A group of 50 Congress activists painted tattoos proclaiming "Our PM is Corrupt" to mark the 50 days of demonetisation here on Thursday with plans to intensify their agitation over the next few days.Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam claimed that last week the party's national Vice-President Rahul Gandhi had exposed the corruption details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Gandhi had provided details of how Modi had allegedly received kickbacks nine times from two corporate houses and proof had been submitted to the I-T Department which failed to take any action in the matter, he added."This amply proves that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is corrupt and takes bribes. Today, 50 of our activists protested by painting tattoos on their hands to this effect," Nirupam told a packed media gathering.When asked whether the tattoos were of permanent ink, Nirupam shot back: "When the PM is not permanent, how can the tattoos be permanent? This is the start of our agitation against the corrupt activities of the BJP and protesting against demonetisation."From January 6, the Congress will stage a 'gherao' of all collectorate offices in the country, including Mumbai's two collector offices in Churchgate and Bandra.
On January 8, Congress women activists will pray at Mahalaxmi Temple "to give wisdom" to the government and roll-back demonetisation, followed by a rolling pad-rolling pin (banging velan-thali) agitation "to wake up the government" to the plight of the masses, Nirupam said.He said last Saturday, during Modi's visit to Mumbai, the Congress was prevented from staging a peaceful, mute demonstration in the Bandra Kurla Complex, while he (Nirupam) and another 400 activists were virtually placed under house arrest."We wanted to ask Modi only two questions: 'Have you taken bribes or not? And, when will public's misery end after demonetisation?' However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acted high-handedly by preventing our peaceful agitation," Nirupam alleged.He reiterated that after the decision to spike Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination currency notes was "forced" on the masses, people across the country are suffering, especially in the rural areas and the farmers."All trade, commerce and business activities have come to a standstill, the country's economy is in crisis, businesses have shut down. The Prime Minister had asked 50 days from the people, which is getting over tomorrow, but the sufferings continue and will worsen," Nirupam stated.