Note ban: Congress says government harassing people

While the opposition Congress termed the Modi government’s decision of withdrawing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as “harassment to the common people”, the NCP said it welcomed the decision but is concerned about its implementation.

The opposition has also blamed the government for the rush in changing old notes, a standstill in the economy and problems faced by small vendors.

The Congress recalled a similar decision taken by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to withdraw notes printed before 2014. “Dr Manmohan Singh had taken a decision to phase out notes of Rs 500 printed before 2014. It was perceived as a decision against hoarders. It was done without drum beating and also did not create any panic among the people,” Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.

“But this time, see how people are affected by the Modi government’s decision. The rush in banks, stranded tourists and cashless poor people are because the decision was not well thought of,” Mr Sawant added.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, “If the Modi government is taking steps to curb hoarding of black money, we welcome it. But the government needs to understand that common men, such as farmers, also have Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes worth a few thousands. The government should ensure that the people are not troubled. The government needs to ensure that the promise they made about bringing black money back should be kept. They had claimed that the black money was hoarded abroad and promised to bring it back and deposit Rs 15 lakh in every citizen’s account.”

Meanwhile, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken measures so ensure common people are not affected due to the decision. “The people can pay property tax, water tax and electricity bills with old denominations of s 500 and Rs 1,000 till tomorrow. It was a special request made to the Centre that has been approved. This will help the people give away their old cash instead of replacing it,” an official from the CMO said.