Union Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad while listing out the many benefits of demonetisation said that the economic reform has led to a dip in flesh trade.

The minister said that girls from Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and other parts of the country were trafficked to big cities like Delhi and pimps were paid in cash. Now, post demonetisation, the trend has been checked, Prasad claimed.

Not just flesh trade, the Union minister argued that demonetisation has also led to a dip in supari killings in Mumbai, stone-pelting in Kashmir and Naxal violence while speaking at an India Today event on demonetisation on Monday.

The minister said that the biggest benefit of demonetisation is the "effort to make India an honest country". Lashing out at the previous UPA government for graft, Prasad said it did not leave any corner of the Earth to indulge in corruption.

Countering Oppositions argument that poor have been hit by demonetisation, Prasad said "poor are happy" and digital mode of payments have ensured that they get the money/benefits directly into their bank accounts.

RAHUL's UNDERSTANDING OF ECONOMY DEBATABLE

On Congress and Rahul Gandhi's attacks on the government for demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST), Prasad said, "Rahul Gandhi's understanding of Indian economy is debatable". He said the Congress vice-president's position in the party is a result of his dynasty and not merit.

Drawing a contrast between the Congress and the ruling BJP, Prasad said that while Rahul Gandhi is celebrating Black Day to mark demonetisation anniversary, his party is trying to answer and resolve public queries on the exercise.

Refusing to read much into Rahul Gandhi's rallies in poll-bound Gujarat drawing large crowds, Prasad said the BJP government's development initiatives will speak for themselves.

He said many political pundits dismissed BJP's chances in Uttar Pradesh when Rahul Gandhi joined hands with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav but the party won the election in the state with a resounding victory.

Similarly, Prasad said, three boys (Hardik Patel, Alpesh Thakor, Jignesh Mevani) have joined Rahul in Gujarat but the BJP will prove its mettle in the forthcoming Assembly election.

WATCH THE MINISTER SPEAKING HERE: