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December 8, 2016

Demonetisation: A timeline

On Wednesday, November 8, 2016 the Prime Minister declared the imposition of the policy of demonetisation all over India from that day on wards. It meant that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes were being made defunct, and had to be replaced and/or deposited into bank accounts. Trinamool Congress Chairperson and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the first politician to protest against this draconian measure, and realise the far-reaching measure that this measure would have had.

In a series of tweets on the night of November 8, about an hour after the Prime Minister’s speech, she let out her apprehensions and frustrations against the Central Government, on demonetisation. Today completes a month since the measure was announced. Here is a timeline of the events involving Trinamool Congress’ protest against demonetisation.

NOVEMBER 8

Mamata Banerjee tweets, on demonetisation having brought financial chaos and disaster.

While I’m strongly against black money, corruption, deeply concerned about common people, small traders. How they will buy essentials tomorrow?
This is a financial chaos and disaster let loose on the common people of India.
The PM could not get back the promised black money from abroad from the rich so a drama to divert his failure.
I want to know from PM how my poorest brothers sisters, who’ve received their week’s hard earned wages in one Rs 500 note will buy ata, chal, tomorrow?
Heartless and ill-conceived blow on the common people and the middle class in the fake name of anti-corruption.
Rs 100 notes not available in banks. Without availability in market how will people, small farmers, all employees, labourers purchase essentials.

NOVEMBER 9

Mamata Banerjee tweets, demanding withdrawal of this draconian decision and first deciding on a plan of action

Please save people from this disaster. Roads are closed, markets shut, patients not being admitted to private hospitals, millions affected.
Chaos everywhere. This is like an all-India unannounced strike. Those who hoard large amounts of black money will be protected.
The poorest of the poor and middle class are crying. I once more appeal to the Govt to withdraw this hasty decision.
First do a plan of action and only then do proper implementation. This is a complete disaster.
May I once again humbly request the Govt. to prepare a proper action plan. The implementation of this will help the common citizens.
And the poor who need protection. I am from the grassroots. I have met people all day, heard their stories and felt their pain.
Black money hoarders and the corrupt need to be punished, but why put the burden on commoners and the poor.

NOVEMBER 10

Mamata Banerjee tweets, calling on Opposition parties to fight against demonetisation:

I enquired from all sections of society about present financial chaos. The feeling is that black money was to b brought back from outside.
As per the electoral assurance. But now the government has made the common people feel helpless and penniless. Is it right?
There are millions of real stories across cities, towns, villages about #NoteBan affecting the marginalised.
Here is only one example. Tea garden owners have expressed difficulty to pay wages on time.
This could lead to frustration among poor workers, most of whom are tribals. Desperation? Starvation?
May I appeal to all political parties in the Opposition to work together boldly against the anti-poor govt at the Centre.
Let us fight this political & financial anarchy together. We will be with you all.

NOVEMBER 12

Mamata Banerjee tweets, describing demonetisation as a “big black scandal”

This has turned out to be a ‘big black scandal’. Hardship for the common citizens and full advantage to the money launderers.
I have said this before, but given the way the young, old and everyone is suffering let me again appeal to the Central government.
Withdraw this ‘black’ political decision which is anti-commoner. Markets across India ruined, purchasing power crashing, people pained.
Visited many public/private sector banks, 50 ATMs in Kolkata. People complaining. No 100/50 Rs. After hours in q people only receive a 2000 note.
How will they use this one 2000 note for all daily needs? Total chaos, anger. Students, housewives, traders, senior citizens.
Employees, small shop owners, self-employed. Are these black money hoarders? Are they hawala operators? Commoners worst hit by hasty decision.
Getting worse every hour. Withdraw this draconian decision in the public interest. Take strong action against black money launderers.
50/100 Rs short supply.Take strong action against those really corrupt. Do not harass the commoner. The public tension is understandable.
Just met members of Sikh comunity at function before Guru Nanakji birthday. In all the joy of the occasion, people tense, complaining, worried.
“Bhuka mein martein hain. Transport aur sub business down hain”, they said. Transport is lifeline of nation. So sharing with you.

