TNN | Updated: Dec 11, 2016, 07.24 AM IST
GANDHINAGAR: In his first address at 'Shree Kamalam' after becoming the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi told assembled state BJP functionaries on Saturday, that he wanted them to turn Gujarat into a model state in adopting digital financial transactions. "I wish," said the PM, "Gujarat, which has given the country a great development model, also becomes the role model in adopting Aadhaar and mobile-based banking." The PM's visit ahead of state assembly elections was attended by over 1,000 BJP workers.
All state BJP functionaries including CM Vijay Rupani, deputy CM Nitin Patel, ministers, state BJP president Jitu Vaghani, all MPs and MLAs of the party in state, district BJP office bearers, as well as chairmen of different government corporation boards attended the meeting.
In his brief speech at the state BJP headquarters in Koba, Gandhinagar, Modi also congratulated BJP state party workers and office bearers for their victory in elections of local bodies at a time when the opposition was loud in criticizing demonetization.
Modi said, "Though the by-elections in the local bodies was a not a key affair, but after 8/11 (post demonetization) Gujarat BJP's victory in elections of local bodies has spurred national debate. We also won in elections of local bodies in Rajasthan and Maharashtra."
He advised Gujarat BJP to work cautiously in the upcoming statewide panchayat elections and in 2017 assembly elections, without becoming overconfident due to the recent results.
Rationalizing demonetization, the PM said, "Official data showed that two-third of Rs1,000 notes go out of circulation and remain stashed in lockers."
"Only one-third of Rs1,000 notes were in circulation," said Modi, adding, "Crores of rupees were parked without productive use.""As oversupply of potatoes or tomatoes in the market brings down their value, so oversupply of currency led to devaluation of the rupee," Modi said.
Speaking about tackling the after effects of demonetization, Modi said, "There is great need for raising Aadhaar card and mobile banking awareness in the country, now after demonetization."
Modi said, "I appeal to all MPs and MLAs to go among the masses and train them in digital financial transactions. If people can learn to use WhatsApp or other mobile apps, they can also learn digital banking given a chance."