Demonetisation has hit those seeking money for poll tickets: PM Modi

AGRA: In poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his demonetisation decision had severly hit the parties whose leaders seek money in lieu of tickets for contesting Assembly polls, in a veiled attack on BSP chief Mayawati who has been facing such allegations. Addressing a rally here, he said the decision to scrap notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination was not intended to cause harassment to the common people but they will have to take the "trouble" for 50 days for ensuring a bright future for the coming generations. He expressed confidence that the objective of ending corruption and black money, which was the reason behind the decision, would be achieved. "I know some people have lost everything (because of demonetisation). (if) you have to become MLA, bring so many notes, then you will become an MLA. Notes had been stashed. What will happen to these notes? Whom did these notes belong to? Did these not belong to the poor and honest people? This game should come to an end," Modi said here in the poll-bound state. He did not name anybody but the comments are seen directed at Mayawati who has been accused of taking money in lieu of giving tickets for the upcoming Assembly polls due early next year. Some of Mayawati's former party leaders, like Swami Prasad Maurya, have accused her of "auctioning" tickets for the 2017 Assembly elections. Maurya made the allegation while announcing his decision to quit BSP on June 22. Mayawati has denied such allegations. "This is our effort to ensure that the middle class gets its due, aspirations of the poor are fulfilled and exploitation of the middle class comes to end. This black economy is making the country hollow from within," Modi said. "I have taken this decision not to cause harassment to anybody. I have taken this decision for the coming generations and change the fate of our youth," the Prime Minister added. He said he had stated on the first day of the announcement on November 8 that it will take 50 days for the changeover. "Had I sought 50 days or not? This is such a big country and the decision is so huge that there will be some trouble," he said