Mamata Banerjee pens poem against demonetisation.

Mamata Banerjee calls press conference to protest against demonetisation.

NOVEMBER 13

Mamata Banerjee speaks to the President of India on the issue of demonetisation.

Mamata Banerjee tweets on speaking with political leaders regarding a joint movement against demonetisation:

This is not an ego battle. I humbly appeal again to the Govt at the Centre. Save the common people from more suffering, and the country.
From financial catastrophe, by withdrawing this hasty decision. First please put a proper action plan in place. Breathing space for people.
Today I spoke with several political leaders regarding a joint movement and to meet Rashtrapati Ji together.
Let us all fight this together to give relief to common citizens, the poor and stop this financial anarchy.

NOVEMBER 14

Mamata Banerjee tweets, describing the Prime Minister’s description of the poor “sleeping peacefully” during a speech as an insult to them:

The PM in his speech had said the poor are sleeping peacefully. This is an insult to commoners and in bad taste.
My humble suggestion is not to hit the common people like this.
While common people have been victimised & crushed under weight of ‘demonetisation’, many economists now predicting onset of recession.
This will be a killer for the common people. Already a staggering Rs 1.5 lakh crore of GDP has been lost to the economy in only six days.
Thousands of trucks carrying vegetables & other essential products are stuck at different state borders because they cannot pay toll tax.
Waiting for three days. To save farmers and commoners, perishable vegetables should not be allowed to spoil.
Bengal government has decided not to impose any agricultural tax on movement of trucks for next three days.
Thousands of trucks all over the country carrying essential goods and perishables facing huge cash shortage crisis.
This issue will become even more serious over next few days and push essential prices up beyond control. Quick action needed.

NOVEMBER 15

Mamata Banerjee tweets, slamming the Centre for “black mechanism” with indelible ink:

Desperate attempt to start a ‘black mechanism’ with indelible ink shows this govt distrusts the common people.
Also, there are by-elections on Nov 19. What will the EC say about this decision to put indelible on prospective voters?
Old Rs 500/1000 notes allowed in railways, petrol pumps. NHAI exempted. But no exemption for state sector agriculture, co-operatives.
No exemption for patients in private hospitals, nursing homes or for non-prescription medicines. Why this discrimination?
The situation is serious. Very grim. People are suffering. We will meet the Hon. President tomorrow, no matter what.

At the all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Trinamool asks for withdrawal of the draconian decision of demonetisation.

NOVEMBER 16

Trinamool MPs protest against demonetisation outside Parliament.

Delegation of opposition parties meets the President. Mamata Banerjee submits memorandum to the President.

Mamata Banerjee tweets on her meeting the President, and calling for restoration of normalcy for the common man:

Today we met the Honorable President of India. There were other parties with us. We told him about the suffering of the people.
We urge Hon’ble President to take up the cause of the suffering people with the Central Govt. To prevent a constitutional crisis and anarchy.
Please save the people. If normalcy is not restored there will be a calamity. More deaths. Starvation. Will this lead to an epidemic?

NOVEMBER 17

Mamata Banerjee tweets, giving a three-day deadline for the withdrawal of the decision of demonetisation:

Three-day deadline to withdraw this #DeMonetisation Financial emergency, people suffering. Dying. Enough is enough.

Trinamool MPs protest against demonetisation outside Parliament.

Mamata Banerjee gives speech at Azadpur Market in New Delhi, giving the Centre a three-day deadline for the withdrawal of the decision of demonetisation.

In the Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien demands voting after discussion on the issue of demonetisation.

In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay moves Adjournment Motion on the issue of demonetisation.

NOVEMBER 18

Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra says demonetisation is causing a loss of Rs 25,000 crore of GDP per day.

Derek O’Brien, in an interview, says demonetisation has gone beyond the stage of inconvenience.

