Demonetisation policy is a big scam, says Azad

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday termed the government's demonetisation policy a "big scam" and said there should be an inquiry into the "selective leakage" of the government's move.

Azad also clarified that the Congress is with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and other opposition parties on the issue of demonetisation, but it would not be part of the delegation led by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee that will meet President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday.

"The government was not prepared to implement the demonetisation policy. People are suffering, farmers and daily-wage earners don't have money.

"It was done in haste and without any preparation. It is a very big scam. It could be the country's biggest scam," said Azad after an all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Azad said there should be an inquiry into the leakage of information on the demonetisation policy of the government, and it should be discussed it Parliament, which begins on Wednesday.

"The selective leakage that happened..many knew about it..even few BJP people knew about it," he said, demanding to know how the new Rs 2,000 note came out in the open even before November 8, when the Prime Minister made the announcement. "How did this happen?"

Asked if Congress was for roll back of demonetisation, Azad said: "We are not for rollback of the scheme..We are concerned about the inconvenience caused to the people. We are against black money," said Azad.

"But we are objecting to the way it was done in total haste without making any preparation," he added.

On the question of meeting the President along with Mamata Banerjee, Azad said: "TMC and we are all together..whether it is Congress, TMC, BSP, Samajwadi party, CPI-M, CPI, JD(U), all are united.."

He said that Banerjee has sought an appointment with the President, but the Congress was for first raising the issue in Parliament.

"Our general view is we shall not seek an appointment with the President on the very first day itself..We shall first discuss the issue inside the house, and then if need arises we shall seek an appointment," added Azad.

Azad added that the Congress supports Banerjee's move, and will continue to support her.

"We support the Bengal CM. She is well within her rights to meet the President. If we seek an appointment with the President later, TMC will be a part of that," said Azad.

Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that Congress will raise the issue of demonetisation in the Lok Sabha.

"Demonetisation is the biggest issue..we'll take it up in the Lok Sabha. The dispute between judiciary and executive will also be raised in Parliament. this issue must also be solved," said Kharge.

--IANS

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