PANAJI
With assembly elections lined up over the coming few months, the Union government’s decision was termed as arbitrary, and the opposition, which had unitedly lauded the policy of demonetisation, appeared to be reconsidering its support.
The principal opposition party Congress labelled the move as ‘futile’ and expressed fear that it would paralyse the economy further instead of ameliorating the situation.
GPCC general secretary and spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar stated, “The futile move will paralyse the already shocked economy. It will negatively affect liquidity further. The Union government should understand that electronic transactions have not seeped to the lower levels of our economy. Besides, use of indelible ink will further create chaos and confusion at the upcoming polls.”
Nationalist Congress Party Goa president Jose Philip D’Souza demanded the Central government to come clean on the reason behind this entire exercise and labelled the move to use indelible ink as a mockery of the lay people. “The government is making fun of the people. If I have saved my own money, why should I be marked after withdrawing my own money? Why should conditions apply on accessing one’s own money? Does the government even have a plan?” he questioned.
D’Souza also voiced suspicion over the plan and said that with assembly elections in several states around the corner, suspicions over BJP’s hidden agenda couldn’t be cast away completely.
Aam Aadmi Party’s Valmiki Naik was of the opinion that the ad-hoc move is ‘illegal’ and said that it is as ill-conceived as the primary decision of demonetisation of two
currency notes.
“This is a totally illegal and a hasty move in attempt to control the mess. People shouldn’t be prevented from making withdrawals from their own accounts. The government cannot claim to predict the financial needs and requirements of the public at large,” Naik stated. Expressing anger at the latest directions, Naik said, “What should a person do if he has the ink mark but needs more money? Till the ink fades, should he starve despite
having savings?”
Goa Forward president Prabhakar Timble also questioned the authority and legality of the order.
