In no position to criticise the Government’s decision to demonetise Rs500 and Rs1000 currency notes, a section of shell-shocked Opposition parties on Wednesday wanted the Modi Government to ensure that no hardship was caused to the common man even as another section whole-heartedly welcomed the move, intended at making the country corruption free.
A range of Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, P Chidamabaram (Congress), Mamata Banerjee (Trinamool Congress) and Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party) criticised the step to withdraw notes saying it has caused “chaos” in the lives of common man while the rich have been “sitting tight”. The refrain of “hardship to common man” underlined their attack against the Modi Government.
Opposition leaders like Sharad Pawar (Nationalist Congress Party), Naveen Patnaik (BIju-Janta Dal) and K Karunanidhi (DMK), however, welcomed the move describing it as "bold", "positive", an "effective counter to black money" and also "anti-terror financing".
But Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi targeted the Prime Minister wondering as to how bringing in the new Rs2,000 note will make black money hoarding a lot harder. In remarks laced with sarcasm, he said "well done Mr Modi". "Real culprits" who have stashed black money are "sitting tight" while lives of farmers, small shopkeepers and housewives "have been thrown in utter chaos," he said in a series of tweets.
"Once again Mr Modi shows how little he cares about ordinary people of this country-farmers, small shopkeepers, housewives-all thrown into utter chaos. While the real culprits sit tight on their black money stashed away abroad or in bullion/ real estate." he said.
The main Opposition party said if the common man faced problems in exchanging the demonetised notes, it would amount to "pure and simple harassment". Former Finance Minister P chidambaram told reporters that a similar move was also contemplated by the previous UPA Government but the idea was dropped as "the economic gains were not too great".
"Introduction of Rs2,000 note is a puzzle. How will this help in preventing generation of black moneyIJ If new income or wealth is unaccounted, will it not be hidden in Rs2,000 notesIJ How the purpose of demonestisation of high denomination notes is served if a new and higher denomination note is introducedIJ Government must explain this apparent puzzle," he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav asked the Centre to allow high denomination currency for expenditure in the upcoming marriage season. The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to ensure that the decision did not have any adverse impact on the poor, farmers and villagers.
For her part, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said it has resulted in "complete disaster and chaos", and urged the Centre to rescind the 'hasty decision'. "Please save people from this disaster. Roads are closed, markets shut, patients not being admitted to private hospitals, millions affected. Chaos everywhere," Banerjee said in a statement.
In contrast, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik described the move as "bold" saying Odisha Government welcomes such a move to check terror funding. "Demonetisation of higher denomination currency notes in circulation to check black money has been a public suggestion to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) panel since long. I am happy that the Union Govenrment has shown the political will to implement it," Patnaik said.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also "welcomed and supported" the Centre's decision to withdraw Rs1000 and Rs500 currency notes saying it would help country's economy in the long run.
NCP president Sharad Pawar said he welcomed the decision to unearth unaccounted money as well as counterfeit currency."We welcome the decision to demonetise currency notes — Rs500 and Rs1000. This will curb Blackmoney and terror financing," Pawar said .
Welcoming the demonetisation move, DMK chief K Karunanidhi asked the Centre to take steps to ensure that ordinary people and small traders who try to exchange the invalidated notes are not affected.