AMN /New Delhi
In a bid to counter opposition nationwide protest as ‘Black Day’ on November 8, the first anniversary when Narendra Modi government announced demonetisation, the BJP today it will instead observe ‘Anti-Black Money Day’ on that day.
Making the announcement, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told media at the party headquarters that starting immediately, top party leaders including Union Ministers and office bearers will travel across the country and highlight the “effective and purposeful steps” taken by the government to “curb, minimise and eradicate black money”.
Asked whether Prime Minister Modi will also participate in the countrywide programme, he said No final decision has been taken on who all will address and where will they address”.
Mr Jaitley asserted that purposeful steps against black money can be taken only with determined approach as displayed by Prime Minister and the BJP-led NDA dispensation.
“The results against black money cannot be achieved by baby steps,” he said adding this is why the economy is undergoing a transition process for the time being.
Earlier on Tuesday, Opposition announced that 18 like-minded parties will observe “black day” on the November 8, the anniversary of demonetisation. However, given that many regional rivals among these 18 parties, such as Trinamool Congress and Left in Bengal, Congress and Left in Kerala and SP and BSP in UP, who have difficulties in lining up their respective supporters under one banner, each of these parties will stage their own protests against the Centre’s decision.
After Monday’s coordination committee meeting of the Opposition parties, Ghulam Nabi Azad announced the protest plan at a press conference that was also addressed by Sharad Yadav and Trinamool MP Derek O’Brien.
The representatives of the Left Parties expectedly stayed away from the conference. While these parties have been coordinating on the floor of Parliament, many of them are reluctant to be seen together given their turf-rivalry in certain states.