

Opposition parties across states have escalated their campaign against the currency swap announced on November 8, saying it has hit consumption, hurt agriculture and real estate, and scores of people have died in queues.

The government has said the move would hit at corruption and counterfeit currency, besides brining billions of dollars worth of unaccounted wealth into the mainstream economy.

Commenting on PM Modi’s promotion of digital banking, the Congress said ground reality is completely different from the statements he was making.

“In a country of 1,350 million people if only 315 million have access to a bank account. The bulk of the transactions, especially in rural India, is taking place in cash,” said Congress leader Manish Tewari.