Black money stalemate: If Modi government gives the promised Rs 15 lakhs, what’d you do?

By Shilpika Srivastava

Last year's Lok Sabha election campaigns had witnessed amazing election promises made by various political parties and politicians. On one hand, Andhra Pradesh based Lok Satta Party promised to nationalize the sale of liquor, while MDMK, a BJP ally in Tamil Nadu, guaranteed to rename the country as "United States of India" to put emphasis on the federal structure. However, amid all the unique and weird promises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ignited a hope in the hearts of 1.252 billion of Indians by promising Rs 15 lakhs to be transferred in their bank accounts by recovering black money within 100 days.

The 100 days swiftly passed away and Pradhan Mantriji even travelled abroad on janta's hard-earned money. Soon, Bhartiya Janta Party president Amit Shah declared Modi's promise as a chunavi jumla (idiomatic expression).

As Sheldon Cooper, a character from famous American sitcom Big Bang Theory, says, "Once again, you've fallen for one of my classic pranks. BAZINGA," similarly, Modi tricked billions of Indians by his empty promises.

Gradually, the moment of truth struck the blind followers who ended up trolling Modi heavily on social media channels. Prime Minister received major heartburns when the followers asked him directly 'Where is my Rs 15 lakhs?' on Twitter.

While the followers are still hoping for the 'best,' NewsGram asked people what will they do if they get 15 lakhs in their bank accounts as promised by our very own Modiji.

Rohan, who was on a shopping spree in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar, told us, "I would keep those 15 lakhs with myself and would buy a house."

Mohammad Iqbal, a tailor, said that he will invest it in a business and will open a clothing shop. "I will expand my business and would also increase the wages of my employees," he added.

On the other hand, Zakir, a shoe shop salesman, has lost all the hopes that Narendra Modi will even fulfill his election promise. "Let the money come first. I see no hope of Rs 15 lakhs coming in our accounts," told Zakir.

In the world of greed and insatiability, there are still a few people who want to contribute towards the improvement of the Indian society."I want to do something for senior citizens. I will open an old-age home once I get the money," told Ramesh Pradhan, a second-hand bookstore owner in Lajpat Nagar, to NewsGram.

Indeed, there were few who found the promise humorous. "I will quit work and spend my lifetime with those Rs 15 lakhs," laughingly told Janardan, a rickshaw-puller.

Well, we can still digest the fact that Modi's 'Rs 15-lakh promise' is a chunavi jumla, but what about crores of black money stashed away in foreign banks? Where are those Acche Din (good days) that you promised, Mr. PM?