Opposition didn't get time to prepare for demonetisation: Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi while hitting out at the criticism over demonetisation, said on Friday the those hurt by the move are charged up not because the government was not prepared for its implementation but because they did not get time to prepare themselves.

"There is little criticism against the move. But those who are criticising it are saying that the government was not prepared to implement the decision," Modi said during the Constitution Day celebration function at the Parliament House Annexe.

"But that is not the real reason behind their criticism. They are hurt because the government didn't give them enough time to prepare for it."

"Even if they had got 72 hours to prepare themselves, they would have commended the move," the Prime Minister said.

Modi said that the whole nation was today fighting a big war against corruption and black money, and the common man has become the soldier in this war.

"The common man feels that over the last 70 years, the same Constitution and its laws and rules have been misused to drown the nation in corruption."

"Our nation comes at the top when it comes to corruption. We want to change that and make our nation proud," Modi said.

"It is a big nation and a big decision. I expect from those who see bright future for the nation to help those facing difficulties so we come out victorious in this war against corruption," the Prime Minister added.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan was also present at the function, where two books on the constitution -- "Making of the Indian Constitution and an updated version of the Indian Constitution -- were also released.