‘If demonetisation was effective, I would have chanted Modi’s name’

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that if demonetisation was effective in fighting corruption and black money, he would have been first to chant “Modi Modi”.

Kejriwal, who is also the national convener of Aam Aadmi Party, emphasised that he had supported all the noble initiatives of the Prime Minister but is bound to criticise the wrong decisions.

“If it was eradicating corruption, I would have been first to chant Modi Modi,” said Kejriwal addressing industrialists of members of Chamber of Bawana Industries in Bawana Industrial Area.

He expressed his concern on the fact that over 80 people have either died in queues before banks and ATMs or committed suicide to lack of cash.

“Every decision has a cost to pay. We have paid enough for fighting against corruption and black money but I know demonetisation is a wrong decision. I applied my mind on this I found 

it to be a blunder. I have praised and supported Modi in all his previous decisions but I am bound to slam demonetisation,” added Kejriwal, amid cheers from the crowd.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by state Minister for Industries, Transport and Urban Development Satyender Jain, along with other senior AAP leaders.

“I myself picked up the broom to support Swachh Bharat Mission of Modiji. I took up my mat and 

went to India Gate for Yoga Diwas. I saluted Modiji for surgical strikes in Pakistan but I can’t support demonetisaton. It’s a wrong decision,” said Kejriwal.

He also highlighted the sufferings of industrialists in Bawana who have been facing a shutdown like situation since November 8.

“The industries are shut. Businessmen are not able to conduct their business. Farmers are not able to show crops. The country is going to face really tough conditions in the coming days as 

slow economy will lead to job cuts,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal had tweeted that he was right in saying Modi’s economics degree was fake. “I had already said Modiji’s degree was fake. He has little understanding of economy.”

The Chief Minister had already launched a campaign demanding roll back of demonetisation, which the Prime Minister had announced on November 8.

He, along with Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bernerjee, had organised rallies in the city to protest against the decision.

Kejriwal had recently addressed a rally on demonetisation in Meerut and plans more rallies in the poll-bound state of Uttar Pradesh.