‘BJP friends’ knew about demonetisation: Oppn
NEW DELHI — Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Opposition parties on Wednesday alleged selective leak of information on demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes to ‘friends of BJP’ and demanded making public the names of those who had bought gold and foreign exchange of over Rs10 million since April.
Initiating a debate after listed business was suspended to take up a discussion on the November 8 decision to withdraw old higher denomination currency, Anand Sharma (Congress) used wit and humour to attack Modi for being insensitive to problems caused to the common man.
He asked the prime minister to state where he got Rs 230-240 billion, estimated by the International Money Watch Group, for his Lok Sabha elections. He also asked if cheque or credit card payments were made to organise his rally in Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh a few days ago.
Alleging that the information on demonetisation was selectively leaked, he said, “your BJP units have deposited crores (just before the November 8 decision).”
As the debate was in progress, BSP chief Mayawati demanded the presence of the prime minister in the House to hear out the Opposition parties and address their concerns. Supporting her, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said since Lok Sabha has adjourned for the day, Modi should hear out at least the major parties.
Quoting media reports, Sharma said State Bank of India — the country’s largest lender — knew of the decision way back in March and a Gujarati newspaper had in April published a report of move to withdraw 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.
He demanded a probe into “how many people bought more than Rs 10 million of foreign currency and bullion” since April. “This is a serious issue... you never kept secrecy (about the decision),” Sharma said.
The ‘ill-timed’ and ‘ill-conceived’ move had unleashed ‘economic anarchy’ in the country and benefited a few, he said, adding that to fight blackmoney created by higher denomination currency, a bigger Rs2,000 note has been brought which is similar to the paper on which ‘churan’ is sold and “shed colour” was brought.
“Your government is insensitive,” he said adding Modi was riding a bullet train in Japan when old, women and common man were queueing up at banks at 3 am in the morning to get currency to buy their daily needs.
Sharma said Modi had in his Goa speech had stated that those standing in line at banks were those involved in 2G spectrum and coal scam as well as holding blackmoney.
“I condemn the Prime Minister for calling the poor standing in queue for his Rs 4000-4,500, blackmoney holders and scamster,” he said.
Facing opposition onslaught, the government put up a strong defence in Rajya Sabha, saying the step was taken in national interest to end corruption and black money, which it is said is also used for terror activities in the country.
Power Minister Piyush Goyal, who spoke on behalf of the ruling side after Congress leader Anand Sharma slammed the government, rejected as baseless the opposition charge that there was “leakage” of the decision and said everyone was taken by surprise which is why there are “initial” problems.
“There is no politics in it. It is a step taken in national interest,” he said, adding the step will help the country in the long run.
“If anyone has the strength to take on black money and corruption, it is the BJP government and Narendra Modi,” the minister said.
I condemn the prime minister for calling the poor standing in queue for his Rs 4,000-4,500, blackmoney holders and scamsters
Anand Sharma
Congress leader