Hinting at a jump in budget spending on infrastructure, BJP chief Amit Shah said that earlier governments used to allocate Rs 4-5 lakh crore to this sector due to poor collection of taxes. Now, after the demonetisation, government's tax collections are expected to rise manifold, which in turn will be utilised for benefit of the poor.
Shah, who addressed BJP's two-day national executive meeting in Delhi, termed demonetisation and army's surgical strike as the two historic decisions of the Modi government. The saffron party is expected to go all out in listing the benefits of these events in the coming elections to five states, which Shah said his party will win.
BJP felicitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for these two 'successes' as party's highest decision making body - parliamentary board – congratulated him on stage, while the other leaders gave a standing ovation.
After lauding the first ever surgical strike across the enemy lines which raised country's profile across the world, Shah spent considerable time explaining the demonetisation decision to the assembled party men. He said that the government had taken two and half years in preparation as it first opened jan dhan accounts, increased mobile phone penetration and other means so that people could easily shift to the less cash economy when the “strike” on blackmoney was carried.
The issue had caused concerns among the party leaders that the inconvenience caused to the people could adversely impact BJP's fortunes. However, Shah was emphatic that it was well-received by people despite 50 days of hardships. He quoted results of recent municipal elections in various states and some of the surveys which gave an indication that people were supportive of the decision.
HRD Minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar addressing a press conference quoting Shah said, “BJP chief said the party's relationship with the people changed after the demonetisation....Our government took the step not for temporary popularity but long term view of the society.”
“The poor have now turned towards Modi and BJP,” Javadekar said quoting Shah's speech.
“Shah said earlier said 4.10 lakh to 4.70 lakh crore rupees were spent on new developmental projects out of country's budget of 19 lakh crore. This was a low figure. But after the strike on blackmoney, shift towards less cash. The tax collections will rise, which will be used for the benefit of the poor,” Javadekar said.
Modi government is preparing to come out with a budget on Februray 1, which is expected to give relief to the poor, farmers and the middle class as a reward for going through the demonetisation exercise.
BJP's two strategic session is aimed at revving up the organisational structure, now particularly in view of the elections in five states. The party would pass political and economic resolutions hailing Modi government's contribution. Modi is expected to address the gathering on Saturday.
The BJP is now expected to push for simultaneous elections to state assemblies and Lok Sabha as Shah set up a panel to look into the issue.
