Country on brink of bankruptcy: Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Intensifying her battle against Modi government’s decision to scrap the Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday marched to the Reserve Bank of India’s head office in the city and said that demonetisation has pushed the country to the brink of “total bankruptcy.” Two days ago, Ms Banerjee accompanied by her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal had staged a dharna outside RBI headquarters in Delhi.

Today she summoned the RBI officials outside the imposing building on BBD Bagh and demanded to know the position of currency notes of various denomination. She told them that the situation is grim and three people have died in the past 24 hours as a result of demonetisation. “Situation is very bad. Please ensure notes are available in the banks and ATMs. Otherwise people will not forgive,” she said. When the RBI lady official said she will try, Ms Banerjee shot back, “Madam, try is a vague word.”

 She voiced her apprehension that even people’s money kept in saving accounts may not be safe. Accusing the Centre of discriminating against Bengal, she said: “ The new Rs 500 notes are not available here although these have been sent to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.” Ms Banerjee said old notes should be allowed along with the new ones till December 30.

She said that the banning of the notes has hit young and old, farmers and workers, industry and agriculture. “Rural Bengal indeed rural India is crying. This is kharif season. If farmers don’t have cash to harvest paddy, will they eat plastic ( debit and credit cards?” she sarcastically asked.

Scoffing at Modi government’s emphasis on cashless economy, Ms Banerjee said barely 4 per cent of the total population used plastic money. “ Nearly 96 per cent of the people do not use plastic money. These people are facing daily harassment. Youth, students, women and farmers every one is crying. The Supreme Court expressed apprehension that riots may break out. He (Mr Modi) has ruined the country and pushed it 100 years back,” she added. Ms Banerjee repeated her charge that barring BJP no one has benefited from demonetisation. Reacting to speculation about the Centre totally suspending exchange  of old notes, she said this will  lead to Constitutional crisis and bankruptcy. “ We are not scared of any (investigating) agency. Let the Centre arrest me but I will continue my fight,” she said.