Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh speaking on the demonetisation in Surat, Gujarat. The Narendra Modi government announced demonetisation on November 8, last year. Excerpts from Dr Singh's speech:

-- Tomorrow we mark one year since the disastrous policy was thrust on the people of our country.

-- 8th November was a black day for our economy and indeed our democracy.

-- I repeat what I said in the parliament, this was organised loot and legalized plunder.

-- This twin (#Demonetisation & GST) blow is complete disaster for our economy, it has broken the back of our small businesses.

-- When undertaking endeavour of 1 nation 1 tax if PM had taken inspiration from resolve of great Sardar Patel, outcome would've been different. 

-- No where in the world has any nation taken such a drastic step that swept off 86% of the currency.

--  Bravado and drama are poor substitutes for courage and conviction.

-- Bullet train, launched with much fan fare, is an exercise in vanity.

-- Did PM consider alternative of the high speed train by upgrading broad gauge railway?

-- By questioning bullet trains does one become anti-development? Does questioning GST and demonetisation make one a tax evader?

-- The fear of tax terrorism has eroded the confidence of Indian business to invest.

-- I can proudly say that we lifted 140 million people out of poverty.