Agra :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a scathing attack against political parties opposing the government’s demonetisation decision. His ire was particularly directed against parties who, he said, were behind chit fund companies.
“I know what sort of people are raising their voice against me. Does the country not know whose money was invested in chit fund business? Lakhs and crores of poor people invested money in chit funds. But with the blessings of politicians, crores and crores of rupees have vanished. Due to chit fund loss, hundreds of heads of families were forced to commit suicide.” said Prime Minister Modi at a rally in Agra on Sunday.
Though the Prime Minister did not take names but his broadside is seen directed against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who led a march of a section of opposition MPs to the President’s House against Modi’s demonetisation last week. Modi’s comments were an oblique reference West Bengal's multi-crore Saradha scam and Ponzi schemes that led to the arrest of many prominent personalities including leaders and MPs belonging to Mamata’s Trinamool Congress.
Prime Minister Modi said such political leaders are criticising him since they have been hit hard by demonetisation. "Look at their history and they are questioning me," he said.
Prime Minister said he wanted to curb black money by demonetisation. He said the inconvenience and hardship faced by common people shall not go in vain.
“I had said that people would face inconvenience, but I want to commend the people who are still supporting our decision. I can assure all of you that your sacrifice won’t go in vain.
He said demonetisation has delivered a big jolt to the fake currency that floated around to push drugs and other narcotics being pushed into the country. ”Since the drug cartel thrived on fake currency the demonetisation shall choke the business like never before," he said.
Referring to government's decision of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Modi said the decision has not been taken to harass people but to help poor, marginalised and honest people.
He cautioned people not to let their Jan Dhan accounts to be misused by corrupt people."I have come to request you. These corrupt people are very cunning. They may approach you to deposit Rs 2.5 lakh in your account. They can ask you to return Rs two lakh after six months and offer you Rs 50,000. But please do not let these people take advantage of you.”
“There are reports of misuse of zero-balance Jan Dhan accounts by black money hoarders and the Centre is looking into it. It has warned that violators will be prosecuted under the Benami Transactions Act that carries a penalty, prosecution and rigorous jail term of a maximum seven years,” PM Modi added.
