Launching a scathing attack on opposition parties for criticising the Narendra Modi government's decision to demonetize Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, BJP President Amit Shah on Friday said the parties have "exposed themselves" and also shown their real face to the people.Shah also sought clarification from these parties on whether they are for or against black money and terror funded by fake notes.Addressing a press conference here, Shah said he does not understand why parties like the Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party and the Aam Aadmi Party, which were demanding action against black money, are criticising the demonetization decision now."I can understand the trouble and pain of tax evaders, terrorists, Maoists and others involved in black marketing, but I can't understand problems of these political parties...Why are they opposing the government's move to demonetize currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000," he said.
He proceeded to add that "these political parties have actually exposed themselves" by going against the government move."I want to ask them whether they are against black money or not. Congress, AAP, SP and the BSP should clarify this to the nation," he said.He said the way BJP's political opponents are reacting to the government's decision it will benefit the party in the upcoming elections."Poor will not suffer, but some political parties have become poor," he added.Shah also took a dig at Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati for dubbing the decision as an economic emergency."It was an economic emergency for the BSP," he said, tongue in cheek.Criticising West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Benarjee for terming the decision anti-poor, Shah said, "I know Mamata Banerjee opposed the move, but politicians should not join ranks of black marketeers, drug dealers who are upset. I appeal to all political parties to understand the real motive behind this historic decision."
"However, after the decision, some parties have become poor," he said, in another dig.Talking about the decision, the BJP chief said it was a planned decision and would throw out black money and counterfeit currency from the system.Shah said the move to demonetize high value currency notes would greatly benefit the economy and urged the people to join the campaign against corruption.He said the government was taking steps to tackle problems faced by people in implementing the decision to demonetize Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes."The Narendra Modi government has embarked on a campaign to end corruption. I appeal to people to join in and give it speed," Shah said. Admitting that people had to wait in queues outside ATMs to get fresh cash in view of the demonetization, he urged people to extend their cooperation."The step which has been taken will greatly benefit the economy," he said. Shah also said there will be no inquiry on people depositing up to Rs 2.5 lakh in demonetized currency in banks. "The middle class, the poor and small traders will face no problems," he said, adding that there is no need to rush as the currency notes will be accepted till December end. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that the government had decided to demonetize Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to tackle the menace of black money.