PM Modi invokes Bal Thackeray, ‘floors’ Shiv Sena MPs questioning note ban

Sources said this floored the Sena MPs. “We support the demonetisation move. It is only that we are concerned over how it is being rolled out and the hardship caused to citizens. We also requested him to allow cooperative banks across the country to accept old notes, which will provide relief to citizens,” said an MP who was part of the delegation.

Sena president Uddhav Thackeray welcomed the PM taking Bal Thackeray’s name. “This shows the respect the PM has for Balasaheb. I welcome his statement. However, as a PM people are expecting him to speak about the issues troubling common citizens and improve their plight. If he does that, Balasaheb would have been far more happy,” said Uddhav.

Earlier in the day, the Sena took exception to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ statement that those opposing demonetisation were harming the country. “You do not need to teach patriotism to people who are distressed and quietly standing in queues. Their hard-earned money is being used for all works in the country. The BJP should not label people as patriots or anti-nationals as per its whims and fancies,” said Uddhav.