Mumbai: Describing the Centre's decision to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination currency as "historic", Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to the people to not "panic".
The overnight announcement to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes had created flutter among commoners as they rushed to ATMs to procure Rs 100 notes, even as many remained clueless about the details of the development.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and banks are to remain shut on Wednesday and Thursday in the wake of the decision.
"The historic decision will help eliminate the hurdle of corruption and flow of black money. The common man need not panic as the money earned through legal means is safe," Fadnavis said in a statement issued in Mumbai.
He urged people to get the currency notes, discontinued by the government, replaced when the banks open on Friday.
"There is a time period given, so don't panic and crowd the ATMs and bank branches," he said.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision is revolutionary. There is no reason to panic. Let’s all together fight this war against corruption and black money," the CM said. He also asked people to continue with their daily routine.
