Narendra Modi on Saturday said he spoke to the “jan sabha” about demonetisation because he was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha, even though the Centre was willing to hold a debate on the currency ban. “Parliament proceedings have anguished our president, who has tremendous political experience,” the prime minister said while speaking at a rally in Deesa, Gujarat. “The government has always said it is ready to debate.”
Emphasising once again on how the demonetisation would help curb the circulation of black money, Modi said he was empowering the poor with this decision and weakening terrorists, who thrived on fake currency. “Since I am working for the honourable, they are being provoked,” he said. “Despite this, they have welcomed the demonetisation decision.”
The prime minister also highlighted the arrests made by authorities and the seizure of huge bundles of cash. “They thought they can escape through back channels, but they did not know that Modi has installed cameras in the back channels, as well,” he said. “I want to assure the people of the country that no one will be spared.”
Modi, once again, urged citizens to opt for digital transactions. “There is no need to waste your time standing outside banks or ATMs. E-wallets have brought banks to your mobiles,” Modi said, criticising the Opposition for protesting against demonetisation and stalling Parliament discussions.
Soon after Modi made the remarks, Opposition leaders criticised the prime minister again for not hosting a debate on the controversial plan. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been vocal about her disdain for demonetisation, said on Twitter, “Modi babu knows that demonetisation has now derailed. Except for giving bhashan [lectures], he has no solution.”
Congress leader Anand Sharma refuted Modi’s claim and said that the Opposition had been “insisting on having a debate” in Parliament. On Friday, the Lower House was adjourned till December 14, after the ruckus that followed the government demanding an apology from the Opposition party for stalling Parliament proceedings.
On November 8, Modi had announced that the high-denomination currency notes were no longer legal tender. Since then, a slew of initiatives have been announced to promote digital transactions to bring in a “cashless economy” in India. The country has been grappling with a cash crunch, with banks and ATMs running out of money despite assurances from the government and Reserve Bank of India that there was enough money in circulation.
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