New Delhi– Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said that “demonetisation move of the government is a war on corruption and black money” and called it a “mahayagna”.

Giving assurance to the people, Naidu said: “If your money is valid, it won’t become invalid.”

“The Prime Minister wants every citizen to be pure in action. That’s why Swachh Bharat. It doesn’t mean cleaning the roads, toilets, schools, temples, mosques or Gurudwara. Swachh means clean India,” he said.

M. Venkaiah Naidu
M. Venkaiah Naidu

“Swachh tan se, man se, dhan se (purity of body, mind and wealth) that is what the governmemt is aiming for,” said Naidu in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on the demonetisation.

Naidu asked if the corporates in the country have grown in the last two years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

“Who gave encouragement to crony capitalism? During whose rule did 2G scam, CWG scam or coal scam happen,” asked Naidu.

Accusing the Congress of pointing fingers at the government, Naidu said, “It will hurt you (Congress) and boomerang on you because you have ruled the country for long.”

Naidu also said that the Prime Minister wants a behavioural change in the country.

“Change of mindset is what the PM wants. People are with the Prime Minister. It is literally a war on corruption and black money. It is a mahayagna,” added Naidu.

Naidu added: “You have to decide which side you are on. Similarly, anybody trying to defend the offenders will be taken to task.”