Worshippers of black money opposing govt’s move: Modi
PM thanks Indians living abroad for supporting demonetisation
BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at the opponents of demonetisation, dubbing them “worshippers of black money”, launching the offensive a day after he asked the BJP brass to ignore allegations and embrace criticism.
With five states going to polls from February, the BJP plans to showcase the government’s decision to recall `500 and `1,000 banknotes as a propoor measure aimed at cleaning Indian economy.
“Black money and corruption kept eroding our politics, society and country from inside. It is unfortunate that a few political worshippers (rajnaitik poojari) of black money are opposing the government’s efforts and painting them as anti-people,” Modi told a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Bengaluru.
Delivering the keynote address at the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Bengaluru, Modi said his government was committed in its fight against corruption and thanked overseas Indian community for its support.
The Opposition has accused Modi of unleashing economic chaos by scrapping the two bills that accounted for 86% of the currency in circulation. Millions of people were forced to queue up for cash for hours following the November 8 announcement, though the lines have shortened, cash restrictions are still in place.
The BJP’s rivals in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will make a poll issue of the inconvenience caused to the people.
The currency cull has slowed down the economy that has hit farmers and those living in rural areas particularly hard, the Opposition says. The move has helped the dishonest in turning black money to white.
Rivals were quick to hit back on Sunday, saying Modi’s speech was not supported by facts.
The audience must have questions about the amount of black money and fake currency unearthed during the two-month demonetisation drive, Congress leader PC Chacko said.
If Prime Minister thought that people would believe him, he was underestimating their intelligence, he said.
The government’s move was not rational and the decision was taken without thinking about nation’s wellbeing, Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal said. The BJP is looking to dislodge the ruling SP to script a return in Uttar Pradesh.
In Bengaluru, Modi announced a skill development programme — Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana — for youth seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Hailing the overseas Indian community, the Prime Minister said their annual remittance of around $69 billion contributed immensely to the Indian economy.
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who has roots in Goa, was the chief guest at the convention also attended by Union ministers Ananth Kumar and Gen VK Singh and Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.
The Portuguese Prime Minister said his government’s focus was on achieving a strategic partnership that would work to the development of both the countries.
“We want to take advantage of our geographical position to attract foreign direct investment. As far as our relationship with India is concerned, I want to rely on its dynamic diaspora for the development of both the nations,” Costa said.
The three-day event held to mark the contribution of overseas Indians to the development of the nation concludes Monday. President Pranab Mukherjee will deliver the valedictory address.