CPI(M) stands for Indian nationalism and not Hindu nationalism, its general secretary Sitaram Yechury said today as he launched a veiled attack on RSS over its alleged efforts to implement Hindutva agenda in an intensified manner.
"The CPI(M) stands not for Hindu nationalism but for Indian nationalism," Yechury tweeted without naming the Sangh.
The comment from the Marxist leader follows his attack on RSS yesterday in Thiruvananthpuram, where he launched a year- long celebrations marking centenary of Great October Revolution.
During his address, the Rajya Sabha member had accused the Modi government of intensifying efforts to implement Hindutva agenda allegedly under the control of RSS.
"The situation has gone to an extent that the RSS is now issuing certificates of patriotism. They are propagating that Hindutva equates to Indian nationalism," he had observed.
The CPI(M) leader said the demonetization move,
according to Modi, had the objectives of fighting blackmoney, corruption and counterfeit.
However, now the RBI says 82 per cent of the value of currency notes withdrawn have come back to the banking system, totalling about Rs 11.86 lakh crore and the old notes can be exchanged till December 30.
"At this rate, more notes than the value of counterfeit currency have been deposited and become legal in the banking system. So the PM has successfully converted black money into white and legalised counterfeit currency. None of his objectives have been achieved," Yechury said, adding it "reveals a deliberate attempt to legalise counterfeit money and convert black money into white".
Referring to French queen Marie Antoinette's infamous quote 'if you don't have bread, have cake', he said the Prime Minister has become "Modi Antoinette as he is saying 'if you don't have paper money, use plastic money'" when 98 per cent of Indian economy is cash economy.
Even in the US which has the reach of banking system and internet network is vast, 46 per cent of the economy runs on cash, he said, adding Modi has been "talking of a cashless economy and probably living in something like a fool's paradise".
