PM's televised address was a budget speech, says NCP

NCP today said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation was a budget presentation with an eye on upcoming Assembly elections.

"Instead of presenting the budget in Parliament, Modi gave a budget speech in the televised address," NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik told PTI.

"If high denomination notes were banned to curb terrorism and counterfeit currency, what is the purpose of introducing Rs 2,000 note. Modi has failed to answer this question. Also, most of the schemes announced already exist," he said.

"What Modi announced was only cash transfer. Prime Minister must answer whether houses are available in cities for Rs 9 and Rs 12 lakh. In case of farmers, where 2 per cent interest on crop loan is provided, how will 4 per cent subsidy work," the NCP spokesperson questioned.
 

"This is just to influence people ahead of Assembly polls. There was no analysis of the demonetisation and hardships being faced by people," Malik said.

Modi today sent out a stern warning of tough action against the "dishonest" people even as he announced a slew of sops for senior citizens, farmers, rural housing, women and small entrepreneurs to soften the blow of demonetisation.