Wednesday, Apr 24, 2024 | Last Update : 06:16 AM IST
Rift out in open as Nitish, Sharad differ on note ban
Nitish Kumar said that too much aggression affects perception which is important in democracy.
New Delhi: Differences were out in the open in the JD(U) over the demonetisation issue with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar backing the ban on old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination and senior leader Sharad Yadav censuring the Modi government over its biggest financial reform.
Mr Kumar, whose support for demonetisation had surprised many, also said that no serious attempt is currently being made to bring together non-BJP parties on a common platform.
“This ‘notebandi’ is a positive step which will lead to benefits. It will happen,” the JD(U) chief said, terming corruption and black money as a “big sin and festering wound” which must be eradicated.
“Severe steps will have to be taken. That is why we offered our support to this (demonetisation). It is a positive beginning... Whenever there is an attack on corruption, I will support it,” he added.
A strong contender for the leadership position of a non-Congress, non-BJP alliance, the Bihar chief minister said that a grand alliance of the Opposition parties at the national level is certain to win the elections, but no such scene was in sight.
Mr Yadav on his part hit out at the Modi dispensation over demonetisation. He alleged the decision is aimed at recapitalising banks that were “sinking” due to Rs 8.5 lakh crore of Non-Performing Assets and its goal is not to target black money.
Mr Yadav who played an active role in rallying Opposition’s protests before Mr Kumar declared his support to demonetisation, said the decision has forced entire country to stand in queue. Mr Kumar also hit out at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who had attacked him at a public meeting in Patna.
Mr Kumar said too much aggression affects perception which is important in democracy. “People will ask why somebody is so aggressive.”
“I support something which I agree with and oppose which I do not... Media does not look at things in a simple and normal way and does things for publicity,” he said, referring to political speculation over his support to demonetisation.
