15 November,2016 08:39 AM IST | | Agencies
Also criticising the Congress that has accused him of harassing common people, Narendra Modi said their government had imposed Emergency stifling peoples’ rights and of the media
The PM, who also spoke about the Congress banning 25 paise coins, was speaking at the BJP's Parivartan Yatra Rally at Ghazipur. File picture
Ghazipur: Pummelling the Congress and other parties which are opposing demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday said the corrupt were upset while the poor were "enjoying a sound sleep" after his decision, and urged people to bear some inconvenience to root out graft.
People queue up outside an ATM in Lucknow on Sunday. Pics/PTI
"After demonetisation, the poor are enjoying a sound sleep while rich are running from pillar to post to buy sleeping pills," Modi said as he tried to rally public support in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, picking up from where he left yesterday in his speeches laced with emotion and aggression in Goa and Belagavi.
Stating that he understood the inconvenience being faced by people due to demonetisation, Modi compared his action to a new whitewash which gives out pungent smell, but is necessary.
"My decision is a little harsh. When I was young, poor people used to ask for âkadak' (strong) tea but it spoils the mood of rich," he said at BJP's Parivartan Yatra rally here.
Decision matches stature
Particularly stinging in his criticism of Congress which has accused him of causing harassment to the common people, the PM recalled that Congress governments had imposed Emergency, stifling rights of the people and the media, and had banned âchavanni' (25 paise coins).
"Under which law did they ban 'chavanni', it is another thing that they could not move beyond âchavanni' ... you took the step as per your stature and we did what matched ours," he said taking a swipe at the opposition party.
'Financial chaos'
Two leading bank unions yesterday criticised the government over demonetisation of R500 and R1,000 notes, saying the move has led to "financial chaos" across the country.
In a letter to Indian Banks' Association (IBA), All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA) and All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) said the decision to withdraw the high-value notes was taken without proper planning or preparation.
They also highlighted heavy work pressure on employees and officers at bank branches in the wake of demonetisation which has led to customers rushing to exchange the now defunct notes.
