After springing to the government's side by endorsing the big buck ban, the Janata Dal United today joined other Opposition parties in demanding adjournment of Parliament.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar had on November 9 - the day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his surprise announcement scrapping Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes - backed the move, saying it would help curb black money.

But the JDU did a U-turn today with the party's leader in the Rajya Sabha, Sharad Yadav, moving a notice for the suspension of business in the Upper House on the issue.

Asked why the JDU revised its position, JDU secretary-general and national spokesman K.C. Tyagi told The Telegraph: "We have all along crusaded against black money through the socialist movement and Jayaprakash Narayan's Total Revolution. We would like the Prime Minister to go beyond demonetisation by identifying the property registered in fake names and confiscating them."

"But instead of focusing on black money, the Prime Minister has been indulging in emotional speeches and has not taken care of the misery that the common people, particularly agriculturists, small traders and hinterland dwellers, are suffering on account of demonetisation executed in an unplanned and hasty manner," he said.

"It is the sowing season of kharif crops. Farmers do not have cash to buy seeds, fertilisers and insecticide. It is wedding season. Lakhs of people who have marriages in their families are suffering for want of cash. Over four lakh trucks are stranded on different highways. Small traders are doomed and small business has been obliterated," Tyagi said, adding, "The JDU can't remain a mute spectator to the sufferings of common people."

Speaking in tune with Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the JDU leader said: "While initially supporting it (demonetisation), we did not foresee a financial anarchy that has now gripped the nation. Our party president (Nitish) saw a good intention behind it and he is still ready to go with any action targeted against black money. But we cannot afford to sing in tune with the central government which has blindly ignored the suffering of the people."

Mamata had called up Nitish, Lalu Prasad and Left leaders soliciting their support in her campaign against demonetisation. Nitish took his time but the JDU has now joined the Trinamul Congress, SP, BSP, RJD and the Congress's efforts for Opposition consensus against demonetisation.