Addressing the nation for the first time after announcing demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was aware of the pain people felt and that steps taken by his government to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were not a “display of arrogance”. Striking an emotional appeal, Modi said he understands people’s problems, having seen poverty himself. He was speaking in Panaji following the inauguration of two projects.
Highlighting the importance of demonetisation as a move to defeat the “menace of black money”, the Prime Minister went on to say, “I know the forces up against me, they may not let me live, they may ruin me because their loot of 70 years is in trouble but I am prepared.” Hitting out at those who had criticised the demonetisation move, Modi continued his emotional speech stating, “I was not born to sit on a chair of high office. Whatever I had, my family, my home...I left it for the nation.” He also attacked opposition parties for “politicising” the matter.
#WATCH: PM Modi breaks down, says “I was not born to sit on a chair of high office. Whatever I had, my family, my home-I left it for nation” pic.twitter.com/7I5meQz1tZ
— ANI (@ANI_news) November 13, 2016
He also hinted that many more steps would be taken by his government, adding, “There is more in my mind, this is not the end. I want to secure the future of my poor and my honest citizens. Give me 50 days.” The PM pointed out that those who voted for the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections had voted to free the nation from corruption and expected so much from the government
Modi thanked the people who were standing in queues across the country, saying he “bows down before them” for “understanding the greater good”. He also expressed his gratitude to all the banking staff, who were working overtime to make the move a success.
"I am doing this for the poor, honest people for those who are working hard to survive. So that they can get their own home, their children get good education and so that their parents get care," Modi added.
The Prime Minister digitally laid the foundation stone for a new greenfield airport at the Mopa plateau and an electronic city in Tuem, both in north Goa's Pernem sub district.
Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes on the evening of November 8.