Indira Gandhi lacked courage to adopt demonetisation: BJP

Modi had said Indira Gandhi rejected suggestions for demonetisation in 1971, saying she wanted to win polls

Backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Indira rejected demonetisation" statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said that Gandhi lacked the courage to adopt demonetisation.

"Many policies during the Indira Gandhi regime did not get implemented. There were no economic reforms or any progressive developments during her period. Of course, there were many changes that did take place, but license raj, permit raj continued. In that backdrop, Indira Gandhi might not have had the courage to go for demonetisation, though she was advised to do so," BJP leader S Prakash said.

Applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move, Prakash said national interest is of utmost importance for the Prime Minister.

"Modi is one such bold leader who is unmindful of the outcome of election prospects. He has kept national interest paramount over other electoral benefits. It should be applauded and it needs support from all Indians," he said.

Modi on Friday said Indira Gandhi rejected suggestions for demonetisation in 1971, saying she wanted to win elections, but that resulted in poor economic conditions in the country.

Alleging that Indira Gandhi sold out India by ignoring advice to demonetise, Prime Minister Modi said, "She told her finance minister YB Chavan: 'Are no more elections to be fought by Congress?'"

Stressing that the implementation of demonetisation policy was required in 1971, but it was implemented now, the Prime Minister, hitting out at the Opposition at the BJP Parliamentary Party meet, said, "For the Congress, party is bigger than nation; but for us, the nation is above the party.