In his first address at `Shree Kamalam' after becoming the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi told assembled state BJP functionaries, that he wanted them to turn Gujarat into a model state in adopting digital financial transactions. “I wish,” said Modi, “Gujarat, which has given the country a great development model, also becomes the role model in adopting Aadhaar and mobile-based banking.”
Modi's visit ahead of state assembly elections was attended by over 1,000 BJP workers. All state BJP functionaries, including CM Vijay Rupani, deputy CM Nitin Patel, ministers, state BJP president Jitu Vaghani, all MPs and MLAs of the party in state, district BJP office bearers, as well as chairmen of different government corporation boards attended the meeting.
In his brief speech at the state BJP headquarters in Koba, Gandhinagar, Modi also congratulated BJP state party workers and office bearers for their victory in elections of local bodies at a time when the opposition was loud in criticising demonetisation. Modi said, “Though the by- elections in the local bodies was a not a key affair, but after 811 (post demonetisation) Gujarat BJP's victory in elections of local bodies has spurred national debate. We also won in elections of local bodies in Rajasthan and Maharashtra.”
He advised Gujarat BJP to work cautiously in the upcoming state-wide panchayat elections and in 2017 assembly elections, without becoming overconfident due to the recent results. Rationalizing demonetisation, Modi said, “Official data showed that two-third of Rs1,000 notes go out of circulation and remain stashed in lockers. Only one-third of Rs1,000 notes were in circulation,” said Modi, adding, “Crores of rupees were parked without productive use.”
Addressing a meeting in Deesa, Modi said that the post-demonetisation path to normalcy will be gradual and slow even after the 50 days he sought to deal with hardships caused by scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes ends on December 30.
“I have asked for 50 days from the nation. If after December 30, I am found wanting, am guilty of error or wrong intentions, I am ready for any punishment the country will pronounce,” Modi had said in Goa. The careful recalibration seems intended to create more wriggle room for the government and move away from the impression that all banking and financial operations will return to normalcy after the deadline to deposit old notes ends. In his speech at Deesa, Modi mentioned the entrepreneurial prowess of Banaskantha farmers and cited the instance of one Genabhai Patel, 52, the pioneer who began pomegranate agriculture in the dry lands of Banaskantha district. The district, and especially Deesa, otherwise is renowned across India for bumper production of quality potatoes.
Ironically, Genabhai said that he was making huge loses after demonetisation. “Demonetisation can bring to an end to several malpractices in the agriculture sector. Villagers are feeling hardship now but the wait will finally pay off in the long run,” said Patel.
In latest reports, the Narendra Modi government conducted sting operations in over 500 branches of banks all across the country. CDs of the operations have been sent to the Union Ministry of Finance and proper action against erring bank officials would be taken at an appropriate time. Several illegal incidents have been cited ever since the announcement of demonetisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 was made. A number of bank officials have been arrested and several of them suspended and facing probe.
Reports said over 400 CDs of sting operations have reached the Ministry of Finance. They reveal how the old notes belonging to police, pimps, and influential people were exchanged with the help of bank staff. A news channel further reported that the list of banks under scanner after the sting operations include several public sector banks.
Modi meets Hiraba
NaMo also met with his 94 year old mother, Hiraba after he addressed the public meeting in Deesa. Modi had last met his mother on September 17.
