"Last 10 days have seen tragic deaths of 55 innocent individuals. What was their fault? The heart rendering incidents expose the reality of the [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi government" Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) Chief Ajay Maken said, as cited by the Indian Express.
Maken released a list of 55 people who allegedly died while standing in long queues to exchange or withdraw money from banks and ATMs.
He urged Modi to "unconditionally apologise" and to provide compensation to the families of the deceased, and added that Congress intends to hold a public protest rally in all assembly constituencies of Delhi on Sunday and a demonstration at the prime minister’s residence on November 23.
On November 9, Indian authorities initiated a currency reform aimed at fighting corruption and shadow economy, under which the banknotes with the nominal value of 500 and 1000 rupees (about $8 and $15) will be withdrawn from circulation. According to media reports, citizens have had to spend hours in line to change the old banknotes for the new ones, while there is a limit on withdrawing new banknotes.
