Demonetization: In Patna, Mamata calls Nitish Kumar a traitor; says country in a state of ‘super emergency’

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday called Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar a ‘traitor’ for deserting the anti-demonetization camp. She alleged that the country was in a state of ‘super emergency’ due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy of banning high currency notes. 

Mamata, who was addressing a rally in Patna to demand rollback of Centre’s decision on demonetization, said financial emergency is worse than any emergency in the country where the government has even snatched the basic “roti, kapda and makaan” from citizens. 

Apparently miffed at Nitish, who is also the JD (U) president, for not participating in the Opposition’s anti-demonetization protests, Mamata said, “It is better for all parties to fight together. Lekin jo gaddari karega, janata use maaf nahi karegi (those who betray the cause will not be forgiven by the people).” 

The Bihar CM has supported demonetization since the beginning saying it will help in tackling black money menace. He has asked his party workers to stay away from any protests against demonetizations.

In contrast, JD (U)’s ally and senior alliance partner Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by Lalu Prasad has opposed the demonetization policy due to the ‘inconvenience being caused to common man.’  

RJD’s support was appreciated by Mamata several times during her speech. “I respect Lalu ji, because his party is with us in this fight against demonetization. In UP too, Akhilesh and Mulayam ji were with us. This is people’s battle not my individual one,” she said Mamata said she was happy for those who were with her. “I won’t take names, but I feel unhappy about those who are not with us,” said Mamata.