PM Narendra Modi's first defence of demonetisation in Parliament, says its timing was perfect

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who refrained from speaking on demonetisation during the winter session of Parliament, finally broke his silence on Tuesday when he defended his move in Lok Sabha.

He said that the timing of the currency ban move was perfect as that time the economy was in good health and there was a lull in business following the festive season.

“When can you have an operation? When the body is healthy. The economy was doing well and thus our decision was taken at the right time.

Like Swachh Bharat, the decision on demonetisation is a movement to clean India (from corruption and black money),” he said.

He called demonetisation a “pro-poor” move, saying the government was clear from the beginning that “we are ready for a discussion on demonetisation but some were more keen on TV bytes and not debates.”

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“However big you are, you will have to return what rightfully belongs to the poor,” he said.