BJP leader and MP Subramanian Swamy today attributed the prevailing cash crunch to the lack of preparedness by the Finance Ministry before the demonetisation of high value currencies.

Replying to a specific question on problems being faced by the public due to non-availability of cash, Swamy told reporters here the Finance ministry should have taken precautionary measures before demonetising Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000.

The government decided to go for demonetisation in 2014 at the time of elections and the Finance Ministry ought to have made contingency plans. They did not make any preparations and the Prime Minister had announced it, assuming that things will be a smooth.

Moreover, the size of the new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2,000 notes was too small to be accommodated in the existing ATMs, which was another reason for the problem, he said.

“It is a very good thing to have done to fight black money. Along with demonetisation, the committee headed by me on the issue in 2014 recommended abolition of IT, so that people get relief,” Swamy said, adding, “We will get out of this soon.”

With regard to a question on selecting the general secretary of AIADMK, he said that it has to be decided by the party general council.

When it was pointed out that certain quarters have expressed suspicion on the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, Swamy quipped, “Those raising such issues have to provide evidence in this regard. You can ask Rahul Gandhi, since he visited the hospital.”

On stalling of Parliamentary proceedings, Swamy said, “We are not responsible for this, it is Congress which is responsible.”

On taking Rahul Gandhi to court on his remarks against the Prime Minister, Swamy said, “Let him say it again.”