Scraping currencies will make political system corruption free: Congress

Lauding the Center's move to stop circulation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the Congress party on Wednesday said that the initiative would curb the slush of funds of political parties.

Congress leader P.L. Punia told ANI, "There are many parties, whose priority is to give importance to money during elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party and Bahujan Samaj Party are amongst them and they play this game openly. Now, these parties will face difficulties."

"During elections, people of these parties are busy distributing money because money power is the utmost priority for many. Using money for corrupt practices in politics should be stopped and through this initiative, it will also make our political system corruption free and free from money power," he added.

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday announced demonetization of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes with effect from midnight, making these notes invalid in a major assault on black money, fake currency and corruption.

In his televised address to the nation, the Prime Minister said that people holding notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 can deposit the same in their bank and post office accounts from November 10 till December 30.

Following the announcement, there were huge crowds outside ATMs across the country as people lined up to withdraw currency of smaller denominations.

He also announced that new notes of Rs 2000 and Rs 500 will be introduced.

ATM withdrawals will be restricted to Rs 2000 per day and withdrawals from bank accounts will be limited to Rs 10,000 a day and Rs 20,000 a week.

Besides depositing money in bank accounts, the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes can also be exchanged with lower denomination currency notes at designated banks and post offices on production of valid government identity cards like PAN, Aadhaar and Election Card from November 10 to November 24 with a daily limit of Rs 4000.

Those unable to deposit Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes till December 30 this year can do so in designated RBI offices till March 31 next year after filling a declaration form along with proof and reasons, the Prime Minister said.