West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said the demonetisation move by the Narendra Modi government has turned many into “fakirs” (beggars) and alleged that the Centre was ignoring people’s plight. “Realising the people’s difficulties, Venezuela withdrew the decision on demonetisation, but the Modi government doesn’t listen to anyone. It is a deaf and dumb government,” she told at a public meeting in Bankura district.

The Trinamool Congress chief also criticised the Centre for promoting digital economy, reported dna. “They are saying buy this app, buy this mobile. Don’t listen to them. Else you will become fakir”. She further accused the government of taking commission. “Money for the 100 days work should not be paid through Paytm in lieu of commission. From ATM to Paytm, govt must stop taking commission. Centre cannot dictate people where to keep their money.”

The chief minister took a dig at Modi when she said the prime minister who used to describe himself as a “chaiwala” before the Lok Sabha elections has now become a “crorepati”. “Before the polls he was a tea seller, now he has become the one who endorses Paytm,” The Hindu quoted Banerjee as saying.

The TMC chief accused the prime minister of not understanding the real situation. If demonetisation is beneficial for the common man, why are the shopkeepers, farmers and labourers suffering so much...I don’t know when the prime minister will realise this. By the time he does, there will be a disaster,” she added.