Demonetisation: Langar from AAP, laddoos from BJP for those in ATM, bank queues

Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on November 8 to demonetise higher value currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs1000, long serpentine queues in front of banks and ATMs have become a common sight.

But now, Delhi BJP is attempting to make an old Hindi proverb "sabr ka phal meetha hota hai" or "the reward of patience is sweet" into reality. Yes, the local party unit is distributing laddoos to people waiting in queues. Manoj Tiwari, the new Delhi BJP chief, confirmed the initiative.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched this revolutionary step to tackle black money. Despite facing some inconvenience, people supported the move. Now, it is our turn to thank them and show our appreciation and respect for their patience." Manoj Tiwari was quoted saying to the Indian Express.

"One laddoo to your neighbour will not hurt. Rather, it shows how grateful we are to them for the patience they have shown by supporting the Prime Minister's decision… We will request our workers to come forward and buy at least one laddoo for their neighbour. If they want to buy five laddoos for five households, it will be even better," he said.

Not to be outclassed by the BJP, the Delhi government on its part went a step ahead and began providing free food for the poor who are now doubly hit by the shortage of cash since demonetisation. The free food distribution -- or langar -- was set up in 10 places across Delhi.

"This move has been undertaken to provide the poor with three meals a day and save them from dying of hunger due to demonetisation," tweeted Delhi's AAP deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia,