Heed Manmohan Singh on demonetisation, Uddhav tells Centre

However, he wondered how the banks from where Mallya took loans have been permitted to exchange the old notes.

Mumbai, Nov 24 Lavishing rare praise on any opposition leader, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday urged the Centre to heed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's views on demonetisation as he's "a renowned economist".

"Former PM Singh is a renowned economist and his words and opinions must be taken seriously. The manner in which money is being collected from the people, it seems it's an extortion of the common man," Thackeray told mediapersons in the afternoon.

He said it is pointless for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become emotional when people all over have tears in their eyes.

"One person cannot take such a decision for 125 crore Indians... The people should have been taken into confidence. You have brought tears to the eyes of those who voted for you with great hopes and aspirations... You couldn't wipe their tears," Thackeray said.

He made it clear the Shiv Sena would not think twice before taking an opposing or critical stand on the manner in which demonetisation was implemented.

Referring to the referendum in United Kingdom before it withdrew from the European Union, he said a similar survey (on demonetisation) was being conducted here.

"After the public opinion (on Brexit), the British PM quit... Will something like this happen here," he wondered.

Thackeray demanded extension of time-limit till December 31 for exchanging the demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 at petrol pumps, pharmacies and hospitals for the benefit of the masses running from pillar to post.

Questioning the Reserve Bank Of India's move barring district central cooperative banks from exchanging the old currency notes, he asked whether the absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya had availed loans from these (DCC) banks.

However, he wondered how the banks from where Mallya took loans have been permitted to exchange the old notes.

He reiterated that the Shiv Sena was highlighting peoples' agony after the demonetisation and bringing them to the notice of the government.

IANS