Real grouse is that Govt did not give enough time to anyone to ”prepare”: Modi to critics

25 November, New Delhi

In a hard-hitting response to the critics of his demonetisation move, which included former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said their real grouse was that the sudden decision did not give anyone enough time to make ”preparations.”

His remarks came a day after Dr Singh described his demonetisation decision as a case of “monumental mismanagement”, ”an organised loot and plunder”.

“They are criticising the government for not having prepared enough for implementation of the decision, but their real grouse is that some nobody was given enough time to prepare,” the PM said seeking to reinforce his stand that those opposing the move were only helping the corrupt.

He was speaking after releasing a book at a function on Parliament premises on the occasion of Constitution Day today.

Modi said today the whole country was waging a battle against corruption and black money, and the common man was the foot soldier in this battle .

The citizens of this country were now realizing that that for 70 years, some people had misused rules to their serve their ends, Modi stressed.

Pointing out that in the International surveys on corruption, India was listed high in the index, he said that was why “we had to take the decision”.

”Let us all come together to mitigate the suffering of the common man,” the Prime Minister said expressing confidence that the people would understand the objectives behind his move.

Giving one more instance to silence his critics, he said India had 100 crore mobile connections, and mobile connectivity has penetrated deep into the remote areas as well. He further said it was very easy to encourage people to go for digital currency.

The Prime Minister said when people in villages were using Whats App without being taught, they could also do shopping by using other applications.