Demonetisation aims to give rights to poor: PM Modi

Hours after training his guns on the opposition while defending the government's demonetisation drive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that this move is aimed at giving rights to the poor and preventing the middle class from being exploited.

The Prime Minster said that his government would ensure that the poor gains benefit due to this decision.

"Black money and corruption has looted the middle class and deprived the poor of their rights. I want to give the poor their rights. I am doing everything possible to ensure the middle class is not exploited and the poor get their dues," he said.

He also thanked the people, who supported the government's move despite facing currency crunch.

"I fall short of words in conveying my thanks to the people as they stood with me even when they had to face hardships," Prime Minister Modi said.

The Prime Minister, who was speaking after laying the foundation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical sciences (AIIMS) in Bhatinda, said that his government does not believe in laying foundation stones but also ensures that the promises made to the people are fulfilled.

"The AIIMS here will benefit the local areas. This government does not only stop at laying foundation stones, but we complete all projects," he said.

Defending the Centre over demonetisation, Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day said the move had empowered the common man in the fight against black money, while taking a swing at the opposition and critics saying they were flustered as they were caught off guard.

"Those criticizing the demonetisation move don't have problem with government's preparedness; they have problem that they didn't get time to prepare," Prime Minister Modi said.

"The common citizen of India has become a soldier against corruption and black money," he added while stressing on the need for India to move towards a cashless society.