One Month of Notes Ban: PM Modi Tweets A Thank You, Opposition Wears Black Bands

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked one month of his notes ban with a series of tweets thanking people for participating in what he called "the yagna against corruption, terrorism and black money." He also reiterated that "short term pain will pave the way for long term gains." PM Modi had banned 500 and 1000 rupee notes on November 8 as the next mega step in the battle against black or undeclared money and money laundering. He has been attacked by the opposition for the massive cash crunch that has followed the demonetisation.

The opposition marked the day too, wearing black bands today in Parliament and outside to protest against the notes ban and the hardship it has caused to people.

PM Modi tweeted that he had always said the demonetisation decision would bring a "degree of inconvenience" for the people, but said it "has several gains for farmers, traders, labourers who are the economic backbone of our nation. No longer will the progress and prosperity of rural India be curtailed by corruption and black money. Our villages must get their due."

He asked the young to be "agents of change who will make India corruption free & ensure more cashless transactions," and also tweeted, "Together we must ensure that India defeats black money. This will empower the poor, new middle class and benefit future generations."

The government has described the opposition's protests as a "self-goal." Senior union minister Venkaiah Naidu took on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for saying, "Bold decisions can also be foolish decisions."

"The PM's decision is revolutionary. Is fighting against corruption, black money foolish? Is taking action against corrupt people foolish," Mr Naidu asked, also noting that "simply standing next to Gandhi statue and posing will not make you Gandhian. This tamasha will not help."

He was referring to an opposition protest at the Gandhi statue in the parliament premises today, where lawmakers mourned the banned notes by holding up posters of them around which they had put garlands.