Chennai: Justifying the demonetisation initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an effective means to eliminate black money and punish black money hoarders, the Union minister of state for road transport, highways and shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan claimed people welcomed the ‘surgical strike’ on black money.

“They are happy inspite of the temporary inconveniences they are facing…We are also concerned over their temporary difficulties… but they will soon get a permanent respite from the menace of black money,” he said. Apart from making the Indian economy vibrant, the daring initiative of Mr Modi would brighten the lives of the common man.

Mr Radhakrishnan who had campaigned at Aravakurichi (in Karur district) and Thirupparankundram Assembly constituencies alleged that during his election tour in Madurai (where Thirupparankundram is situated), much to his shock he found the invalid Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation.

“It appears that the election commission has not taken note of this. If the election officials fail to take action on the circulation of banned currencies, then the action of deferring the Assembly elections to the constituencies to November 19 will
be meaningless,” Mr Radhakrishnan asserted.

Also, the announcement by his Ministry on extending the deadline till midnight of November 18 for not levying toll fee would benefit all road users, the senior BJP leader said.