Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request for feedback on his move to scrap large denomination notes has sent his app to the top of the charts.
Mr. Modi on Tuesday asked users of his app, which allows citizens share their views and get news about the leader of the world’s largest democracy, to rate his decision to replace 500 and 1000-rupee notes that was aimed at cutting corruption but has led to a nationwide cash shortage.
As citizens flocked to give their thoughts, the app was ranked first in Apple’s store and 18th in Google’s Play platform, according to the website of data analytics firm App Annie.
Since Mr. Modi’s move to scrap the notes, Indians have queued for hours at ATMs and banks as they wait to deposit and exchange their old notes.
Mr. Modi said Wednesday that the users of his app had declared the currency move a resounding success.
Mr. Modi’s website said that 90% of the 500,000 people who took part in the survey said that they supported the move, while 92% said that they believed the decision “will have an impact on curbing black money, corruption and terrorism.” The website said only 6% agreed it would have “minimal impact.”
However, some questioned the validity of the poll. The question asked was: “Do you think demonetization will help in curbing black money, corruption & terrorism?” The answer options provided were: “a. It will have an immediate impact, b. There will be impact in medium to long term, c. Minimal impact, d. Don’t know.” Critics said there should have been an additional “no” option.
Leaders from the opposition Congress party called the move to ban the old notes “illegal,” while some Indians have found inventive ways to get around the new rules or launder money.
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