BJD hits out at Central govt over withdrawal of Rs 2000 notes

The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha came down heavily on the Central government on Saturday over the withdrawal of Rs 2000 banknotes from circulation. 

Expressing his astonishment, BJD MLA Shashi Bhushan Behera said, “Why the Central government has been creating such financial instability? At the time of demonetization, when they should have had to withdraw bigger notes and introduce smaller notes, they demonetized Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes but introduced Rs 2000 banknotes. It is a common practice to demonetise banknotes of the bigger denomination to combat black money.”

“Are they going to print Rs 5000 and Rs 10,000 currency notes? So, there has been financial instability. The middle-class families, specifically women are a worried lot because of this,” he added.    

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back and said the opposition’s job is to oppose the move of the central government. 

“Rs 2000 currency notes are valid till the end of September. The notes can be converted into Rs 500 notes in banks. But it is not the de-recognition of Rs 2000 banknotes at all,” said BJP’s Odisha in-charge, D Purandeswari on the sidelines of a programme in Bhubaneswar. 

When asked why the Opposition is against the move, she said, “It is their job to oppose whatever the government is doing.”