A Akhter /
The Congress leader Anand Sharma today accused the government of bringing in “financial anarchy” in the country with the sudden ban on Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes from November 9, which has left millions queuing up at banks and ATMs for cash.
“I condemn the prime minister. He should apologise for saying that the poor people standing in queues for five-six days are scamsters,” Mr Sharma said in Rajya Sabha, adding: “Is this law? Is this fighting black money? You have brought financial anarchy to the country.”
“You did not listen to anybody and just went ahead and announced it. And asked the common man to comply,” Mr Sharma said.
“You have created an environment where you cannot ask questions. If you ask questions then questions are raised on your patriotism.”
Mr Sharma also charged that the move – which meant millions were unprepared for the impact – was leaked to select persons close to the government.
“You said there has to be secrecy, or else, criminals and terrorists would come to know. You did not keep it secret,” he thundered. “You leaked it selectively. BJP units deposited crores into banks before the ban,” alleged the former minister.
The Congress leader also derided members of the ruling BJP, saying: “Everyone has become a surgeon, everything is becoming a surgical strike.”
Anand Sharma also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments alleging a threat to his life.
“Today, you have to tell us who is threatening you, who wants to kill you, answer parliament, we cannot tolerate it. The entire house condemns it if there is a risk to the PM’s life,” Mr Sharma said, starting the discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the notes ban and its impact.
Without taking names, PM Modi had said at a public meeting in Goa on Sunday: “I know the forces are against me, they may not let me live… they may ruin me because their loot of 70 years is in trouble, but am prepared.”
Referring to that comment, Mr Sharma remarked: “We hope for the long life of the PM, please tell us what information you have.”
The opposition has planned a united offensive against the government’s sudden move to pull out the two biggest currency notes from circulation. In a late night announcement last Tuesday, PM Modi said this was necessary to clean up the system and bring black or untaxed money into the economic mainstream.