Centre in wonderland, not understanding Indian reality: Yechury on demonetization

Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has said that while his party has never questioned the Centre's intention to curb black money, it has been critical about the manner in which it was implemented, as the common man was being harassed by this decision.

"Which world is the Prime Minister and this government is living we don't know. The Indian reality is not being understood, they seem to be living in some sort of wonderland and that is why we have been urging the government to extend the deadline till December 31," Yechury told ANI.

Yechury said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called him to join hands and corner the government in parliament.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called me while I was travelling in Tamil Nadu. The CPI (M) from the day one has been opposing on the ground, saying that don't harass the public. If the government wants to tackle black money, then do it, but don't harass common people. So, the Chief Minister of West Bengal wanted to go and meet the President, I said let me consult with my colleagues and we will get back to you. We are of the opinion that first raise the issue in the parliament, put the government in the dock and let's see what the government answers," he said.

Banerjee yesterday said she was ready to work with the CPI(M) and other opposition parties such as the SP, BSP and Congress despite ideological differences to "save the country" from the NDA government.