Opposition MPs to demonstrate against demonetisation outside Parliament

Upping the ante against the Narendra Modi government over the demonetisation issue, the opposition parties have decided to hold a massive protest outside the Parliament on Wednesday.

"Opposition today (Monday) had a meeting of leaders of several parties including the Trinamool Congress, Congress, CPI-M and CPI. It has been decided that around 200 MPs would hold a demonstration at the Gandhi statue on Wednesday," said Trinamool Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was among those present at the opposition party meeting.

MPs from Congress, Trinamool, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Communist Party of India-Marxist among others are expected to participate in the demonstration.

While Trinamool members on the day held demonstration outside Parliament, party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she would be hitting the streets of Delhi against the demonetisation move.

"I am going to Delhi tomorrow (Tuesday). I will be on the road on Wednesday. if we get invitation, we will join the protest programme of other parties on November 23. I also request everybody to join our programme as this is a big fight," Banerjee told the media in Kolkata.

Continuing her tirade against Modi, she accused the Prime Minister of "threatening other parties who are raising their voices on demonetisation".

"We have never seen a prime minister who threatens his political opponents," said Banerjee who has been demanding a rollback of the demonetisation.

Alleging that there was "some hidden agenda" behind the demonetisation, she said she will also rallies in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab over the issue.

Virtually at war with the Modi government over the demonetisation issue, she along with the Aam Aadmi Party and BJP aly Shiv Sena on November 16 had marched to the Rashtrapati Bhavan seeking the intervention of President Pranab Mukherjee.

--IANS

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