CPI(M) today adopted a cautious approach over arch rival TMC's suggestion to join hands to oppose the Centre's demonetisation move, saying it would like to wait to know the government's stand in Parliament first and then see "who stands where" in the House on the issue.
CPI(M) reiterated its "match-fixing" allegations against TMC and BJP, contending that there has not been much progress in CBI's probe into Saradha and Narada scams, allegedly involving some leaders of West Bengal's ruling party, and sought to see what will be TMC's position in the House.
Speaking to reporters here, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury also sought to pick holes in the move to demonetise Rs 1000 and Rs 500 currency notes, claiming that Prime Minister's stated objectives including those of tackling corruption will not be achieved with the steps taken.
He also claimed that the BJP-led government had gains in UP election in mind while making the move and reiterated his party's charge that BJP leaders had prior information about the decision, referring to the West Bengal BJP depositing crores "few hours ahead of Modi's November 8 announcement."
Among others, the CPI(M) leader also asked the Centre and West Bengal government to follow suit of the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to allow people "who are facing hardships" to use the old notes at public utilities till December 31 this year "until the NDA government makes any alternate arrangement in this regard".
Replying to questions on TMC chief Mamata Banerjee's phone call, Yechury said "she called me and said people are facing hardships due to the decision, this is wrong and we should raise voice against it... I told her that Parliament session is nearing, some parties have given notices to suspend business and debate the issue.
"We would like to see what is going to be government's stand on the issue and based on that, we will decide future steps."
Reiterating his party's allegations against the TMC in the run up to West Bengal polls, held earlier this year, the Marxist leader claimed there has not been much progress in CBI's probe into the matter, allegedly owing to the "match-fixing between Didi Bhai and Modi Bhai."
"Saradha, Narada scam cases are pending before the CBI. Why there is no progress in it? So, whatever it is, it will become clear on the floor of the house," he said.
Hitting out at the Prime Minister over demonetisation
issue, Yechury said he is living in a "different world, while the actual Bharat is different". In reality, he said, common people, especially farmers, fishermen, truck drivers, daily wage earners badly hit by the decision.
Yechury said Modi's speech in UP's Ghazipur today suggested the Prime Minister was eyeing UP elections when the latter said, "after demonetisation, the poor are enjoying a sound sleep while rich are running from pillar to post to buy sleeping pills".
He also said the decision was aimed at "diverting public attention" from NDA government's failure in delivering on promises made by BJP ahead of 2014 Lok Sabha polls and claimed Modi's stated objective of tackling corruption cannot be achieved through demonetisation as announced by Centre.
"You discontinued Rs 1000 and Rs 500 currency notes. But, replaced it with that of Rs 2000. Nobody is able to use that note," Yechury said as he flashed a Rs 2000 note he withdrew from an ATM in Parliament premises to tell reporters that he has not been able to spend it over the past five days.
"Also terrorists don't use cash, such funding is done through electronic transfers. The government should rather implement the law which was brought after 2008 terror attack in Mumbai," he suggested.
Yechury also questioned Prime Minister's commitment over tackling corruption saying, Modi has not made names of any of the Swiss bank account holders public and also noted there is no action being taken against NPAs.
Referring to the West Bengal unit of BJP depositing some money allegedly few hours before Modi's announcement in this regard, Yechury suggested there were people who had prior information about the move and claimed Rs 6 lakh crore were deposited in September alone in banks which, he said, "was highest".
