Bhubaneswar, Dec. 1: Union minister of finance and corporate affairs Arun Jaitley made use of the Make in Odisha Conclave to score twin political goals - drum up support for the Centre's demonetisation move and laud chief minister Naveen Patnaik for standing by the Narendra Modi government on the controversial issue.

Even while Jaitley moved away from the conclave to delivering a talk on the Indian economy, which was organised by the BJP, demonetisation played on his mind.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a "new normal" for the country's economy, Jaitley told the audience at the BJP event and criticised the media and Opposition political parties for their stand on demonetisation.

"When there has been an euphoria across the country with crores of people supporting the demonetisation move, the media is just highlighting the pains of the people and the Congress and Left parties are opposing this bold move," he said.

Jaitley said the number of paper notes would be less, but digital currencies would be more.

"Political parties and media have not changed, but the nation has changed to take the economy forward," he said.

Earlier, while speaking alongside Naveen at the conclave, Jaitley said that Goods and Services Tax (GST) initiative, along with the currency ban move, would usher in a new era and have a long-term benefit on the country's economy.

He also did not forget to thank Naveen for his support to the GST.

He said the GST regime would immensely benefit consuming states such as Odisha.

"There will be a uniform tax structure and (GST will) enhance the base of the tax structure and also strengthen the banking system," the finance minister said.

Nearly 1,000 representatives of companies from India and abroad are attending the three-day meet and 100 companies have set up kiosks at the venue.