New Delhi, November 5: The Congress is set to observe "black day" on November 8 to mark the second anniversary of demonetisation - the shock drive implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 which turned the then existing currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 into non-legal tender.
An All India Congress Committee (AICC) functionary, while speaking to reporters, said the party is gearing up to target the Narendra Modi government on its "economic failures" on November 8. 99% Banned Notes Returned, Circulation of Currency More Than Before: RBI.
A rally of Congress cadres, which could be supported by other Opposition parties as well, will be taken out in the national capital by party president Rahul Gandhi.
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh or ex-finance minister P Chidambaram could be fielded by the party to address a press conference highlighting the alleged mismanagement of the economy over the past 4 years.
The party's strategy to corner BJP-led regime is based on the purported failure to achieve the three key objectives of demonetisation - curbing black money, curbing terror funding and reducing fake currency in circulation.
According to senior Congress MP Anand Sharma, the party would be asking the people to recall how they were forced to stand in serpentine queues and restrict their expenditure for a "reckless drive". Over 150 died while standing in queues, whereas, dozens committed suicide, Sharma recalled, adding that necessary services like hospitals were also brought to a standstill. "Will the Prime Minister explain why he demonetised the currency," Sharma asked.
A "black day" was observed by the Congress last year as well, on the first anniversary of demonetisation. The BJP had then countered the Opposition's campaign, by celebrating the date as "anti-black money day".
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 05, 2018 11:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).