Pune: Members of various farmers’ groups, social organisations and political leaders held a massive protest near the collector’s office on Wednesday, marking the first anniversary of demonetisation. People carrying placards, wearing black bands, and raising slogans against BJP were seen outside the collector’s office. The two-hour protest, which started at around 11 am, ended with former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar handing over a copy of their demands to the collector.
Over 1,000 protestors, including supporters of NCP, raised slogans like ‘Halla Bol (Raise Your Voice)’, ‘Aatli Batli Khackan Phootli’ and others. The area near the collector’s office was filled with flags of NCP.
Speaking during the protest, Pawar said that demonetisation has affected the Indian economy badly. “Measures like demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Services Tax has crippled the economy. Several people have lost their jobs and no new jobs were created in the last one year. Moreover, the government is trying to cheat people by showing false advertisements, as can be seen in recent media reports. The government is falsely claiming that demonetisation has helped to reduce terrorism,” added Pawar.
The former deputy chief minister claimed that the government has failed to address the issue of loan waiver for farmers and other problems for farmers. “The unorganised labour sector was affected most by demonetisation,” he added.
Homage was paid by keeping a minute’s silence by the protestors. “The government does not feel ashamed while celebrating the completion of one year of demonetisation, where many people died while standing in queues post the exercise,” added Pawar.
Speaking on the development work in Pune, Pawar said that the government has just made promises to people, but there is no implementation of policies on the ground.
“It was our government which made bridges in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The new collectorate building was built when our government was in power and so, people can trust the quality steps we take. Our campaign ‘Selfie with potholes’, started by Baramati MP Supriya Sule got a massive response, which reflects the condition of roads in the State,” he added.
Farmers’ group Shetkari Aakrosh Kruti Samiti demanded successful implementation of loan waiver scheme, adequate electricity supply, Rs 5,000 pension for farmers above 50 years of age and others. Members of Hamari Apni Party, Social Democratic Party of India and other political parties were also present.
