BJP protests FDI in retail; extends support to traders' bundh on Dec 1

Mangalore, November 30: Protesting against the Union Cabinet's decision to allow 51 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, the Dakshina Kannada district committee of Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner here.

The protesters, who raised slogans against the Centre and grant of permission to foreign companies, expressed fear that the move may not only lead to massive unemployment, but destruct the existing business and supply chains, as well.

Leading the protest, District BJP President Padmanabha Kottari lashed out at the Congress led UPA government's unilateral decisions in crucial matters.

“Ignoring the voice of opposition, a few cabinet members going on to the extent of taking such an abrupt decision, which would affect the lives of crores of Indian citizens is an example for the irresponsible attitude of the government”, he said.

“At present around eight per cent of workers are employed in retail trade in India and at least four percent people of this country have found their future in it. About 15 crore people are maintaining their families with it in every lane and block of the country. If the foreign companies are allowed in, all these people would be rendered unemployed and ultimately ruined,” he warned.

Before taking such a controversial decision the ruling party was supposed to discuss the issue in the parliament. The government should also have had discussed the issue with the leaders of retail market sector, who are the real victims of this decision. However, the abrupt decision shows the keenness of the Congress led government in serving the vested interests, he said.

Mr Kottari went on to charge that the Government had taken this decision under pressure of foreign governments and companies. There is also the possibility of heavy corruption in the process of this decision, he said.

Companies like Wal-Mart, Tesco, King Fisher, and Carrefour have already been ruling the global retail sector. Now, they are trying to establish their dominance over new countries. Being the biggest market, India is now in their minds, he said.

He also accused Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh of misleading people by stating that FDI in India's retail sector would benefit farmers. “The Union government has reduced to be a mere puppet in the hands of vested interests, business tycoons and multi-national companies”, he said.

Bundh

Stating that BJP will never allow foreign companies to open multi brand retail stores, in the land of India, he said that the District BJP will support country-wide bundh called by Confederation of All India Traders on December 1 against the Centre's move.

Local BJP leaders Shreekar Prabhu, Monappa Bhandary, Nithin Kumar, Sulochana GK Bhat were among the protesters.