Terming the NDA Government’s demonetisation move as the biggest scam of the century, the Congress has geared up for massive protest across the country to observe November 8 as Black Day. The party has also written to other Opposition parties to join the demonstration schedules at major headquarters and State capitals on Wednesday.
In the national Capital, the Congress will form a human chain during the day encircling the outer circle of Connaught Place. “last year, the Prime Minister, on November 8, took an ill-conceived and hasty decision of demonetisation. To highlight the Government's failure with regard to the scheme, 18 Opposition parties will hold protests in their own form in various State Assemblies and in Parliament,” AICC chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said.
The Congress last week was joined by Trinamool Congress member and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O' Brien and rebel Janata Dal (U) leader Sharad Yadav to announce the decision.
The Congress will also submit memorandum to Prime Minister's Office demanding families who lost their members during demonetisation be paid Rs 25 lakh as compensation and the next of kin be given a job. “The people of the country had put their faith in the Prime Minister, but they have been betrayed. There were no benefits of demonetisation, but only losses. There was unemployment, development came to a standstill and farmers are feeling harassed,” said senior party leader and Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar.
The decision to hold the nationwide protests was taken at a coordination committee meeting held on Monday. “18 Opposition parties will hold protests and observe Black Day across the country in their own way,” said Surjewala.
The party said the ill conceived demonetisation claimed 120 lives due to problems arising out of demonetisation in their life. The party remarked that India was brought onto the streets due to the Prime Minister's sudden announcement on November 8 last year to demonetise higher currency notes.