Demonetisation: Mamata Banerjee reaches out to Left & other parties, to meet President soon

KOLKATA | NEW DELHI: Demonetisation seems to be having a unifying effect on the Opposition parties. With West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee leading the charge and requesting CPM's general secretary Sitaram Yechury to join the protest, the opposition parties are expected to meet President Pranab Mukherjee on November 16 and a huge disruption is awaited in the Parliament.

Mamata, who is seen as the most vocal politician among all Opposition members, called up her arch rival CPM seeking support in the movement. Banerjee also called up senior JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav, who is said to be coordinating from Delhi for a joint party delegation to vist the President. Yechury, however, said his party would discuss Mamata's request on Monday and then take a call on it. But, till then CPM will oppose the move independently as it has been doing since the beginning.

"I got Mamata Banerjee's call. I was travelling in the interiors Tamil Nadu then. She explained how people are suffering due to this move and said Opposition parties should come together for a joint movement. I have told her that I am travelling and will return to Delhi on Monday. I will discuss this with my colleagues and party members there. We will decide on the issue on Monday," Yechury told ET from Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, CPM's Bengal secretary and politburo member Surya Kanta Mishra said, "The CPM will raise this issue in Parliament and protest the move. If other party wants to protest they can. But how is a joint movement with Trinamool possible? Trinamool is accused of Saradha and Narada scams. How can they talk about black money now?"

On Sunday, Mamata also called up the President and sought his appointment. "The Honourable President was kind enough to take my call. I briefed him about how common people are suffering because of demonetisation. I thank him for agreeing to meet representatives of political parties on November 16 or 17. We will brief him in detail on the grim situation, "she said.

The Chief Minister also called Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to party sources, she has been trying to talk to Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati in this issue too. While Trinamool still awaits confirmation from these parties, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has almost assured her that he will be with the Trinamool in this movement, said sources.

While contacted, Trinamool spokesperson Derek O' Biren said "many" parties are with the Trinamool in this move.

In a statement, Banerjee further said, "This is not an ego battle. I humbly appeal again to the government at the Centre. Save the common people from more suffering and the country from financial catastrophe by withdrawing this hasty decision. First please put a proper action plan in place. There should be a breathing space for people."