Manohar Joshi takes swipe at Uddhav, lauds demonetisation

In an apparent swipe at Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray who has been critical of the Centre's demonetisation move, senior party leader Manohar Joshi today said those who could not understand the decision were opposing it.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision at a function here in Uddhav's presence, Joshi said, "We have a pro-active Prime Minister. He conducted a survey on demonetisation in which it was found that 91-92 per cent people liked the decision. People feel something good is happening in the country.
"Some people liked the decision because they understood it. Some people did not understand, but they still liked it. However, some of those who did not understand the scheme are giving speeches against the decision," said Joshi, a Shiv Sena veteran and a former Lok Sabha Speaker.

He was speaking at his book launch function. The senior Sena leader had penned "Ayushya Kase Jagaave" ("How to live life") and the book was released on the occasion of his 79th birthday.
Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and party mouthpiece 'Saamana' have openly criticised the demonetisation decision.
Joshi, who has been with Sena almost since its inception, expressed hope that its friendship with BJP would endure.

"I invited the Chief Minister (Devendra Fadnavis) to this function because I want his friendship with Uddhav ji to continue for a long time. The media will get answer (to questions about relations between the ruling allies) on this occasion," Joshi said.

Fadnavis said Joshi had learnt the art of overcoming challenges and always followed the teachings of the late Bal Thackeray, founder of Shiv Sena.
"Balasaheb used to say that Marathi-speaking people should be in leading position in every field. Joshi sir has shown that he is a true follower of Balasaheb," he said.