No need to show bravado on black money issue, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

He was responding to the discussion on the need to expedite the process of bringing back black money after opposition leaders — including SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, CPM’s Mohammad Salim and NCP’s Tariq Anwar — attacked Treasury Benches for allegedly making false electoral promises of bringing back black money within 100 days of taking charge. The tirade against the BJP also dwelt on the reported promise of getting Rs 15 lakh to the bank accounts of all citizens once black money is brought back.

“The question is not whether to give information or not but to give it when and how,” he said. “I admit that there is a weakness in law. If the black money stashed abroad has to come, how will it come? Even the SIT is worried about this,” Jaitley added.

“Some account holders have already withdrawn money…We do not have to look for bravado and adventurism. We are on right legal path. They will be punished and forced to bring money back in the country. If I make a hasty decision, I will not get any evidence and the account holders will have the last laugh,” Jaitley told the House, even as TMC and Congress MPs decided to stage a walkout.