Those observing 'black day' support black money hoarders: Raman Singh

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh on Wednesday said people observing black day on the first anniversary of demonetisation, actually support black money hoarders.

On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Modi announced to demonetise 500 and 1000-rupee banknotes with an aim to weaken the black money or shadow economy in the country.

While the Congress and other Opposition parties are observing November 8 as 'black day' to oppose demonetisation, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is celebrating it as anti-black money day.

Commenting on the opposition parties, the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister said, "Those who are observing 'black day' actually support black money hoarders. The demonetisation is being opposed to protect those who had amassed astronomical wealth."

Singh further said those weakening the country's economy are feeling the pain after demonetisation, but for the rest of the countrymen, today is an auspicious day.

He lauded Prime Minister Modi for the bold step and said," November 8 is an historic day when Prime Minister Modi had taken a bold step of demonetisation. After one year, the results are visible in the country's economy."

He presented some figures to back his claim.

"More than Rs. three lakh crore has been deposited in the banks. The number of income tax returns has increased by 24.7 percent and it is continuously increasing. Around 56 lakh new income tax payers have been added and around 50 lakh labourers have opened bank accounts," Singh said.

He further added: "After demonetisation, 18 lakh suspicious bank accounts have been identified and black money worth more than Rs. 500 crore has been unearthed. Companies involved in hawala transactions have also been identified."

Dr. Singh also said demonetisation not only tightened noose around corruption but also strengthened the law and order in country.

"Within one year, the impact of demonetisation is visible on the law and order situation as it has been helpful in containing terrorism and naxalism," the chief minister said.

Earlier in the day, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "Demonetisation is a tragedy. We stand with millions of honest Indians, whose lives & livelihoods were destroyed by PM's (Prime Minister Narendra Modi's) thoughtless act."

On Tuesday, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said in Gujarat's capital Ahmedabad that demonetisation is not a desirable way of tackling black money.

He also termed demonetisation as a clear case of organised loot and legalised plunder.