Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Nov 27: "The nation is moving towards economic bankruptcy as a consequence of demonetisation. Modi has made the poor and farmers suffer. Time has come now to ask whether we are under democracy or dictatorship,” said Dinesh Gundu Rao, the working president of KPCC.

He was addressing 'Yuva Milan' and a protest rally against the union government over demonetisation, organised by Youth Congress units of Mangaluru Assembly constituency and Ullal town.

"The rich people have their money abroad. Only the daily labourers, farmers and poor people who had saved for weddings and other necessary things, have lost money. They will be on streets soon. Modi government is responsible for this. Even traders do not have cash now. Eight lac people have lost employment this year. Why were sufficient currency notes not printed in advance? The Prime Minister is busy travelling to foreign countries. Why he is not speaking in the Parliament? Congress too had seized black money worth crores of rupees. But we did not seek publicity,” Gundu Rao added.

"Modi cheated people in the name of cow protection. But India reached no 1 spot in meat exports after BJP came to power. BJP does not talk about this because their MPs are involved in meat export. So far 70 people have lost lives because of demonetisation. Small businesses are going to close down soon which will benefit the big companies. Banks have made losses of around Rs 5,000 crore so far. About 30% of the population relies on cash transactions for business. How can they be told to do cashless business and go to bank all of a sudden? Modi does not have concern for the poor. Nation cannot prosper under him," he lashed out.

Mangaluru MLA and minister U T Khader said, "Modi does not cry because the 70 people who died because of demonetisation are not his friends, but the poor people. Ullal region should show the whole state that Congress is strong throughout Karnataka."

State Women's Congress president Lakshmi Hebbalkar said, "BJP is trying to make Ullal a communally sensitive area to gain votes. Congress with a strong and long history need not learn from BJP about governance. Common people cannot be forced to buy essentials using debit and credit cards. Modi is enjoying life by wearing expensive suits. People should understand that they make jokes on Rahul Gandhi and fool people."

District Youth Congress president Mithun Rai said, "Only the poor are standing in queues, and not the thieves, crooks, con artistes and right-wing fundamentalists. These people are busy sending money abroad. Modi lied about his wife during elections and now he made his mother stand in queue for money. No woman can expect safety under Modi's regime."

Ullal block Congress president Ishwar Ullal, district Women's Congress president Shalet Pinto and others were present in the rally.