Opposition to observe November 8 as Black Day to protest note ban

NEW DELHI: The Opposition on Tuesday announced that 18 like-minded parties will observe “black day” on the November 8, the anniversary of demonetisation. However, given that many regional rivals among these 18 parties, such as Trinamool Congress and Left in Bengal, Congress and Left in Kerala and SP and BSP in UP, who have difficulties in lining up their respective supporters under one banner, each of these parties will stage their own protests against the Centre’s decision.

After Monday’s coordination committee meeting of the Opposition parties, Ghulam Nabi Azad announced the protest plan at a press conference that was also addressed by Sharad Yadav and Trinamool MP Derek O’Brien.

The representatives of the Left Parties expectedly stayed away from the conference. While these parties have been coordinating on the floor of Parliament, many of them are reluctant to be seen together given their turf-rivalry in certain states.