 "PM: Not allowed to speak in Lok Sabha, so speaking at Jan Sabha")
Amidst continued disruptions in the Lok Sabha and criticism of the Centre's demonetisation move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Gujarat on Saturday to address a farmers’ rally in Banaskantha district, said that since he was not being allowed to speak in the House, he was now speaking at a Jan Sabha.
Strategically choosing to speak in Hindi at Deesa, where he not only launched the new Rs 350 crore Amul cheese factory at Banas Dairy but also Amul Deshi A2 cow milk and honey made by Banas Dairy, Modi began by highlighting the achievements and hardships of farmers in the district, which is water-scarce and borders Pakistan. “I am told it is after a very long time that a Prime Minister is visiting Banaskantha, almost 25 years or so. But, I am here not as PM but as a son of this soil,” Modi said as the crowd cheered.
Switching soon to the topic of demonetisation, Modi said today everyone in the nation was discussing the issue of currency notes. “Parliament is not being allowed to function, happenings in Parliament anguished our President, who has tremendous political experience,” he added, referring to the recent remarks by President Pranab Mukherjee. He went on to add that as he was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha, he was speaking at a Jan Sabha. “The government has always said we are ready to debate. I am not being allowed to speak in Lok Sabha so I am speaking in the Jan Sabha,” the PM said.
Responding to the Opposition's comments on the Centre's demonetisation move, he said that no party had asked him to roll back the decision, but they had all asked for more efficient implementation. “During elections, we have a lot of heated debates, but at the end, we all call for increased voter turnout, about educating the voter as to how to use the electronic voting machine. Likewise, yes, you can oppose me but do teach people about banking, using technology for financial transactions.”
The PM was addressing a massive gathering of around 200,000 people and assured them that the situation would start improving after the first 50-days. “I had asked for 50 days. You will see how things will change. This is a major step to rid the nation of corruption. We are standing with the honest people of the country, with the poor people of the nation--125 crore Indians have supported demonetisation,” he added. The currency ban has increased the value of Rs 100, Rs 50 and Rs 20 notes, he said,adding that, "we took the decision on currency notes to strengthen the hands of the poor of the nation.” Pushing his dream for a cash-less India, he said, “Your bank, your wallet is in your phone. We are moving away from the paper currency system. No need to queue outside ATMs and bank branches, your bank will queue up in front of your mobile.” The PM is also scheduled to visit the state BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar district in the afternoon, his first trip there after assuming office in May 2014. During his speech, Modi also urged farmers to focus more on crops like castor and isabgol.
Launching the Banas dairy honey, he said the established dairy network in Gujarat could be used to market honey as well. "With the white revolution, the farmers of Gujarat will now also lead in the sweet revolution (honey)," he said.