Manmohan Singh should support demonetisation: Bandaru Dattatreya

HYDERABAD: Manmohan Singh should give his silent support to demonetisation rather than being critical of the move as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is merely doing what the former premier could not achieve in 10 years, Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said here today.

It is most unfortunate that Singh, who was an economic adviser (to the Centre), Finance Minister and Prime Minister, was critical of the demonetisation move "as if for the appreciation from Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi", Dattatreya said.

He added that Singh should support demonetisation and promotion of cashless transactions in the country as there is no politics in the NDA government's move.


"Prime Minister clearly stated we are not for party interest, we are for national interest. No personal agenda or no party agenda. Now it is national agenda. This 'JAM' (Jandhan, Aadhar, Mobile).

"These three great men -- A B Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh and Modi -- they are visionaries. I personally respect Manmohan Singh. Modi is doing what he (Singh) could not achieve in 10 years. When Modi is doing, he should give silent support," he told reporters.

"The 'JAM' will bring a revolution," he said.

Modi gave legal status to Aadhar though it was brought in by Singh as Prime Minister, Dattatreya said. "He (Modi) did not set it (Aadhar) aside. Because, it (Aadhar) was in national interest," he said.

The Union Minister said Nandan Nilekani, who was close to Singh, is supporting demonetisation and promotion of digital economy.

Hailing demonetisation as an "economic revolution", he alleged that the Opposition Trinamool Congress, Congress and the Left are indulging in mindless and inappropriate criticism on the issue.

Observing that demonetisation would check terrorism, corruption and black money, Dattatreya said the people are supporting the government's move though they faced inconvenience.

He said demonetisation was not a sudden decision and that the Prime Minister is taking steps with a long-term perspective which would benefit the poor.

The Modi government appreciates the common people for their support, he said, adding "all over the country, Rs 3.50 lakh crore was distributed. SBI said this is equal to what was distributed in the last three years".