Business reeling from note ban: Rahul Gandhi

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhikicked off the party’s 2017 assembly election campaign in Mehsana, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s demonetization decision has hit sectors such as construction, engineering, textiles, diamond, and transport in Gujarat. Gandhi said that rural economy in general had been disrupted by demonetization.

“Recently, the PM came here and claimed that Gujarat’s farmer Genabhai sells his pomegranates for Rs 120 per kg,” Gandhi said. “But now because of the PM’s demonetization decision, prices have come down to mere Rs 35 per kg.” Though Gandhi’s focus was firmly on targeting Modi over demonetization, he also raised local issues such as Patidar and dalit stirs.

Even as crowds frequently chanted “Jai Sardar, Jai Patidar”, Gandhi did not make any reference to reservations for Patidars. “In Gujarat, dalits have been beaten and killed,” Gandhi said. “They live in constant fear. Patidars tried to peacefully press for their demands but even Patidar women were beaten. The BJP in Gujarat silences every voice by force.”

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Business-reeling-from-note-ban-Rahul/articleshow/56109674.cms