Modi govt helping a few corporates build e-wallet business: Sachin Pilot

Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday alleged that the Narendra Modi government was trying to help a few corporate houses build their e-wallet business.

"You are advocating a cashless economy and promoting e-wallet. Why is not the government coming up with an e-wallet system of its own? It will be more safe and secure. Do you know that 60 per cent shares in most of the e-wallet companies are held by people in China. You are divulging your secrets to China," he told a press conference here.

The Congress leader said it appears that the focus from fighting black money is being shifted to making the country a cashless economy. "How can you make a massive country like India a cashless economy?" he asked.

"The BJP government at the Centre is trying to help a few corporate houses build up their e-wallet business," he alleged.

Pilot termed demonetisation as a "noble" initiative, but criticised the way it was implemented, claiming that 80 people died because of it.

He alleged that BJP bought "huge assets" days before the decision to scrap notes was taken and demanded that BJP furnish records of its properties.

Pilot, however, did not agree with Trinamool Congress' demand that the decision be rolled back, saying it would lead to a "much bigger financial crisis".