BJP Ally Shiv Sena Will Join Mamata Banerjee's March Against Notes Ban Today

A day before Parliament convenes for the winter session and as battle lines were drawn, the picture of unity that both the government and opposition had flaunted on Monday seemed to fade. 

The Shiv Sena - whose chief Uddhav Thackeray has criticised the government for the hardships that the demonetisation has caused to common people - had at a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance yesterday joined other partners in backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his decision, aimed at uncovering crores in black or untaxed money.

But today the party's Sanjay Raut said, "The Shiv Sena will meet the President in the leadership of Mamata Banerjee." The West Bengal chief minister had called Mr Thackeray, Mr Raut said, adding, "It is not about opposition or ruling parties its about the trouble faced by the people."

The Congress, which had hosted opposition parties yesterday to plan a united response on demonistisation, today said it is unlikely to join the march. Leaders said the party wants to raise the issue in parliament first before escalating the matter to the President.

At an all-party meeting called by the Prime Minister the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "We are not for a roll back of demonetisation, but are against the economic chaos inflicted by this hasty, unprepared move."

"We are all against black money. But we are also against harassment to common people. We will take the voice of people to the President," said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, adding, "This is not about politics, this is about the country. The Congress, CPM can go later, Its their choice. No point in the doctor coming after death."

No major opposition party is joining the march except Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. But in parliament they will put up a united face, moving multiple notices to suspend all work on the very first day to debate demonetisation and its impact on people.

PM Modi has rejected all demands to withdraw the notes ban making it clear that the government will not be defensive about a decision that he said holds long-term benefits for the country, though he has repeatedly acknowledged the hardships that common people are facing amid the cash crunch after the move.  

At the all-party meeting today he sought the cooperation of the opposition, saying, "We have launched a crusade against corruption, black money and fake currency, which is also behind cross-border terrorism. All parties should come together on this issue of national interest."

He said the government was ready to answer all questions. The government needs to ensure minimum disruption of the session and the support it needs to push two bills related to its mega reform the Goods and Services Tax, a unified tax it hopes to implement by April 1 next year.