CPI (ML) organized a campaign in Mumbai to gather people’s opinion on demonetization. This survey was conducted in Mira Road, Matunga, workers’ colonies in Grant Road, Sandhurst Road and a slum area in Vile Parle. The question asked in this campaign was ‘Do you think that due to demonetization, common people suffered more than those with black money?’ 78% said that common people suffered more than those with black money. 19% said they didn’t suffer, or if they did, it was necessary in the interest of the country. 3% people weren’t sure about what to say.
The 78% people, who said that common working people suffered more than those who have black money, were mostly working people.
19% said that common people didn’t suffer due to demonetization and even if they did, it was in the interest of the country. In order to support their statement they mentioned that several people had to throw bags full of money. They’d watched that on TV. When asked how much black money was recovered so far, they said that it didn’t matter. At least, some black money was recovered. When told that 97% of the money was already deposited by 30th December and NRIs still have to deposit their money, in this situation how much black money they think can be recovered, they insisted that the data we presented to them wasn’t correct and a lot of black money was recovered. Most of the people, who argued in favour of demonetization were college students.
3% people claimed that they couldn’t say anything in this regard. Most of these people were either students or housewives. Most of the housewives were hesitant to share their opinion. But at some places, like Mira Road, women openly voted against demonetization.
This campaign was concluded by organizing a discussion on demonetization on 28th January. A report of the campaign and observations were present at the program. The act of demonetization was connected with institutional murder and institutional oppression and Rohith Vemula, Deeka Kumari from Bihar and Najeeb were also remembered. After this, Comrade Ajit Patil spoke about demonetization, followed by a question answer session. The program was concluded by a play named ‘Honge Hum Azad Ek Din’ directed by R S Vikal.
