Rivalry hobbles unity plan

TT, Nov. 22: The rivalry between Trinamul and the CPM appears to be hobbling a wider Opposition unity against demonetisation.

There was a heated exchange of words between leaders of the two parties during an Opposition meeting in Parliament today, sources said. When Trinamul proposed a joint Opposition march to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the CPM dismissed the idea. "The CPM said there was no point knocking on the President's door," a Trinamul MP said.

The planned march had to be postponed.

Trinamul, too, is not readily accepting the CPM's ideas. Mamata Banerjee has rejected a proposal for a joint parliamentary committee to probe alleged selective leak of information on demonetisation. "Our experience has shown us that JPCs don't serve any purpose," a Trinamul MP said.

The CPM today proposed moving a contempt of Parliament notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"A PM has time to address pop music concerts but is refusing to face Parliament. This is blatant contempt of Parliament," CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.

He indicated the CPM would join a wider Opposition, including Trinamul, in Parliament but would keep off any proposal to join hands with its archrival outside the House. "Each party will organise its own protest outside Parliament. All parties can organise separate protests on a particular date," Yechury said.