Those close to BJP already knew about demonetisation: Kejriwal

New Delhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday demanded rollback of the government’s decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, saying the economy would collapse in the coming days if the decision was not withdrawn.
Kejriwal said the demonetisation would not bring black money into the banking system but would result only in it changing hands and alleged that those close to the BJP were already aware of the government’s move and took care of their black money before the announcement.

“One can see it from the fact that many banks which had shrinking deposits for many months suddenly saw growth of two to three per cent in July to September quarter. This growth means many thousand crore rupees jump in deposits. Whose money was it?” Kejriwal asked.
“It means those who were close to the BJP were aware of the government’s announcement in advance. They already took care of their black money. And it is the common people who are facing the trouble,” he added.
Kejriwal said the whole process would be futile and “not a single penny” of black money would enter the Indian economy.
“The black money will only change hands. For example, a person having Rs 10 crore worth of black money will not deposit it in bank. Because he will be charged 30 per cent tax and 200 per cent penalty on that leaving him with only Rs 1 crore.”
“Instead, he is buying foreign currency, gold etc at double the price,” Kejriwal explained.
He said many brokers in the market had emerged who were getting old currency changed into new Rs 2,000 notes.
“Now these brokers are changing the currency at a commission of 50 per cent. So the gold trader will exchange his old notes. As a result, the person who had Rs 10 crore black money will be left with Rs 5 crore in his hands and the rest Rs 5 crore is divided between the broker and the person selling gold, foreign currency etc,” Kejriwal explained.
He alleged that an intentional crisis had been created so people run to the brokers to exchange money.
“They (the government) are threatening on TV that those depositing more than Rs 2.5 lakh won’t be spared and will have to pay a heavy penalty. What they mean is don’t deposit the money. Our brokers will come and exchange it with them,” Kejriwal alleged.
Kejriwal said the government’s move is a “surgical strike” on those who saved their life earnings and would have no effect on those who dealt in thousands of crores worth of black money.
“We are questioning the intent of the decision, not just its implementation,” Kejriwal said while demanding its rollback.