Mumbai: "Where is the Diwali of achche din", the Shiv Sena on Wednesday asked the Centre and said the festival will end on Saturday but what about the 'diwala' (bankruptcy) of the economy.
The Sena slammed the BJP-led government's key policy decisions such as demonetisation and GST and said people should start preparing to pay back the government for "playing with their feelings".
"Today the situation in the country is such that falsehood is being spread everywhere. People have to start their preparation to pay back the government for making false hopes and playing with their feelings," an editorial in the Sena's mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.
"While performing the Laxmi puja on Diwali festival, people should pray that the demonetisation monster would not create havoc again and take away their hard earned money," it said.
The note ban and the GST had left the economy in shambles and the construction sector and traders are waiting for customers for the last 11 months, the Sena said.
"The Diwali festival will end on Saturday. But, what about the 'diwala' (bankruptcy) of the economy that has happened? Where is the diwali of 'achche din'? Why there is no end to suicide by farmers? Why does the load-shedding which was permanently ended by the previous government starts again?" it asked.
"Why did those who said they will bring down the inflation failed to do that? Why are industries and businesses failing? Why is unemployment increasing? Why stopping us from celebrating our own festivals and bursting crackers? Many such questions have left people helpless," the Sena said, questioning the Centre.
People depressed, business is down: Sharad Yadav
New Delhi: People were feeling "completely depressed" and "alienated" this festive season, reflecting the economic situation following demonetisation and GST, Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Yadav said here on Wednesday.
He claimed that people were also feeling unsafe due to the activism of "communal forces" in the name of "gau raksha", "ghar vapsi" and love jihad over the last three years.
"On the occasion of festive season, especially Diwali, it is for the first time in independent India people are completely depressed, and feeling unsecured and alienated. It is a reflection on the economic situation of the country which has been adversely affected after demonetisation and later GST," he said in a statement.
There is a lull in markets, Yadav added. Traders and small businessmen were unhappy as their business was down, said the former JD(U) chief.