Prime Minister Narendra Modi's shock ban on high-value banknotes will hit the war chests of his rivals before a key state election next year, sparking accusations that his strike against "black cash" will unfairly boost his party's chances. UP POLLS CRUCIAL TO MODI's 2019 HOPESOpposition politicians are scrambling to redraft campaign plans ahead of the ballot expected early next year in Uttar Pradesh, a state of more than 200 million people which will be crucial to Modi's long-term plan for re-election in 2019. Spending on the Uttar Pradesh election is forecast to hit a record Rs 40 billion, despite the cancellation of big notes. Other parties are also adjusting plans in Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati, a powerful former leader of Uttar Pradesh who Modi's aides view as his biggest electoral threat in the state, says the demonetisation timing appeared highly political.

Source: India Today November 17, 2016 10:14 UTC