New Delhi/Patna, Dec. 3: Nitish Kumar today sought to make it clear that while he would continue to endorse demonetisation, his support should not be seen as a signal of his return to the NDA.

Nitish, who attended two functions in Delhi - re-launching of the JDU's Delhi unit and later an event of the Hindustan Times - made it clear that he had not changed his stand on demonetisation despite the torrid winter session of the Bihar Assembly which saw bitterness and distrust among Grand Alliance partners owing to his open support of Narendra Modi's move.

"I support the note ban. It should be implemented properly. I said in the beginning that we do anything with proper planning, they should've done the same. It is all right if through this, corruption is controlled, black money is exposed, illegal trade is stopped... what would be a happier event? I personally believe that note ban is a positive step, but note ban alone will not lead to any great result. Along with it, the PM should immediately attack benami (disguised) property," he said at the JDU meeting.

"A lot of unaccounted wealth is produced by the liquor trade. Not only is it unethical, it also produces infinite wealth - it is converted into black money. It is the opportune moment to attack benami properties, and like Bihar which is seeing the positive impact of prohibition, prohibition must be promoted across the country," he added.

Earlier, in his speech, he said: "A few among the educated class, not all of them, they have a habit of taking two pegs. They feel it is their freedom. They should know that it is not freedom. Drinking or producing alcohol is not a fundamental right. But they run clubs illegally, write all sorts of things about me. I tell all these people, go and see the change in the conditions of villages and cities. It is so peaceful."

Nitish's support to demonetisation has led to much heartburn among his allies, the RJD and Congress, and also among political friends such as Bengal's Mamata Banerjee. The NDA has also stoked the fire with several leaders saying Nitish would be welcome in the alliance that he had quit over Narendra Modi's elevation as Prime Minister.

Dal row over currency bar comes to fore

At the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit today, the Bihar chief minister was asked about rumours in political circles of his "ghar wapsi" to the NDA. Nitish replied, "I do not want to clarify anything. Wherever I feel that the Centre's approach to corruption is correct, I will support them. Anyone can interpret this in any way they like."

At the JDU meet earlier, the party's secretary-general K.C. Tyagi said: "Some papers have perhaps taking a supari (contract) to spread rumours. The reasons for leaving (the NDA) are still relevant today."

But the differences in the JDU on demonetisation persisted. JDU MP Sharad Yadav said the note ban was only to save "banks from sinking" with their Rs 8.5 lakh crore non-performing assets. "Their objective is not black money," he said.

"But the government has taken such a step that the whole country is in queue. Those who have money can't sleep. Many mothers and sisters are in line... They have their life's savings," he added.

At the HT event, Nitish ruled out any differences in his party on the issue. Asked about Sharad and other Opposition parties raising the issue of people's difficulties, he said: "I don't speak about it because those facing difficulties should be speaking. No such voice is being heard. People are in difficulty but the poor thinks he is facing problem today but a lot of money of the rich is sinking."

In contrast to Nitish's stand, his allies, the RJD and Congress, say that while they supported steps against black money, they had strong reservations about its implementation. When Mamata, the Bengal chief minister demanding a rollback of demonetisation, came to Patna to stage a dharna on the issue on November 30, Nitish stayed away. Mamata took a dig at those who were doing gaddari without naming anyone.

After reeling off a litany of welfare schemes at the JDU meet today, Nitish took pot shots at the level of development in Delhi, which is ruled by AAP that has also joined forces with Mamata Banerjee to oppose the note ban. He said, "I don't get the chance to go to the interiors of Delhi but people tell me that the condition is worse than Bihar's villages... Biharis who have come to Delhi are not at the mercy of anyone, they don't plead or beg from anyone, they are not a burden or anyone. Instead, they stand on their feet and struggle to progress."

"If they (Biharis) don't work for a day, whole Delhi will stop. Recognise your power... I want you to take forward the movement for Bihar to get special status and Delhi be made a full-state. And may total prohibition be implemented in Delhi," he said.