Indian opposition takes to the streets against prime minister's currency ban

Opposition parties protested in major cities of India against the government's decision to withdraw higher-denomination banknotes from circulation to fight against black money, in a controversial move that has caused widespread cash shortages.


The Congress party of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, as well as left-wing parties including the Communist Party of India and the regional Trinamool Congress _ which governs the state of Bengal _ led demonstrations in different parts of the country.

"82 people have died (a majority have allegedly committed suicide, according to the opposition) since this demonetization was announced" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

He added that "170 rules have been changed in these 20 days."

"The reserve bank says it will take 6 months to replace the old 500 and 1,000 notes. How are the farmers and daily wagers going to survive?" asked Yechury during a protest organized at the popular protest location of Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi.
 EFE
28/11/16

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