Bihar CM Nitish Kumar maintains support to demonetisation

New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday stood by his words in support of demonetisation, saying he would support any decision taken in a bid to curb corruption no matter which party affiliates it.

His statement, however, have raised speculations of a possible rift in the grand alliance.

Kumar, who is generally seen as the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, said that they weren’t working on the bringing together all non-BJP parties.

Rubbishing the speculations of a rift in the ruling grand alliance in Bihar, he laughed off the rumours of him re-joining hands with the BJP. He said that he wouldn’t deny these reports (of joining hands with BJP) as denial is often considered as 50 percent confirmation.

Nitish Kumar's support has enraged politicians like TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. He spoke at a meeting conducted by his party JD(U) and later at an event organised by a leading media house where another prominent leader of his party, Sharad Yadav, attacked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over their November 8 decision of demonetisation.

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Nitish said, "Scrapping of high denomination currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 is a positive step which will yield benefits in future. It will happen for sure." He also described corruption and stashing black money as a "big sin and festering wound" which needs to be eradicated.

"The step would require many steps in the coming future. That is why we have extended our support to it. It is a positive beginning. I will always be there to support every attack on corruption," he said.

The Bihar CM also didn’t speak anything against the way of its implementation which is causing inconvenience to common people of the country. Significantly, the opposition leaders, including Sharad Yadav, have raised the issue several times in the recent past.

On being asked about the strong protest by the opposition parties' against the decision which is causing difficulties to the people, Nitish said, "I don't speak about it because I believe that those who are facing difficulties should be describing their problems. But, we are not hearing any such voices. I know people are in difficulty but the poor think they are facing problem today but a lot of money of the rich is sinking."