Mamata to kick off nationwide protest in Capital today

Continuing her tirade against the Narendra Modi government on demonetisation, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she would stage a dharna in Delhi on Wednesday and appealed to other opposition parties to take to streets to protest the move.

“I will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar at 1230 hrs and I appeal to other (opposition) parties to register their protests on the roads on demonetisation which has caused hardship to the common people,” she told reporters at the airport here before leaving for Delhi.

On whether other parties will join her, she said “If any party wants to come, they are welcome. In Parliament, we are all working together.” 

Banerjee also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “failing” to bring back black money from abroad.

“BJP will be nowhere after the elections in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The Narendra Modi government has failed to bring back the black money from abroad, as he had promised during 2014 Lok Sabha polls. As he has failed to keep his promise, common people are being harassed. The hard earned money of the common people is being taken away,” Banerjee said.

She said Trinamool Congress would hit the streets in Kolkata against demonetisation on Wednesday when she will be in Delhi. Other parties should also come forward with whatever strength they have to lodge their protest as it is an issue concerning the people.

Banerjee had  said on Monday she would address a protest meeting in Lucknow on November 29 and also go to Bihar and Punjab. The Bengal CM claimed that 68 people have died across the country due to the hardship caused by the demonetisation move of the Centre.

“A farmer Shibu Nandi committed suicide in Kalna, Burdwan, Bengal. He alleged because of demonetisation he couldn’t pay wages to labour. The farmer was a tribal. 68 lives were lost due to demonetisation. Every life is precious,” she said in a tweet.

Banerjee had on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was threatening parties who were raising their voice against demonetisation.