Mamata Banerjee tweets, offering “concrete suggestions” to restore normalcy:

We are looking for a solution. I have some concrete suggestions which will help restore normalcy & help all people who are suffering.
Govt should allow old Rs 500 notes to remain in circulation along with new notes. Also, Rs 100/50/10 notes must be made easily available.
Rs 1000 notes may be withdrawn when circulation improves by December 30. Or at your discretion.
No need for anymore faltu, action-less announcements. Sometimes blunders lead to more blunders.
Now note exchange stopped for a day. Yet another whimsical decision. Govt must explain. Is there currency shortage? Financial emergency.
In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay demands discussion under Rule 56 to censure government on demonetisation.

NOVEMBER 19

Mamata Banerjee visits the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) office in Kolkata to take stock of the situation following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, and then goes to Asia’s biggest market, Burrabazar, in central Kolkata, where she interacts with the people and reviews the situation first-hand.

Mamata Banerjee tweets on her visits to the RBI and to Burrabazar:

People cannot access their savings account. This is being restricted. Is their money safe? The country wants to know.
The whole of rural India is crying, farmers are crying. If food is not available what will the common people eat? Plastic?
My heart goes out to bank employees/officers. All under severe stress. Sadly, victims of circumstance. Also, condolences to bereaved families.
Paid surprise visit to Asia’s biggest market, Burrabazar. Listened to problems of hawkers, traders, mazdoors, shopkeepers, commoners.
All expressed deep anguish.
All caste, community, creed spoke about their big problems they are facing. Belonging to all States, especially UP, Bihar, Punjab.
They are saying, last 10 days, everything is down to almost zero. Very sad situation.
I went to Burrabazar market today to listen to the people.
All caste community creed spoke about their big problems they are facing. Belonging to all States especially UP, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan.

NOVEMBER 20

Mamata Banerjee tweets, saying the Prime Minister equates corruption with anyone who opposes his policy:

Pradhan Mantri ji, you are equating corruption with anyone who opposes your policy. Are you the only magician?
Listen to the voice of the people. Feel their pain. People will not forgive you for this. They are suffering.

NOVEMBER 21

Mamata Banerjee pens another poem to protest against the draconian decision.

Mamata Banerjee tweets about the lives lost due the effect of demonetisation:

More sad news. A farmer Shibu Nandi commits suicide in Kalna, Burdwan, Bengal.
He alleges because of Demonetisation he couldn’t pay wages to labour. Farmer was a tribal.
68 lives lost due to #Demonetisation. Every life is precious. Here is a list of the deceased (State/Name/Cause)

Trinamool MPs protest against ‘financial emergency’ in Parliament.

Mamata Banerjee asks the Centre to catch the cheaters and black money hoarders but spare the common people.

NOVEMBER 22

Mamata Banerjee tweets, asking everyone to join the protest against demonetisation:

We appeal to NGOs, charitable organisations, political parties, student groups, civil society representatives & others to join #DeMonetisation.
Organise your own protests against this financial emergency. Protest. Protest. Protest.

NOVEMBER 23

Opposition parties stage dharna outside Parliament to protest against demonetisation.

Trinamool organises a dharna against demonetisation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Mamata Banerjee addresses the rally, saying the “country is not in safe hands under Modi”.

Rallies against demonetisation held across Bengal.

Trinamool Congress tweets, saying the agriculture sectr has been totally damaged due to demonetisation:

Agri sector is totally damaged, the govt has shut down those who sow the seeds & reap the crops. Old currency is allowed in railways, civil aviation, central govt banks, but not in state cooperative banks on which the farmers depend

In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay demands a discussion on demonetisation under Rule 56.

NOVEMBER 24

Mamata Banerjee says that “it is the policy of this Government to divide and rule”.

