Modi's announcements boon to middle class, poor, says BJP

Chennai: Though there had been an element of surprise and apprehension as well, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented address to the nation on New Year's eve, the BJP here feels that the speech that followed the demonetisation will accrue benefits to the poor, neo middle class and the middle class.

“His announcements for the middle and lower-income-class Indians offering interest rate rebates of 4 per cent and 3 per cent for housing loans up to Rs 9 lakh and Rs 12 lakh respectively under the PM Awas Yojana, is a big boon. Now families which thitherto could not even imagine of a house of their own, can now hope to construct one,” a BJP senior said.

Although a majority expected  Modi to announce measures to banish the hardships faced due to the cap on withdrawal at the ATMs or banks, no glad tidings had followed when he addressed on Saturday. His speech, nevertheless had been an attention grabber and almost drained the spirit of those all geared up with their New Year revelry.

“Of course, there had been a surprise element when Mr  Modi spoke and many of us expected him to make historical announcements as he did on Nov.8. But after the initial suspense he made vital announcements for the agriculture sector, for pregnant women as well as senior citizens. He has unveiled his plans to help the neglected sections. He is bound to make life easy for the poor and salaried class,” another BJP leader said.

On the issue of black money, he claimed once the parallel economy created by black money was chocked, thanks to demonetisation, people would now automatically experience a qualitatively better life. This is the first time since Independence that a PM has chosen to address the nation on New Year’s eve.