Opposition’s dilemma: How to cash in on public resentment

Even as Opposition parties see a perfect opportunity to cash in on the public inconveniences caused due to demonetization, to take on the government, there is visible disquiet within their ranks as, on how to raise the issue without being seen siding with black money hoarders.

After both Houses of Parliament finally adjourned for the day on Friday, several Congress, Left, and JD(U) leaders were seen hurdled in the corridor away from the prying eyes of media discussing the fall out of their attack on the government. The leaders were at pains to make out that unlike the Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, they were only against the mismanagement and the ill preparedness of the government to keep up with the demand of exchanged banned notes. The TMC and the AAP are demanding the complete roll back of the process.

A Congress leader said while it is a godsend opportunity to highlight bad execution of the demonetization, but there is a scare also that a message was also going around that they were also opposed to the objective of the scheme. A break to the Opposition unity had come early, when on the first day of Parliament, TMC, AAP, and the Shiv Sena were left alone to march to the Rashtarpati Bhawan. The Opposition MPs also say they were aware that the government was biding its time. The ministers are closely watching and waiting for things to improve. Therefore, over past two days, the Opposition parties deliberately didn’t question the demonetization policy, but focused the attack on PM’s silence and his absence from Parliament.

They are fearing that Modi will have something up his sleeve to handle public anger, with speculations already rife that there could be a cut in income tax rates .