Won't Shy Away From Taking Tough Economic Measures, Says PM Narendra Modi

Raigad, Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing concerns over the notes ban move, today said that his government will not take short term decisions for political gains and that demonetisation will yield long term gains for the country.

"Let me make one thing very clear: This Government will continue to follow sound and prudent economic policies, to ensure that India has a bright future in the long run. We will not take decisions for short term political point scoring," the PM said in Maharashtra's Raigad district, where he inaugurated the newly-built campus of the National Institute of Securities Management - SEBI's new campus.

The PM also added that his government would not shy away from taking tough economic measures if they are in the country's interest. "We will not shy away from taking difficult decisions, if those decisions are in the interest of the country. Demonetisation is an example."

The government has been under fire from the opposition, led by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, over notes ban. Opposition parties have united in Parliament and outside to accuse the government of faulty implementation of demonetisation, which they allege has punished the poor rather than the corrupt.   

But the BJP says its significant gains and victories in recent civic and by-elections in several states shows that people support the tough measures against corruption and understand that the hardships will be short term, but the gains to the economy and for the poor will be long term and immense.