NEW DELHI: It might not be a happy new year for Opposition unity to showcase their strength on issues of demonetisation and personal corruption of prime minister as Janata Dal (United) (JDU) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) decided to skip Congress show.

Congress receive major blow on Monday, a day ahead proposed conference focusing on two issues; party vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of corruption against Modi and the plight of the common people who have been hurt by the recall of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.

Congress looking to bring all opposition parties together showcasing a unified Opposition before taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the scrapping of high-value currency.

On Monday at Kolkata, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury maintained they were not consulted on the date of the events, while JD(U) leader K C Tyagi said, “We were not sounded out; we don’t know what the agenda is. There is no common minimum programme. So how can we participate?”

The JDU and the CPM are two key forces in the Opposition camp and have pulled out of a proposed meeting and press conference.

Meanwhile, the Congress’ erstwhile ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has also ruled out participation and the Samajwadi Party’s (SP) presence is doubtful. Congress has got some respite as Trinamool Congress (TMC) agreeing to attend the conference.