Note ban not for vote bank, says Modi

Stresses on bringing clarity in political funding

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up the two-day BJP conclave, saying demonetisation was not a part of the BJP’s political agenda but “a hard decision necessary to fix the country’s ills”.

He also said he did not consider the poor as part of his vote bank.

The prime minister also stressed on bringing transparency in political funding, saying, “the BJP fully supports the idea”. Modi, who has been speaking on the need for electoral reforms in the country, said the BJP would play a proactive role in this regard.

“We do not see it (fighting poverty) through the lens of vote bank and we must not. For us, poor and poverty are not just about winning polls, it’s an opportunity to serve.”

Modi’s remark came a day after party chief Amit Shah said at the conclave that “the Opposition is frustrated by the fact that the support of the poor, which for historical reasons was with some other parties, has now shifted to the BJP and Modi.”

Modi’s address to BJP leaders from all over the country came after the party’s executive endorsed his government’s demonetisation decision that shook the country.
Addressing the two-day national executive meet, Modi said, “Our commitment is to change quality of life of poor. Demonetisation is part of long term measures against corruption and black money.”

The prime minister saluted what he called the inner strength of the poor who responded to his appeal, “in spite of some difficulties and voluntarily supported demonetisation”. Flayed by those opposing demonetisation, Modi said, “Some people worry about lifestyle but our priority is to make quality of life better for the poor and underprivileged. The move to demonetise higher value currency is a part of the long term measures against corruption and black money in the country.”