Patna: Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to scrap Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes a "huge success with public support", BJP national spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on Wednesday said the country is moving towards cashless economy with thrust on e-transaction.
"Demonetisation has been a huge success with people backing the crackdown against black money despite difficulties in day-to-day life the opposition tried hard to instigate people against the move, but failed," he said.
Trashing the oppositions' charge that demonetisation has badly affected people and workers, particularly in rural areas, Hussain claimed people have stood behind the Prime Minister like a rock over scrapping of high-value currency notes as well as the ongoing crackdown against black money hoarders.
"People are fully behind the Prime Minister in his endeavour to root out corruption and black money," he claimed.
Hailing the Narendra Modi government's concerted move to make cashless economy a success in a follow-up action to scrapping of high-value currency notes, the BJP leader said the results are for all to see as e-transaction has increasedby 300 per cent over the last one month.
"The Centre has announced various incentives for people and traders for using digital technology for transaction which will go a long way in boosting cashless economy," he said and clarified this does not mean pumping in less cash, to discourage use of currency notes.
"Sufficient cash is being released by the RBI through the banking system to prevent any difficulty to the people, but cashless economy will remain a priority of the government," Hussain said.
He hit out at opposition leaders like Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC president Mamata Banerjee, RJD chief Lalu Prasad for opposing demonetisation and instigating people against the measure.
"Why are they (Rahul, Mamata and Lalu) opposing demonetisation? Do they own black money?" Hussain asked.
On the Reserve Bank of India frequently changing rules on deposit of scrapped currency notes and withdrawal limit of new notes, he said measures being taken are based on feedback from various quarters to prevent black money hoarders from depositing scrapped notes in the banking system.
Hussain said various government agencies have been given free hand to carry out massive drive against hoarders of black money and those stashing huge quantity of new currency notes.
The BJP leader said even party workers are not being spared which speaks of the government's commitment to root out corruption and black money.
With people anxiously keeping a keep watch on the Prime Minister's assertion earlier that the difficulties arising out of demonetisation will be sorted out in 50 days, Hussain assured it is a matter of days that the crisis will blow over.
