Allegation of selective leak absurd: Naidu

Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday rejected allegations that the demonetisation move was leaked to certain people.

"The allegation of selective leak of demonetisation is absurd. No leak was made to anybody. Utmost secrecy was kept during the entire exercise," Naidu said here.

Some opposition leaders have accused the government of leaking the November 8 announcement to spike the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in advance to certain individuals.

"Certain hardships faced by people are being blown out of proportion," the minister said.

Naidu, who is also the Information and Broadcasting minister, said the government was ready to face Parliament in the winter session that starts on Wednesday.

The decision to demonetise Rs 500 and 1,000 notes was not sudden, he said, but well thought out.

"This is a war against corruption and black money," Naidu reiterated. People with vested interests were "spreading rumours to create panic in society", he said.

--IANS

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