Black money crackdown will
MOP UP Poll panel believes move will squeeze availability of cash as new notes will be issued under strict checks
new notes will be issued under strict RBI checks.
“It will make our job easier as new notes will not be available in such large numbers,” Punjab chief electoral officer VK Singh said. In the 2012 Punjab elections, the commission seized `12 crore along with narcotics meant for voters.
In politically-sensitive Uttar Pradesh with 403 assembly constituencies, `37.46 crore was seized in 2012. That accounted for 72% of the cash confiscation in five states where elections were held. “Money power plays a big role in elections here. Studies show distribution of cash among the people to influence the voting pattern is common in rural areas. Political parties use black money … `500 and `1,000 notes for the purpose,” said SK Dwivedi, a former professor of political science at Lucknow University. Parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party are not worried.
“The Union government’s move will not affect us because the majority of our workers are poor. We run our campaign with small donations from our workers,” said BSP state unit president, Ramachal Rajbhar. Congress leader Veerendra Madan held a similar view, saying the party does not rely on black money for its campaign and candidates spend within the poll panel’s prescribed limit.
But traders are not happy. Sellers of campaign material, already facing stiff competition from social media, feel their business will suffer.
In the beginning, people might face some inconvenience but taking into account everything, it would yield positive results.
NITISH KUMAR, Bihar CM
Abolishing big currency notes is necessary to check those who are buying votes. Politics has become a shelter for corrupt people.
CHANDRABABU NAIDU, Andhra Pradesh CM
Government’s measure has led to complete chaos. It should be immediately rolled back. People should be saved from this disaster.
MAMATA BANERJEE, West Bengal chief minister