Govt. hails "historic" demonetisation drive, lambasts Oppn for backing corrupt

Blaming the opposition for disruptions in the Winter Session of Parliament, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said the ruling party is fighting corruption and black money while some are fighting for the corrupt and doubting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intention.

Asserting that demonetisation move is aimed at getting rid of corruption, Naidu said one can find fault with regard to the implementation, but can't point fingers at the government's decision.

"The irony of the present politics in India is that when earlier when opposition used to fight against corruption, the ruling party used to suppress the voice.But today the ruling party is fighting corruption and black money," he added.

Taking on the opposition for questioning the government's action, Naidu said, "They are acting like they are fighting for the affected people. Who are the affected in this? The corrupt, the black money holder and the terrorists, the women trafficking people, the drug trafficking people, arms smugglers."

Calling the Centre's demonetisation drive as 'historic', Naidu said it is a major step to fight black money and corruption.

"It is an irony to see that the government is fighting and the opposition is running towards those 'affected'. Many people are shaken and using different ways to tackle the situation. Nobody can doubt the intention of the Prime Minister," he added.

Naidu's assertion comes as the month-long Winter Session has been a virtual washout as opposition parties and the government clashed primarily over the move to ban high-value currency notes.