BJP slams Kerala CM's remarks over demonetisation

BJP in Kerala today hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his assertion that those "close" to the Centre had got prior information about demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes and asked him to release evidence to prove the allegation.
Party state president Kummanam Rajasekharan said Vijayan had come up with such an allegation due to "anxiety" over recent reports that black money was deposited in huge amounts in the state's cooperative sector, controlled by the ruling CPI(M).
Rajasekharan alleged that CPI(M) was the one who protected black money hoarders and it was trying to sabotage the Centre's demonetisation policy to shield them further.

"CM should release evidence if there is any, to prove his allegation that the information regarding demonetisation of notes was leaked. Vijayan should reveal on what ground he had arrived at such a conclusion," he said in a release.
He also said Vijayan was not just a CPI(M) leader now but the Chief Minister of the state and so his remarks should befit the position he holds.
He also criticised opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala who reportedly compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi with erstwhile Mughal ruler Tughlaq.

If Congress party had ruled the country effectively in the last 60 years, there would have been no need for Modi to take such a decision, Rajasekharan said.

The objections raised by both ruling LDF and Congress-led opposition UDF over demonetisation policy was against the interest of the nation, the leader said.
Earlier in the day, Vijayan had questioned the Centre's claim that demonetisation was to check black money, saying there were reports that black money lobbyists had got prior information about scrapping of the higher denomination notes.
He also alleged that "somebody" close to the Union government, had received prior information about banning of the notes and got opportunity to take precautionary measures.