While there was no response to the call by the Congress to observe ‘Aakrosh Divas’ against demonetisation, in Dharwad on Monday, life remained unaffected in Belagavi.
The Congress workers took out a rally from Kadapa Maidan grounds in Dharwad to the Deputy Commissioner’s office and staged a protest. In a memorandum submitted to the authorities, they condemned the Union government’s move and termed it “an unwise decision”.
Demonetisation had landed the common people in trouble as the government had gone for it without preparation, they alleged. They shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Senior Congress leaders A. M. Hindasageri, H. V. Madalli, and Srinivas Mane, MLC, were present.
The BJP workers staged a counter-demonstration supporting the Union government. The workers gathered near the party’s district office termed it as a bold move to curb black money. The common people might face some trouble now, but it would help the nation in the future, they said. The Left parties too held a protest.
Confusion
In Belagavi, attendance in a few schools were affected owing to confusion among parents.
No rush
Educational institutions, banks, government offices, cinemas, and markets opened as usual. There was no hindrance in traffic.
Bus services were also not affected though the rush was less than normal at the city bus stand and central bus stand.
Some parents did not send their children to primary schools as they were not aware that Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram had clarified on Sunday evening that there was no holiday for schools and colleges on Monday.
A group of Congress leaders led by Karnataka Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee president Laxmi R. Hebbalkar and party city unit president Raju Sait staged a demonstration at Rani Channamma Circle.
They sported banners condemning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleging that BJP leaders had got new Rs.2,000 currency even before the announcement on demonetisation.
Lawyers’ support
Meanwhile, members of the Belagavi Bar Association led by its president S.S. Kivadsannavar welcomed demonetisation saying it was a major decision against black money.
A few BJP workers staged demonstrations in support of the Centre.
On Sunday evening, BJP workers led by the former MLA Abhay Patil had organised a motorbike rally in support of the Union government.
