Demonetisation: Amit Shah hits out at opposition

Taking a dig at the opposition unity against demonetisation, BJP chief Amit Shah today said leaders such as Manmohan Singh, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Mulayam Singh and Mayawati were together now as their parties were hit hard by the Centre's move.

"Modiji's move on black money has made leaders like Manmohan Singh, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Mulayam Singh, Mayawati and others uncomfortable. The glow on their faces has disappeared," he told the gathering at the BJP's 'Jan Jagaran Mahasamabesh'.

Referring to former prime minister Manmohan Singh's criticism of the demonetisation decision in Rajya Sabha, Shah said, "Demonetisation has pained Manmohan Singhji. Why will a person be pained if he or she is not affected?" 

He also wondered why would the opposition leaders be unhappy over the "measure against black money".

"Till November 7, they (opposition) were asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi what steps had been taken to curb black money. However, after November 8, they are saying why such a step," the BJP chief said and wondered how the opposition's "what" had suddenly become "why".

"I ask them (opposition), why are you so worried over Modiji's move against black money," he said, adding that parties with different ideologies had joined hands on the issue.

"When there is a flood, snakes and mongooses, rats and cats stay together on a tree. Now, Modi's demonetisation flood has forced the leaders of the SP, Congress, Mamata, Mulayam, Mayawati and Kejriwal to take shelter under one umbrella. They are waiting for Modi's flood water (step against black money) to recede," Shah said.

Hailing demonetisation as Modi's "master move" to put an end to black money in the country, the BJP chief said there should be no reason for the opposition to be afraid.

Shah also slammed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's concern over cross-border terrorism. "Gone are the days of Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi when terrorists sneaked into India and wreaked havoc. Now, the Modi government has been giving a befitting reply to all such misadventures," he said.

He said Modi's strong political willpower and the Indian soldiers' valour could ensure a secret operation on the terrorist camps on the other side of the border.

Lauding the prime minister's effort to boost the country's image across the globe, Shah said different countries now welcomed India on their soil.

"Modiji has taken India's name to a new height," he said.