Demonetization was a right step at the right time, says PM Modi

New Delhi: Launching a scathing attack on the Congress for trying to perpetuate “one family” rule,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the party of neglecting the contribution of others in the country’s freedom struggle.

Modi also defended his decision to demonetise the old Rs500 and Rs1000 currency notes, saying it was a decision at the right moment.

He was replying to a discussion on Motion of Thanks to President Pranab Mukherjee’s joint address to the Parliament on budget session.

“They (Congress) think the country got independence only due to one family,” Modi said in an apparent attack on the Gandhi family.

“There are many people like me who couldn’t die for the nation during the freedom struggle but we are living for India and serving India,” he said.

“Somewhere on the way, ‘Jan Shakti’ (people power) was forgotten and we don’t accept this,” he said.

“I never heard them speak about the role of Chandrasekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh and many other freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country,” Modi said.

“Let us understand and appreciate the inherent strength of our people and take India to newer heights. Faith in Jan Shakti will give results.”

Modi reminded the Parliament members about the 1975 emergency when “democracy was under threat” and how opposition leaders were jailed and newspaper freedom curtailed.

He also lashed it out at Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for his “scam” remark: “How can someone see ‘seva’ or any positive virtue in the word ‘scam’.

Accusing the Opposition of politicising his Government’s welfare moves, the PM said: “I was surprised that there were some who made cleanliness also a political issue. Why can’t we work together on ushering a Swachh Bharat.”

“Black money starts with cash. Like Swachh Bharat, the decision on demonetisation is a movement to clean India. The timing of note ban was perfect,” he said.

“From Day 1, we have been clear—we are ready for a discussion on demonetisation but some were more keen on TV bytes and not debate,” Modi said.

IBNS