AMN /
Several opposition parties have reacted sharply over Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcement that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes are being withdrawn from midnight. He said that such notes will become “mere paper”. The decisions come after a cabinet meeting.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee demanded immediate withdrawal of, what she described, a “heartless and ill-conceived decision” that could lead to “financial chaos”. She accused Modi of diverting attention away from the government’s failure to bring back black money from abroad.
Calling Modi’s announcement as “complete jumlanomics”, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that the move would mean harassment for millions not connected to the banking system.
In a series of tweets, Yechury said the governmen’s “step is poorly planed and not thought through”.
Here are major reactions
Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal Chief Minister): Heartless and ill- conceived blow on the common people and the middle class in the fake name of anti-corruption. Withdraw this draconian decision.
Randeep Singh Surjewala (Congress): What happens to those who are going to buy necessary articles for marriages including jewellery, clothes etc? Are you not putting cumbersome burden on them by putting a limit on how much money can be withdrawn? While Modi ji withdraws Rs 1000 note on one side, he introduces Rs2000 note on the other side?Does it not defeat his own argument?
Mohammed Salim (CPI(M) politburo member): “We are always in support of unearthing black money. But after 2.5 years of silence on the issue, the Centre all of a sudden decided to scarp the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. This is nothing but absurd. This decision will have a drastic impact on small traders and the middle class.”
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav urged the Centre to ensure that the decision to ban RS 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes does not have an adverse impact on the poor, farmers and villagers.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) leader also urged the government to arrange for special camps in villages for exchanging currency notes as banks were not easily accessible in the rural areas, an official release issued in Lucknow stated.
Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister): This a major step forward towards wiping out black money. This will also pave the way for eliminating corruption.
Amit Shah (BJP President): We feel proud of PM Narendra Modi ji’s surgical strike against black money and corruption. His decision to discontinue Rs 500 and Rs 1000 rupee note will immensely help in eliminating corruption. On behalf of all BJP karyakartas, I compliment the Central government and the PM for taking tough but timely and path-breaking measures.
Baba Ramdev: Would like to congratulate PM Modi on making such a good decision, on black money