Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hit out at opposition parties for encouraging nationwide opposition to his demonetisation move.

"On the one hand, we are initiating steps to curb corruption and close all roads to black money, on the other, the oppositions are busy shutting down India. You tell me, should we shut out corruption or shut down the country?" said Modi.

Modi was addressing a meeting on Sunday in the country's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. Several opposition parties, including Congress, issued a nationwide shutdown call to protest against the government move which has disrupted life due to a severe cash crunch. On November 8th, Modi announced the abolition of the 501,000 rupee notes that accounted for 86 per cent of cash in circulation. The move was aimed at cracking down on black money but has brought India's cash economy to a virtual standstill.