The opposition parties presented a brave united posture in Parliament cornering Narendra Modi government on the issue of demonetisation, are now witnessing cracks in their ranks with regard to `Bharath Bandh’ to be observed tomorrow. Opposition parties on Thursday called for a nationwide strike against the demonetisation drive by the Modi government.
At least three opposition state governments- Bihar, West Bengal and Karnataka- announced that they are not participating in bandh. The TRS government, which is not part of NDA, is also keeping away from this call.
In Bihar, JD(U) has decided not to participate in tomorrow’s opposition sponsored ‘Bharat Bandh.’ The party has also decided not to participate in any protest and dharna. They party had joined opposition parties in their protest in Parliament. However, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said he doesn’t oppose the demonetisation move, but wants the government to check the inconvenience caused to public.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Benerjee also announced her opposition to 12-hour bandh called by Left Front in her state tomorrow. However, she will hit the streets in Kolkata organising a protest rally. Though she is one of leading opposition light in Delhi opposing Modi’s this move, she said the bandh proposal didn’t come at the meeting of opposition parties in Delhi. “We do not support any bandh. People are suffering so I appeal to all to help citizens and stand by them at this hour of crisis,” she added.
The Congress led government in Karnataka is also not supporting the nationwide strike. State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement yesterday in Bengaluru, stating that schools and colleges have not declared holiday and government offices would function as usual.
In Haryana, Indian National Lok Dal has decided not participate in the Bharat Bandh. State President Ashok Arora announcing party’s decision at Bhiwani yesterday said, that instead of supporting the Bandh, the party will highlight problems being faced by the people due to demonetization and hold demonstrations before submitting memorandums to the administration.
