PM hits out at critics of demonetisation scheme

Attacking political rivals and those opposed to the demonetisation scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today lashed out at them saying they would have lavished praise on him if he had given them time before announcing the move.
"Some people are criticising saying the government did not make ample preparation. I think that is not the issue that the government did not make ample preparation. I think the pain of such people is that the government did not give a chance to make any preparation," he said at a book launch function .
"If these people had got 72 hours to make their preparation then they would have lavished praise that there is no one like Modi," he stressed.

The Prime Minister's remarks come amid a standoff in Parliament on the issue with the opposition stepping up their attack on the government. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had yesterday said the step was "a case of organised loot and legalised plunder" and reflected a "monumental management failure".
Modi said the country is fighting a big battle against corruption and black money and the ordinary citizen is the "soldier" in this fight.
Noting that India's name features prominently in global corruption surveys which is not something to be proud of, he said, some decisions have to be taken in the interest of the nation.

The Prime Minister pointed out that civic bodies have benefited by the demonetisation move.

Modi sought the cooperation of public in making the "war
on corruption" a success and said the wrongdoings of some are being caught only with the support of common people who are coming forward with concrete information about hoarders.
Lauding people's role, he said, "They have not only braved hardships, but have also powerfully responded to those limited few who have been trying to mislead them."
"It was my earnest wish that the ongoing campaign against corruption and black money, including the realm of political parties and political funding, be discussed extensively in the Parliament. Had the House functioned properly, there would have been comprehensive deliberation.

"Some people are spreading rumours that political parties enjoy all kinds of concessions. These people are absolutely in the wrong. The law applies equally to all. Whether it is an individual, an organisation or a political party, everyone has to abide by law and one will have to," he said.
Giving a push to his plea for cashless economy, Modi also launched two new schemes for traders and customers that will dole out 15,000 prizes every day to those making digital transactions.
"So many rumours were spread, even the fight against corruption and black money was sought to be tainted with shades of communalism," he lamented.

"Somebody spread a rumour that the spelling on the currency note was faulty, someone said salt prices had spiralled, someone proclaimed that the 2000 rupee note would also be withdrawn, even 500 and 100 rupee denominations notes were rumoured to be on their way out.
"But I have seen that despite rampant rumour mongering, citizens have stood firm with their faith intact," the PM said.
Terming this "war" against corruption as "an extraordinary one", he said the forces involved in "this murky enterprise of perfidy and corruption" have to be defeated as they are devising new tactics to thwart government's efforts every day.

"To counter these new offensives, we too have to devise appropriate new responses and antidotes. When the opponents keep on trying out new tactics, we have to counteract decisively since we have resolved to eradicate the corrupt, shady businesses and black money," he said.
Lauding the people for exposing the wrong-doings of some who are devising "newer wily ways and means" to counter the fight against corruption, the Prime Minister sought more public support.