Minister Narendra Modi asked BJP MPs and MLAs to submit details of their bank account transactions between November 8 and December 31 to party President Amit Shah.
Modi’s direction at the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting came following allegations by opposition parties that the BJP had tipped off some of its own leaders ahead of the demonetisation announcement. In an apparent response to the charge that the bill to amend I-T Act will help turn black money into white, the Prime Minister said the amended Act will channel the money looted from the poor for their welfare.
Opposition parties disrupted the functioning of Parliament for the 11th day on Tuesday on this issue. Alleging that the demonetisation move was “leaked” in advance to favour those close to the ruling dispensation, they have demanded the setting up of a joint parliamentary committee to probe it. The government has dismissed these allegations.
Demonetisation has been hailed by many as a body blow to black money hoarders, but also criticized as a pre-election stunt, ahead of key polls in several states next year.
Modi also sought everybody’s support in his effort to usher in digital/mobile economy and push the society towards cashless transactions. At the meeting, Amit Shah told party MPs to motivate traders in panchayats, municipalities and other local bodies falling in their constituency to shift to cashless transactions.
Asked about impasse in Parliament over demonetisation, Kumar said the government has been ready for discussion from the day one of the Winter session and Modi will also intervene in both the House if the opposition wanted.
The opposition wants discussion under Rule 56 which entails voting, a condition unacceptable to the government.
