New Delhi [India]: Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is set to join the opposition in meeting President Pranab Mukherjee tomorrow over the Centre’s demonetisation scheme, asserted that she will fight in defence of the common man who is being ‘harassed’ over this financial calamity.
Speaking to the media here after arriving in the national capital, she stated that she will convey to the President what is in the minds of the people.
“We are against black money for sure. But we are also against the way the public is being tortured and harassed. Agriculture sector, labourers, housewives, teachers, government job holders all are in dangers. All small scale markets are done for,” Mamata said.
Coming down heavily on the Centre, she further pointed out that there are people who have been rendered cashless and are fending for food.
The TMC Chief also questioned the government as to why there was not a proper plan put in place before going ahead with the scheme.
“99 % of the nation is being punished for the crimes committed by the 1% which is just not fair,” she added.
Talking about the march tomorrow against the Centre, Mamata confirmed that she will be joined by the Shiv Sena.
“This is not about individual or political interest, but we will do what we can for the public,” she said, adding that she will be meeting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal later in the day to talk about tomorrow’s march.
Meanwhile, responding to reports of party chief Uddhav Thackeray holding talks with Mamata Banerjee in connection with opposing Centre’s move of banning high denomination notes, Shiv Sena said that it would do anything to help the common man.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that the sufferings of the common man matter more that political differences.
“It is true that talks are on between Mamata Banerjee and Uddhav Thackeray. This is not an issue involving politics, this is a matter which concerns the common man. Shiv Sena will make any and every effort to reduce the pain of the common man,” said Raut.
Meanwhile, TMC spokesperson Derek O’Brien told ANI that Mamata and leaders of other parties will meet the President at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.
“Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah will also accompany Mamata Banerjee,” he said.
The TMC supremo had earlier also tried to bring the Left on board on this issue.
The Congress, TMC, Left Parties, YSR Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) yesterday huddled to strike a common strategy for the Winter Session that starts on Wednesday and will continue till December 16.
Almost all opposition parties at the all-party meeting chaired yesterday by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said demonetisation had not been properly implemented, adding the move has led to chaos.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mahajan expressed hope that there will be a healthy discussion on various issues during the Winter Session. She said the members of various parties demanded a discussion on various issues including demonetisation of high value notes.
Prime Minister Modi, however, told the NDA allies that there was no need to be defensive on the government’s decision as there is widespread support for it and people are ready to face hardships for larger gains.
He urged NDA allies to go to the public and explain the long-term benefits of demonetisation in curbing corruption and black money.
The Prime Minister also asked them not to buckle under the opposition’s pressure. (ANI)