Demonetisation a huge success, claims BJP

A day before the 50-day demonetisation deadline comes to an end, the BJP fielded two Union Ministers to term the note-ban exercise a “huge success”. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Power Minister Piyush Goyal claimed that not only had the situation become “normal” and new notes entered circulation, but the decision, being so popular, would help the BJP secure electoral successes in the upcoming polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Goa.

Fielding the Ministers is believed to be part of the BJP’s massive media campaign planned in the New Year to canvass support for demonetisation.

The deadline for depositing old notes ends on Friday, and the Centre and the BJP have planned a blue print to be used as a template for its campaign across the country. Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s big bang address to the nation on the New Year’s Eve, the Ministers have reportedly been asked to fan out and promote demonetisation and its effect in combating blackmoney, corruption and terrorism.

When asked about the possible announcements and “more surgical strikes” in the PM’s proposed address on December 31, Prasad said, “The only people who need to fear the PM’s surgical strikes are those across the border and those who are corrupt”.

The ruling party also warned the Congress of legal action if it persists with its Vice-President’s allegations of corruption against the PM and the BJP President Amit Shah. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala has alleged that the PM and Amit Shah have “links” with Gujarat businessman Mahesh Shah, who recently declared over ₹1,300 crore under the Income Declaration Scheme (IDS). The BJP has dismissed the allegation.

“We would like to make it clear that neither the Prime Minister nor Amit Shah ji has any connection whatsoever with businessman Mahesh Shah. We will explore legal options if the Congress continues with these hit and run tactics,” Prasad said. The Union Minister added that the Congress, being a “patron of the corrupt and corruption”, had been campaigning against demonetisation because its “friends and supporters are being threatened”.

Attacking the principal Opposition party for its “false, baseless and mala fide propaganda against demonetisation”, Prasad and Goyal said the “immense popular support” for what is essentially an anti-corruption and anti-black money drive had rattled the Congress, which got voted out of power because of its scams and scandals. Goyal said the ruling party and the Centre are “happy” by the “historic” success of the PM’s decision.

“We are getting very positive reports from Uttar Pradesh — especially from the rural areas — from where clear signals are emerging of a historic victory for the BJP. Our Parivartan Yatras are getting huge response. We have won all the local body elections and by-polls after demonetisation. In Maharashtra’s rural areas [too], we are getting support,” said Goyal.

“We are getting reports that situation is normal. New currency is available. New notes are in circulation. Situation is improving and becoming normal. We are confident of the people’s support in upcoming elections… We are getting reports from UP, Punjab and Goa of a BJP victory. We are grateful to the people of India for making this a success,” said Goyal.

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