VIJAYAWADA: The Congress Party demanded that the Central Government come out with a White Paper on how much black money was unearthed during the last 50 days and how much economic loss was caused to the nation post-demonetisation. All India Congress Committee observer for Andhra Pradesh and Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka K C Rama Murthy posed several questions to the BJP Government at a press conference in Vijayawada on Friday.
According to Rama Murthy, farmers, those below poverty line and small businessmen were the worst hit. He said these sections were suffering for no reason. Also, alleged that the Centre did not consult experts and take the Opposition into confidence before embarking upon such a drastic step. He also demanded that the Government come clean on how the Centre had prepared for the demonetisation and its aftermath.
The AICC had questioned the Government to reveal how many lives had been lost in these 50 days and why there is no compensation to the families of deceased. It has also demanded the Government to lift all the restrictions imposed on withdrawals. Murthy also demanded that 20 per cent of one time bonus be provided to Rabi farmers. Similarly, he wanted 50 per cent sales and income tax rebate to small vendors and shop-keepers.
The Congress Party has appointed state and distrit level coordinators to organise meetings and workshops to build an agitation at the national level and to create awareness about the effects of demonetisation. Members of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee have also released a two-phase schedule to be implemented from Dec 30 to Jan 11.