Congress shooting from shoulders of farmers who have accepted demonetisation: BJP

Taking strong exception to Rahul Gandhi's jibe that 'PayTm means Pay to Modi', a reference to the latter's move to demonitise high value currency, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday countered by saying that the Congress vice president has failed to grasp the depth of the government's decision and is only making "irresponsible" statements.

"Rahul Gandhi is known for making irresponsible statements on many occasions. Demonetisation is a very bold step taken by Prime Minister Modi. It is not a simple task to withdraw 85 percent of money and replace them. He doesn't have a depth of knowledge of the kind of step the Union Government has taken," BJP leader Shrikant Prakash told ANI.

Prakash further said there are various ways to put forward an opinion against the decision, but the opposition is only interested in shouting and is completely not interested in debating about it.

"Calling it a foolish decision, it is not a dignified comment by a responsible opposition party member. He should put forward his opinion, they are simply shouting against demonetisation. They are trying to shoot arrows from the shoulders of farmers and the poor who have already accepted demonetisation and are cooperating with the government," he added.

Rahul Gandhi yesterday alleged that the government's move to scrap Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes was benefitting institutions like Paytm while the poor were facing hardships.

"Prime Minister Modi is running away, if he comes to the House for a debate, we won't let him run. He (PM Modi) is laughing, having a nice time while the people of the country are suffering. The idea behind a cashless economy is that a few people must get maximum benefits from these transactions, this has damaged the nation," he said.

Gandhi further said demonetisation was a foolish decision taken without any due consideration.

"The assessment is that, it is a disaster. It has devastated the poor, farmers and daily wage workers. We want to have a discussion. We want a vote, government doesn't. How can it be a bold decision? It is a foolish decision taken without any due consideration," he said.