Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today accused the NDA government at Centre of pursuing "discriminatory" politics against West Bengal by not releasing new Rs 500 notes in the state and said she will decide her next line of action after talking to other political parties.
"They have sent 500 rupees notes to Rajasthan. But they are not sending the 500 rupees notes to Bengal. The Central government has totally failed to act. Rural India is dying, they don't use card. What will they do? The whole of rural India is crying, farmers are crying. If food is not available what will the common people eat? Plastic??" Banerjee said.
The West Bengal Chief Minister claimed that three persons have died in the state because of the demonetisation.
She lauded the Supreme Court for expressing reservation on Centre's plea for direction that no court except apex court hears pleas on demonetisation notification
Banerjee today visited the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regional office in Kolkata and spoke to the RBI regional director Rekha Warriar and urged her to ensure that cash is available at all ATMs and Banks.
"I told her (Warriar) to ensure that cash is available at all the banks and ATMs. Common people should not face harassment. They should not be harassed. Don't say that you are trying. Because the word 'trying' is a vague word. It is a word used to shield negligence and incompetence. I am not blaming you. Where from will you give notes, if the Centre has not provided?" Banerjee said.
Banerjee also visited Burrabazar area in Kolkata and spoke to businessman and shopkeepers.
The TMC supremo along with party leaders visited the ATMs outside the RBI office in Kolkata and spoke to commoners.
"People cannot access their savings account. This is being restricted. Is their money safe? The country wants to know," she said.
Banerjee said that she will speak to other political parties after after the three day deadline gets over. Banerjee during her recent trip to Delhi earlier this week had given a three day deadline to the Central government to roll back the decision or face protest across the country.
"After the three day deadline gets over. I will talk to other political parties and decide the next line of action," Banerjee said.
Banerjee also lauded the Supreme court's observation about demonetisation.
The Supreme Court yesterday dubbed as a "serious issue" the long queues outside banks and post offices and expressed its reservation on the Centre's plea seeking a direction that no other court in the country should entertain petitions challenging the November 8 notification.
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