Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav on Wednesday launched 'Modi hatao, desh bachao (Oust Modi, save the country)' campaign against demonetisation and urged people to join it.

Thousands of RJD workers staged mahadharna (grand sit-in) against demonetisation at all district headquarters across the state.

"Mahadharna against demonetisation has started. The RJD will hold a big rally in Patna. I will disclose the date of rally soon," Yadav said.

He said people across the country have been facing problems after demonetisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cheated the country.

"Desh ki arthvayvastha ko notebandi ne chaupat kar diya hai (Note ban has ruined the country's economy)," he said.

Yadav said the Bharatiya Janata Party and Modi will taste a Bihar-like defeat in Uttar Pradesh assembly polls because people are angry and unhappy over 'notebandi'.

He said demonetisation is anti poor and anti-farmer. "The Modi led government is against the poor, the labourers and the farmers," he said.

Yadav said large number of migrant workers from Bihar have been returning after factories closed down following demonetisation. Joblessness has increased in the country.

"More than anyone, the poor have been badly hit by demonetisation," he said. M I Khan from Patna; Photograph: PTI Photo