Mamata Banerjee tweets, saying “the hasty, ill-conceived decision is becoming a bigger blunder day by day”:

Nothing for the agricultural, co-operative, unorganized sector. Nothing for the states, only central sector. Extend use of 500 rupee notes.
The hasty, ill-conceived decision is becoming a bigger blunder day by day. Only these interim small changes will not work.
They are not the solution. Vast sections of society have been totally left out because of your dangerous policy.

Thousands join Trinamool rally against demonetisation in Kolkata.

Trinamool takes out rallies in all districts against demonetisation.

In the Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien gives a speech on demonetisation.

NOVEMBER 25

Mamata Banerjee meets the President again, highlights people’s woes.

11.35 am
Mamata Banerjee tweets, saying Rs 1.28 lakh crore has been lost forever due to ‘note-ban’, according to CMIE:

Shocking that Rs 1.28 lakh crore have been lost forever due to ‘note-ban’ only in transactions in the country, says CMIE, top research body.
World famous Moody’s says ‘note ban will badly disrupt economic activity’.
Common people are suffering miserably while Modi Ji is relaxing and spreading lies.

2:30 pm
Mamata Banerjee tweets, saying the Prime Minister has lost all credibility:

Modi Ji has lost all credibility. A bad politician and even a worse administrator. He is lying. All Opposition is united, and you are divided.

7:46 pm

Mamata Banerjee tweets, saying Trinamool does not support calling bandh over the issue of demonetisation:

In Delhi at the meeting of Opposition parties, a Bandh was never discussed or agreed to. We do not support any Bandh.
People are suffering so I appeal to all to help citizens and stand by them at this hour of crisis.

Trinamool takes up protest programme across Bengal against demonetisation.

In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay demands an apology from Prime Minister.

NOVEMBER 27

Mamata Banerjee tweets, saying the Prime Minister has “finished India’s economy and growth”:

Mann Ki Baat has now become Modi Ki Baat. Misusing government machinery.
Instead of finding solutions to the suffering and pain of millions of people he is doing personal vendetta, personal publicity and business.
Modi Ji, you have finished India’s economy and growth.
We don’t trust you or your mismatched wrong technology which you are advertising for.
We want technology and progress. But no section of society is to be left out and tortured while doing this.
The women of our country will give you a befitting reply.
They are the mother of India. They are the mother of all, Mr Today’s PM.

NOVEMBER 28

Mamata Banerjee says in a speech, “Our slogan will be to remove Narendra Modi from power”.

Mamata Banerjee accuses the Prime Minister of misusing the Government machinery for personal vendetta.

Trinamool Congress stages protest inside the Parliament comples against the ill-effects of demonetisation.

In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay Sudip Bandyopadhyay demands the adoption of Adjournment Motion to enable discussion on demonetisation.

NOVEMBER 29

Mamata Banerjee addresses a joint rally with Opposition parties in Lucknow – “Modi started note-bandi, people will respond with vote-bandi”.

2:45 pm
Mamata Banerjee tweets, thanking the crowd at her Lucknow rally:

Thank you Lucknow & Uttar Pradesh. Thank you Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi party and thanks to women of UP for your presence in large numbers.
We are taking this people’s movement to Patna tomorrow at Gardani Bagh Dharnasthal, 1 PM Nov 30.

5:03 pm
Mamata Banerjee tweets, criticising the Centre’s decision for asking for account details for only the last three weeks, and not for the two-and-a-half years, since when the NDA Governemnt has been in power:

Why only account details from Nov 8? Just 3 weeks. Why not last 2 1/2 years all details ? PM Ji you think you alone are intelligent and the rest are … ??? After your 21 days of note bandi, the whole country is ghar bandi , so why this farce ?
In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay demands that the Taxation Amendment Bill and the discussion on demonetisation be clubbed

In the Lok Sabha, Saugata Roy demands full-fledged discussion on Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016.

NOVEMBER 30

Mamata Banerjee addresses a joint rally with Opposition parties in Patna – “We will continue our protests for the rights of the people”.

