Cong most affected by demonetisation: BJP

SHILLONG, NOV 8: The BJP in Meghalaya today claimed that demonetization of high value currency notes has not affected the people except the Congress,  but has no answer how much suspected black money in the state has been detected in the last one year.

“The most affected (through the process of demonetization) is the Congress,” BJP state president Shibun Lyngdoh told reporters at the sidelines of observing anti-black money day here on Wednesday.

Taking a jibe at the Congress which is observing “black day” in the city as a mark of protest against demonetization, Lyngdoh said in fact that through the process of demonetization, the Congress which is practicing corruption, its shop will also be closed.

The BJP, which claimed that 99 per cent of black money have recovered, however could not provide any answer as to how much amount was detected in the last one year.

“The money that was lying outside has now come back to the banks and its circulation will streamline the economy,” Lyngdoh said while reminding the demonetization was declared on the ground to fight black money and corruption.

Stating that demonetization is not a new strategy in India, he said the then UPA led centre government in 2005 had proposed to take up the exercise but because of fear they don’t have the guts to do it.

“But prime minister Narendra Modi after consultation with experts took the decision and declared it on November 8 last year,” he said.

Hailing it as historical decision, the BJP leader claimed that the centre was able to check on fake currency and stop extremist activities to a great extent.

He also pointed out that the militant activities in Garo Hills, which was at its peak prior to demonetization, have also come down by 80 per cent.

“Overall we can say that demonetization declared by the prime minister has benefited the people in which even foreign countries have appreciated steps taken and have expressed keen interest to invest in India as they have seen that India is moving in the right direction to be the leading economy in the days to come,” he added.

Lyngdoh also said that the BJP is also thanking the people for bearing and cooperating with the Centre when they were facing hardships during the start of the demonetization drive last year.

“With their (people) cooperation, we are now marching ahead towards a stable economy and corruption free governance,” he said

Asked, Lyngdoh however denied that demonetization has affected the people of the state.

On the banks’ deducting money from people who could not maintain certain amount of money in their accounts, the BJP state president said that the party would soon write to the Union finance minister to reduce the minimum balance.

By Our Reporter