Demonetisation: Problems are increasing day by day, says Uddhav

Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said the problems of people had increased a month after the demonetisation decision and peoples' voice was not being heard.

"I had neither opposed the decision nor supported it. I had just said that common people should not suffer. However, the problems are increasing day by day. It is unfortunate that people' voice is not being heard in Parliament," Thackeray said here, adding that his party had not softened its stand on the issue.

Thackeray, who was scheduled to meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, told reporters that the Shiv Sena was not a part of the demonetisation move, though a partner in the government.

"We are not economists. Economists such as Dr Manmohan Singh, Amartya Sen opposed the demonetisation decision. They said the decision was wrong. So should we say that their degrees are bogus? Prime Minister has promised (things will be normal in) 50 days. Let us wait for 20 more days, Acche din aayenge (good days are ahead)," he said.

He highlighted the point that there were incidences of terror attacks even after the surgical strike.

Referring to a BJP leader's comment that demonetisation queues are a test of patriotism, Thackeray said: "I would like to ask if the government is going to give pension to those in queues outside banks and ATMs since they are being hailed as patriots."

Asked about the compensation of Rs 2 lakh being given by the Uttar Pradesh government to the kin of those who died in queues, he said: "All state governments should start similar compensation scheme."

Reacting to senior BJP leader L.K. Advani's displeasure over non-functioning of Parliament, Thackeray said that his opinion in this matter should be heeded.

"Advaniji is an experienced leader and oldest among us all. The government should take his opinion seriously," he said.

He also asked the government to make its position clear if farmers will be made to pay tax in the future.

"I do not know if farmers have been taxed so far. However, now you (centre) have asked them to put their money in the bank and put restrictions on the withdrawal. We just want to know if farmers will have to pay tax in the future," Thackeray said.

--IANS

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