New Delhi/Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move drew various reactions from different political parties. It is expected to impact the BJP’s prospects in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab that hold polls next year. After development and good governance, this will be one of the BJP’s key poll planks.
But it may also adversely affect the BJP’s prospects as small traders and bussinessmen, considered among the party’s core base, will face the burden.
This issue, coupled with the government’s fight against corruption, may also give the government the upper hand with the Opposition preparing to corner it in the coming Winter Session of Parliament from next week on various issues, including attempts to gag the media.
The BJP, facing Opposition criticism for being "anti-minorities", "anti-dalit" and for trying to "polarise" the atmosphere ahead of the Assembly polls in UP and elsewhere, said the PM had "yet again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to promises he made to the people of India".
Mr Modi’s 2014 campaign promise to put "'15 lakhs in each bank account" had often been used by the BJP’s opponents in a jibe at the government’s intent to curb black money.
In UP, regional satraps like Mulayam Singh Yadav and his Samajwadi Party and Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party could turn it into a major issue against the BJP. It is also likely to cripple electioneering as most political “expenditure” cash-dependent.
BJP president Amit Shah said the decision was a "surgical strike on the menace of corruption and black money" and said the “interests of honest taxpayers, who have been contributing in nation-building, has been protected”. He also urged citizens to support the PM in his “efforts... and together nurture a nation that we all are proud of”.
The BJP said it would thwart the "evil designs of anti-India elements who support terror on Indian soil, fake currency rackets and narcotics,” nd added: “We can no longer let corruption and black money slow down our development journey. We must create a prosperous India for future generations... The elimination of black money will boost development with justice,” said Mr Shah.
