LDF, UDF hit out at Union govt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an unprecedented move, the UDF and the LDF joined hands in the assembly on Tuesday launching an attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre over its alleged attempt to sabotage the cooperative sector of the state.
Flaying the government for "criminal negligence", former chief minister Oommen Chandy said the Union government decided to go ahead with its demonetisation plan without putting in place any precautionary measures.
"There is a financial anarchy in the country. Government cannot impose such restrictions. Currency ban was put in place earlier too. However, it was done by bringing in an ordinance and later passing it in the parliament," Chandy said.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that though Narendra Modi knew about the list of 900 people who have amassed large fortunes he was not ready to reveal their names or to take action against them. Though the prime minister claims that his aim was to kill black money he was not ready to take any action against the rich. It is the common man who suffers, he said.
Currency ban has only helped in destabilising the economy and to bring misery to people. About 84% of the money in circulation was made illegal, how is the Union government going to fulfil the needs of 133 crore people of the country, he asked.
Former chief minister V S Achuthanandan wanted the BJP to be banished from the state for conspiring against the cooperative banks. He said the party's political interests led to the present crisis.
Suresh Kurup of the CPM criticised the RBI for imposing restrictions on withdrawals adding that it was a shame that people who want money for the wedding of their daughters and sons will have to produce a certificate from additional district magistrate and wedding invitation as a proof.