Those opposing demonetisation anti-national: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

The main opposition party, Congress, criticised Fadnavis over his remarks and demanded the state election commission take action against him for showing disrespect to democracy

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis kicked up a new controversy by calling those opposing the Centre’s demonetization policy “anti-national”.

Congress demanded the state election commission take action against chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for showing disrespect to democracy. (HT File Photo)

Addressing an election rally at Ratnagiri in coastal Maharashtra, Fadnavis on Sunday said, “All of us must stand behind Modiji in this 50-day long battle against black money….Those who don’t support this are anti-national.”

The main opposition party, Congress, criticised Fadnavis over his remarks and demanded the state election commission take action against him for showing disrespect to democracy.

“People criticizing Modi are termed anti-national for the past two years, since the change of guard at the Centre. How can alking in favour of those dying in queues outside banks, talking about the enormous loss of manpower and losses suffered by the poor be anti-national? Why should there be an objection to criticism of failed governance and decisions taken without proper homework? The election commission should take action against the CM,” said party spokesperson Sachin Sawant.

Leader of opposition in the state Assembly and Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil demanded an offence of murder under section 302 of Indian Penal Code be registered against the government for deaths caused owing to demonetisation. “While in the Opposition, Fadnavis had demanded an FIR against the then government for farmer suicides. Going by the same logic, his government should now be booked for the deaths in bank queues,” he said.