2.49 pm
Mamata Banerjee tweets, saying reports coming in from different parts that notes are not available:

Reports are coming in from different parts of the country, including Bengal, that currency notes are not available.
The salaried class people are not getting their own money from banks for their livelihood.
If those in organised sector are facing these serious problems, you can imagine how grim the situation is in the unorganised sector.
Even RBI has not given many State Govts critically necessary funds despite announcements & promises.

In the Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien demands the presence of the Prime Minister in the House during the debate on demonetisation.

In the Rajya Sabha, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy demands an obituary reference for the people who have died due to the policy of demonetisation as well as for the jawans who have dies in recent days at the Indo-Pak border in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay demands discussion on demonetisation to start in Lok Sabha, followed by voting.

In the Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien later demands the Prime Minister withdraws his remarks on the Opposition outside Parliament before the debate on demonetisation can begin.

DECEMBER 1

Mamata Banerjee tweets about the discrimination in the disbursement of currency notes between States:

Rs 500/Rs 100 & smaller currency notes not seen in Bengal and many parts of the country. They have become a rare commodity.
Let RBI release all figures as to which State is getting which currency.
There is total discrimination in disbursement of cash between States.
These figures need to be released. Totally no planning & biased.

In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay demands that the discussion on demonetisation be taken up along with voting.

In an interview, Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra slams note ban

Mamata Banerjee stays overnight at the secretariat, in protest against the Army being posted at a toll plaza in front of Nabanna and in toll plazas all across the State as well.

DECEMBER 2

5:08 PM
Mamata Banerjee tweets, mentioning more deaths due to demonetisation:

Rabin Mukherjee from Maslandpur (Habra), 72 year old, former central govt employee and a pensioner collapsed today in bank queue.
My condolences to his family. 82 lives have been lost till now. How many more lives will be lost for Modi babu?

6:08 PM
Mamata Banerjee tweets about more loss of lives:

After Rabin Mukherji, yet another loss of life today in our state.
Biswadeb Naskar,retd primary school teacher of Raidighi,S 24 Pgns collapsed while standing in queue to withdraw pension from bank & died.
My deep condolence to the bereaved family. 84 deaths. How many more Modi Babu wants?

6:16 PM

Mamata Banerjee tweets about lack of supply of notes and the conditions in the tea gardens:

Still no supply of Rs 500 from RBI. Only 500 ATMs in Bengal re-calibrated for Rs500. Long queues continuing, but people not getting money.
Pitiable condition in tea gardens. Of 287 tea gardens 119 have not received wages since Oct 29 affecting 2.5 lakh tea workers.
Our cooperative sector suffers as there is a gap of Rs 1261 crore which RBI has not yet given.
To protest against demonetisation, Trinamool stages dharna outside the Tea Board office in Kolkata.

In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay speaks on the deployment of Army in parts of Bengal without the knowledge of the State Government.

In the Rajya Sabha, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy speaks on the same issue.

In the Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien raises a Point of Order on the Defence Ministry’s placing of selective documents regarding the deployment of Army at toll plazas across Bengal.

DECEMBER 3

3:03 PM
Mamata Banerjee tweets about another unfortunate death:

Unfortunate death toll continues… This morning Kallol Roy Chowdhury collapsed and died in front of SBI ATM at Bandel station.
My condolences to the bereaved family. Is Modi babu listening?

9:12 PM
Mamata Banerjee tweets:

How many more Modi Babu?

DECEMBER 5

State Ministers visit various markets to take stock of demonetisation effect on traders.

In the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay demands to know why the Government is not ready for discussion with voting on demonetisation.

During gives a fiery speech against demonetisation in the Bengal Assembly, Mamata Banerjee says, “Demonetisation is a big scam”.

Mamata Banerjee, during an interview, says about her leading the country-wide protests against demonetisation, “Whenever I start a movement, there is criticism, I am used to it”.

DECEMBER 7

Mamata Banerjee tweets:

How many more lives will be lost for Modi babu?

In the Rajya Sabha, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy raises a Point of Order on a BJP leader from Bengal being caught with money and arms.