Demonetisation is like ‘all-India unannounced strike’: Mamata

Criticising the Modi government for its hasty and arbitrary decision in demonetisation of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the state wore look of an “unannounced strike” on Wednesday with roads remaining deserted and many shops closed.

After visiting a Jagadhatri Puja mandap at Chandannagar in Hooghly, Banerjee said that she had to lend money from someone to buy bhog that she offered to the goddess on Wednesday as she had no change.

“The entire country has come to a standstill just because of the step taken up by the Prime Minister. It should be cancelled immediately as this has led to a financial disaster,” Banerjee said adding that around 99 per cent of the people have suffered due to the sudden decision taken by the Centre to demonetise the notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500.

“I understand the feelings of the people. What will a person do if there is any marriage party in his or her house today (Wednesday)?” she raised the question saying that the situation is not such only in Bengal. Each and every state has suffered a lot on Wednesday.

Many roads remained deserted on Wednesday. A section of shopkeepers had shown reluctance in keeping their shops open. “It was like an unannounced bandh,” she said.

Launching a scathing attack at the Modi government, the Chief Minister said that the step to demonetise the notes have been taken to cover up another corruption. Terming it as a financial emergency she said that the situation has been created to divert the attention of the people from the Centre’s failure to bring back the black money to the country.

On Wednesday afternoon Banerjee had also tweeted: “Please save people from this disaster. Roads are closed, markets shut, patients not being admitted to private hospitals, millions affected. Chaos everywhere. This is like an all-India unannounced strike. Those who hoard large amounts of black money will be protected. The poorest of the poor and middle class are crying. I once more appeal to the Government to withdraw this hasty decision. First do a plan of action and only then do proper implementation. This is a complete disaster.”