Introduction, withdrawal of Rs. 2k note cast doubt on India’s currency
The key economic indicators are pointing downward and there is low confidence that the economy will reach the high growth path, says Congress leader P Chidambaram
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram
Mumbai: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday said the introduction of Rs 2,000 currency note and its subsequent withdrawal have cast doubt on the integrity and stability of the Indian currency.
Addressing a press conference here, the former Union finance minister said the key economic indicators are pointing downward and there is low confidence that the economy will reach the high growth path.
He also said the situation in Manipur, where recent ethnic clashes have claimed more than 75 lives, was alarming and questioned the continued silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“He (PM) campaigned in Karnataka, visited Japan and other countries. But couldn't go to Manipur. There is a grave crisis. Shouldn't the prime minister visit the state. It is shocking that till today, he hasn't made a single comment,” the Congress leader said.
Asked about the scuffle of wrestlers with police in Delhi on Sunday amid the agitation against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Chidambaram said the government's silence on the issue was equally shocking.
“For the last one month, the wrestlers are struggling and no minister has visited them, the government ignored their demands. For the sake of one MP, why are you allowing our medal winning wrestlers to go on dharna for 30 days?” he asked.
Governance and policies in a secular, democratic country must give rise to a tide that will lift all boats. In that view, the NDA government has totally failed in the last nine years, he claimed.
What is worse is that the government does not even make an effort to correct its mistakes and govern for all the people, he said.
Chidambaram said the countdown to the 2024 general elections has begun. The Opposition has been taking stock of the government's performance, he said, adding that the start of the 10th year (of the government) is an important juncture. Replying to questions, the senior Congress leader said the Opposition unity is a "work in progress".
“On June 12, there is a meeting of Opposition parties in Patna. We hope to put up a united fight against the BJP. If the non-BJP Opposition parties get together, it is possible to field one common candidate (against the BJP) in 400-450 seats… that is the desire, aspiration. It is work in progress,” he said.
