Note ban: Teary eyed Modi takes on rivals, says won't stop 'even if burnt alive'

Panaji/Belagavi/Baramati: Blending emotion with aggression, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mounted a counteroffensive against the opposition over demonetisation of high-value currency notes, promising more anti-graft measures in future "even if I am burned alive".

Taking the opposition, particularly Congress, head on for targeting his government over demonetisation, Modi said those involved in mega scams were now standing in queues to exchange Rs 4000.

"They thought if they pull my hair, I will stop and do nothing. I will not be cowed down. I will not stop doing these things, even if you burn me alive," Modi said addressing a function in Panaji, turning emotional and aggressive in turn.

Making an emotional but combative speech, he said he was ready to face the consequences of his moves as certain forces were "up against me" because their "70 years of loot" was in trouble as a result of demonetisation.

"I know that (some) forces are up against me, they may not let me live, they may ruin me because their loot of 70 years is in trouble, but I am prepared," Modi said.

His lips trembled and there were long pauses when, fighting back tears, he said, "My dear countrymen, I gave up everything...my home, my family. I gave up everything I had for this country."

Under unrelenting opposition attack over demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes and the misery it has brought for the common people, Modi said,"This government does not want to bother honest people but doesn't want to spare the dishonest. Bear with me for 50 days. Has India been looted or not? ..... I am not going to stop at this. I will expose the history of corruption of 70 years since Independence."

The Prime Minister declared the war against corruption will not end with the current demonetisation exercise and that he would now target those owning benami properties.

"This (demonetisation) is not an end. I have more projects in mind to make India corruption-free. .... We will take action against 'benami' property. This is major step to eradicate corruption and black money ... If any money that was looted in India and has left Indian shores, it is our duty to find out about it," he said addressing functions in Panaji, Belagavi in Karnataka and Baramati in Maharashtra.

Apparently targeting Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, one of the most vocal critics of his demonetisation exercise who vented his anger against the government action after exchanging money at a bank recently, Modi said, "Those who were involved in the coal scam, 2G scam and other scams, now have to stand in queues to exchange Rs 4000."

"When Congress banned 25 paise, did we say anything? You could dare to stop only 25 paise, that's what your power was limited to. But you did not make higher denomination currency notes illegal. ... We did it. People have chosen a government and they expect so much from it," he said.

Reaching out to the harried people, Modi said, "if you find anything wrong with my intentions or my actions, hang me in public. I promise you I will give you the India which you desired. If someone faces problem, I also feel the pain. I understand their problem but this is only for 50 days and after 50 days we succeed in this cleansing."

He said the people had voted against corruption in 2014 when they elected him to lead the country.

"I am doing what I was asked to do by the people of this country. This had become clear from the very first meeting of my Cabinet when I formed the SIT (on black money). We never kept the people in dark.