BJP helping 'suited-booted' friends to convert black money into white, alleges Congress

The Opposition Congress on Saturday took on the Narendra Modi government over the 50 per cent jump in Indians deposits in Swiss bank, alleging the ruling regime of helping “suited-booted” friends to convert black money into white.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the Modi government of creating a “money laundering scam” through demonetisation.

“I would like to remind real, fake and shadow Finance Ministers of India, demonetisation was a money laundering scam that government created. This government has worked towards one goal of protecting its suited booted friends and ensure help to convert black money into white,” Chaturvedi said.

The attack from the Congress party came amid the reports of 50 per cent rise in the money parked by Indians in Swiss banks in 2017. The surge came despite Modi government’s big claims to clampdown the black money.

After the demonetisation, BJP president Amit Shah had claimed that the entire black money would come under the regulation of tax authorities. However, opposite to his claims, the suspected black money kept in Swiss banks increased by 50 per cent.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi reminds Modi of his 2014 promise as Indians' deposit in Swiss bank jumps

Not just Amit Shah, Modi during the election campaign in 2014 had also promised to bring back the black in 100 days if the BJP government came to power.

Earlier on Friday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi questioned the Modi government’s intentions on bringing back the black money and reminded the prime minister of his 2014 promise.

“2014, HE said: I will bring back all the “BLACK” money in Swiss Banks & put 15 Lakhs in each Indian bank A/C. 2016, HE said: Demonetisation will cure India of “BLACK” money. 2018, HE says: 50% jump in Swiss Bank deposits by Indians, is “WHITE” money. No “BLACK” in Swiss Banks!” the Gandhi scion had tweeted.