Led by DMK, opposition parties stage anti-demonetisation protest in TN

Besides DMK, leaders and workers of its allies were among those who hit the streets as part of the nation-wide protests

Hundreds of workers from various opposition parties, led by DMK, were arrested on Monday when they staged protests across Tamil Nadu against the Centre over the manner in which the demonetisation was being implemented.

Besides DMK, leaders and workers of its allies -- Congress, IUML and Left parties were among those who hit the streets as part of the nation-wide protests, slamming the ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as a "war on rural poor" and causing "hardship" to the common man.

DMK Treasurer M K Stalin, state secretaries of CPI-M and CPI G Ramakrishnan and R Mutharasan respectively, along with a several workers of their parties were among those arrested when they staged protests separately in front of Central government offices and nationalised banks, police said.

Leading his party's charge here, Stalin lashed out at the Narendra Modi government for the manner in which the demonetisation is being implemented, saying it had crippled almost all sectors.

"They got votes promising development, but made this sudden announcement which has crippled the development of all sectors. There are 85 crore Indians living in rural parts and the Centre has launched a war on them with this move," he said.

The Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly said eradicating blackmoney is not wrong but asked the Centre to "correct the shortcomings" in implementing the move.

"People believe that entire India suffered a tsunami on November 8," he said alluding to the sudden announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 would cease to be legal tenders.

Referring to Modi seeking a 50-day window to fight blackmoney, Stalin said that 20 days have already passed since Modi made the announcement on demonetisation but the Centre had not made any effort to solve the problems, like the queues at banks and ATMs.

"Small traders, vegetable vendors, farmers and farm labourers, owners of petty shops, everybody is suffering untold miseries because of the demonetisation," he claimed.

The DMK leader said today's protest should not be seen as one being held by DMK or the Opposition but by the "people all over the country".

DMK held protests all over the state and was joined by its allies Congress and IUML. State Congress chief Su Thirunavukarasar also led a demonstration by Congress workers here.