Govt.'s war on black money no less than surgical strike: Amit Shah

Welcoming the government's decision to ban currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 from tomorrow, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah described the war on black money as being no less than a surgical strike.

"I welcome the decision of the government to ban Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes. On behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), I congratulate the Prime Minister for taking such a brave step. This fight against black money will continue. Decisions like forming SIT were earlier taken for the same," Shah told ANI.

Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking forward the battle against corruption and black money.

"I believe his step against black money is no less than surgical strike. It will not only be a problem to those keeping black money, but also give a major blow to those indulging in the business of fake currency. It will give a strong message to those having black money," he added.

In an unexpected address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi last night announced that from November 9, 2016, existing Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes will no longer be legal tender.

Describing the move as essential to fight "the disease of black money", Prime Minister Modi said all such currency notes must be deposited in banks and post offices starting Thursday (November 10) and through till December 30.

A proposal for issue of new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2,000 notes has been cleared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

"Your money will remain yours...you need have no worry on this account. The new notes will be in limited supply at first and will then be increased," Prime Minister Modi said.