Mamata to Chidambaram: How Politicos Reacted to Modi’s Rupee Move

Draconian to commendable. Here’s how the Indian politicians reacted to scrapping of Rs 500, 1000 notes.

Narendra Modi’s decision has drawn reactions from all political quarters. (Photo: The Quint/PTI/Reuters)

From West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to a former UPA finance minister (and now President of India), politicians across the spectrum have given a mixed verdict to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise announcement to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The move has left ordinary citizens queuing up outside ATMs – not long after the announcement was made at 8 PM on Tuesday.

Shiv Sena’s Vitriol

Uddhav Thackeray hit out at the Modi government on Friday and said the initiative is not in “public interest” as only “normal people are suffering”.

Everybody is saying that it is a surgical strike, but what if angry and frustrated people start surgical strike against government. They should have done surgical strikes on the black money deposited in all the Swiss accounts.

Mixed Feelings in Congress

P Chidambaram, Congress member and former Finance Minister, said the party will support Modi’s decision if the purpose was to curb the menace of black money. He further added that the government had demonetised the high-value currency before in 1978 – and had failed.

Some of the other reactions from the party were instantaneous.

Withdraw This Draconian Act: Mamata Banerjee

Also read: Live: Sensex, Nifty Fall As 500 and 1000 Notes Get Scrapped

Kejriwal Contends With Retweets

Delhi Chief Minister and Modi-baiter Arvind Kejriwal settled with retweeting other tweets that did not approve of the move.

The Chief Commander Approves

President Pranab Mukherjee, also a former finance minister in the UPA government, welcomed the move.

Also read: Bye-Bye Rs 500 & 1,000 Notes: Modi’s ‘Achhe Din’ Are Finally Here

Samajwadi Party Gives Its Nod

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, too, welcomed the decision but asked for special baking counters.

Here’s What the Others are Saying

Now, he’s not really a politician, but we thought we should let you know that Rajnikanth also reacted to the move and commended the move.