Modi targets Mamata, Mayawati; says note ban hit poll funds

New Delhi/Agra: Asserting that his government’s demonetisation decision had the “aashirwaad” (blessings) of the poor, the middle class, tribals, farmers, educated and honest people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took on his political opponents who have castigated the decision and blamed the government’s “ill-preparedness” for its aftermath. A united Opposition has demanded the PM’s response on the issue in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

Addressing the BJP’s “Parivartan Rally” in Agra, in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, the PM, without naming anyone, also targeted Trinamul chief Mamata Banerjee and BSP supremo Mayawati, who have been vehemently attacking the government’s move. The Opposition had claimed the decision had led to “economic anarchy” across India and adversely affected the poor and middle class, who were forced to stand in queues outside ATMs and banks. Mr Modi also took on the Congress for failing to take any stringent action against black money, corruption and fake currency just to remain in power for the maximum number of years since Independence. He expressed confidence that the objective of ending corruption, black money and the fake currency menace, that was the reason behind the decision, would be achieved. Mr Modi said he was aware of the problems being faced by the people, but promised that India would emerge from the hardship in the same way that gold takes shape after a tough process.

Lauding UP and its people for not sending a “bikaao” person to rule from Delhi, Mr Modi declared “ye ladaai lambi hai (the fight against corruption and black money will be long)”. Mr Modi, the longest-serving CM of Gujarat, is an MP from UP’s Varanasi constituency.

Taking a dig at his critics, the PM said his decision had affected them the most as they have been criticising him as well as the decision. He also said the decision to scrap the `500 and `1,000 denomination notes was not intended to cause harassment to ordinary citizens but they would have to undergo “trouble” for 50 days to ensure there can be a bright future for coming generations.

In an apparent attack at TMC chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Mr Modi said those who had protected the people involved in the chit fund scam, which forced many of its victims to commit suicide, were now questioning him over the demonetisation decision. Many top TMC leaders were questioned and some arrested by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam. He also attacked BSP supremo Mayawati, though without naming her, as he said that those who used to sell party tickets have “lost everything” after the decision, and asked: “What will  happen to those (stashed) notes (after demonetisation)?” Many former BSP leaders had accused Ms Mayawati of selling party tickets.

Ms Banerjee and Ms Mayawati had vehemently attacked the government’s move and their parties, along with other Opposition parties, have been demanding that the PM be present in the House when the issue is raised. While Ms Banerjee had claimed India had not witnessed such a crisis even during the Emergency which it has been seeing since the demonetisation, Ms Mayawati asked the PM to “shed his stubbornness and dictatorial attitude” and think about the sufferings of the common man due to the demonetisation drive.

“This is our effort to ensure that the middle class gets its due, the aspirations of the poor are fulfilled and the exploitation of the middle class comes to end. This black economy is making the country hollow from within,” Mr Modi said at the rally, where he also referred to the many initiatives taken by his government to help the poor, the middle class, tribals and farmers. He also cautioned those having Jan Dhan accounts in banks not to fall into the trap of those asking them to deposit some black money in their accounts. Mr Modi also said his government’s action had troubled the corrupt and those having black money, who have been badmouthing him since the decision.