BJD to stage state-wide stir protesting against cash crunch in ATMs

Bhubaneswar: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD)on Friday blamed the Centre for ATMs running out of cash across the country and decided to resort to agitation on Saturday.

Former Minister Sanjay Das Burma said the party workers will stage a silent protest in front of all the nationalised banks, including the RBI regional office here for two hours between 10 am to 12 noon.

However, the bank activities would not be affected following the protest, said Das Burma.

The cash crunch has affected people from all walks of life in the State, including farmers, students and women in the state, added the BJD leader.

Das Burma said people no longer trusted the Union Government’s claim of adequate cash in ATMs.

On the other hand, state unit BJP vice-president Sameer Mohanty said the ruling BJD is trying to politicise the issue and spreading panic among the people.

ATMs in several cities across the country, operated by both State-run and private banks, are reportedly running dry since last 15 days. The problem seems to have affected ATMs in cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.