Hasty, unplanned demonetization by government: Congress

New Delhi, Nov 12 : The Congress party on Saturday slammed the Narendra Modi government for acting "in haste and in an unplanned" manner by demonetizing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and said the nation was suffering due to it.

"This is a decision made in haste, not a well thought out decision. Black money getting converted into another type of black money now," senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.

He targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and termed the demonetization a 'jumla' (vapid, empty promise).

Congress also targeted Modi for travelling to Japan and leaving the nation in chaos.

"At a time when the Prime Minister should have been present in the country, he is not here but in Japan," said Congress.

Sibal said people are facing inconvenience due to the government's move as there were long queues outside banks and ATMs to deposit or exchange their spiked currency or take out cash.

"Account is mine, money is mine, then why should I stand in a line?" asked Sibal.

"Narendra Modi says that he is a commom man, but neither has he ever stood in a line in an ATM, nor does he know how expenses run. He doesn't know the price of flour, pulses, sugar.."

Sibal's comments come a day after Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi joined a queue of commoners outside a bank to withdraw money.

Sibal also demanded that a commission of enquiry be set up with reference to all the money that was spent by the Bharatiya Janata Party before Modi became Prime Minister.

Taken aback by the mass crisis, the government has extended till November 14 midnight the original 72-hour deadline for utilities to use the banned currency.