 "Nation in chaos over demonetisation, Modi frolicking in Japan: Congress")
Continuing its barrage on the Centre over the radical step of demonetisation, the Congress on Saturday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he was in Japan having a good time, while the country was left in chaos and confusion following the huge decision taken by his government.
Speaking to ANI here, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit pointed fingers at the Prime Minister saying he had promised that the rich and powerful will sweat over this development, but so far the only inconvenience being caused is to the common man.
"Has anyone seen a person stepping out of a sleep car and come stand in the long ATM queue? Have any rich and powerful people been seen being inconvenienced? No. Clearly, it's the common man who is bearing the brunt," he said.
Defending Rahul Gandhi from charges of politicising the issue after he joined the masses in standing in a long queue to exchange old notes worth Rs 4,000, Dikshit further said that the Congress vice president had done his job of trying to understand the woes of the common man.
"When the masses are in pain it is the job of a politician to stand with them and that is exactly what Rahul Gandhi did. He stood with the people and saw for himself what they were going through. Meanwhile the Prime Minister is frolicking in Japan after leaving the country in chaos. He should have stayed back and helped out the people," he said.
Echoing similar sentiment, party leader and former union minister Shashi Tharoor said Rahul's motive was to show the people's plight in trying to exchange currency.
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"I think what Rahul Gandhi has demonstrated with his visits is that the 'aam aadmi' is adversely affected by this. The target of this action was supposed to be black money hoarders, the business people who have got sacks full of money. Frankly, the very rich have found other ways, including of course, many of them have already invested their black money in real estate, gold and etc," Tharoor told ANI.
Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi created a stir by visiting the State Bank of India's branch in Parliament Street and standing in a long queue with the jostling people.
"I have come here to withdraw Rs.4000. I will stand in line with the people who are suffering," he said.
The BJP criticised the act, saying he was indulging in "theatrics" to rile people's sentiments.
"Rahul Ghandi has never cared about people. All he cares about is taking photos. That is why Rahul Gandhi is often seen on roads clicking selfies," BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma told ANI.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar also took a dig at Rahul saying, "Had he queued up within the party, the fittest would have survived and Congress would have been better off.