PM Modi to Opposition: Should we curb graft or call Bharat Bandh?

"I am stopping black money and corruption and some are giving call for Bharat Bandh," he said at BJP's 'Parivartan Yatra' rally here in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Without naming any opposition party, Modi said, "We are trying to curb corruption and they are organising 'Bharat Bandh'. Should there be 'Bharat Bandh' or should the route of corruption be blocked?"

Opposition parties had on Wednesday called for a Bharat Bandh on November 28 to protest against the hardship caused by demonetisation to the common man, and to people living in villages.

Corruption and black money have ruined India, and the nation should now become free from all such evils, PM Modi said.

He also praised Indians for accepting his government's decision despite the hardships they've faced, as he's done before in recent days.

"I salute the people of this country. Despite facing inconvenience, people have accepted demonetization drive," he said.

PM Modi encouraged people to start using e-wallets instead of cash.

"Era of wallets has gone, you can use your mobile phone as your bank branch with the same ease with which you take snaps and send them to friends," Modi said.

He also urged young people to take the initiative in the process of making financial transactions transparent using technology.

"I urge the youth to train other people how mobile technology can lead to transparent transactions. It will choke black money," he said.

The PM said his government was dedicated to the welfare of villages, farmers, and the marginalized.

He spoke about measures his government had taken to improve the welfare of farmers - such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, a crop insurance scheme.

He also described how his government had paid pack - to a great extent - dues worth Rs 12,000 crore that cane farmers were owed when he took over as PM.

PM Modi also alleged that the government of Uttar Pradesh wasn't interested in implementing central schemes for farmers.

It should do so, and the Centre is ready to spend on them, he added.