New Delhi/Agra: Asserting that his government’s demonetisation decision had the “aashirwaad” (blessings) of the poor, the middle class, tribals, farmers, the educated and honest people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took on his political opponents who have castigated the decision and blamed the government's “ill-preparedness” for its aftermath. A united Opposition has demanded the PM’s response on the issue in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.
Addressing the BJP’s ‘Parivartan Rally’ in Agra, in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, the PM, without naming anyone, also targeted Trinamul chief Mamata Banerjee and BSP supremo Mayawati, who have been vehemently attacking the government's move. The Opposition had claimed the decision had led to an “economic anarchy” across India and adversely affected the poor and the middle class, who were forced to stand in queues outside ATMs and banks. Mr Modi also took on the Congress for failing to take any stringent action against black money just to remain in power for the maximum number of years since Independence.
India will emerge from hardship: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took on his political opponents who have castigated the demonetisation decision and blamed the government’s “ill-preparedness” for its aftermath.
He expressed confidence that the objective of ending corruption, black money and the fake currency menace, that was the reason behind the decision, would be achieved. Mr Modi said he was aware of the problems being faced by the people, but promised that India would emerge from the hardship in the same way that gold takes shape after a tough process.
Lauding UP and its people for not sending a “bikaao” person to rule from Delhi, he declared “Ye ladaai lambi hai (the fight against corruption and black money will be long)”. Mr Modi, the longest-serving CM of Gujarat, is an MP from UP’s Varanasi constituency.
Taking a dig at his critics, the PM said his decision had affected them the most as they have been criticising him as well as the decision. He also said the decision to scrap the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes was not intended to cause harassment to ordinary citizens.
