FDI rocks parliamentary proceedings again, BJP charges Govt. of working under US pressure

Irish Sun (ANI) Friday 2nd December, 2011

Accusing a rigid UPA Government of not letting the parliament function, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday said the former was definitely operating under pressure from America and European countries, and therefore, did not want any discussion to take place on foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.We want that there should be a discussion in both Houses over FDI issue. This government does not want any discussion to take place over the FDI issue. We have moved the adjournment motion as per parliamentary rules and procedures and we want a discussion as per it. We do not want any discussion to take place outside the rules and procedures," said senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh.

"But it is not understandable, why the government is not willing for discussion within the rules and procedures. I believe that definitely this government has the pressure from America and the European countries and there is no doubt about that. So, the government is not being able to run the parliament due to its rigid attitude," he added.

Accusing the government of making false assurances and pressuring the people of the country to purchase commodities big malls, Rajnath Singh further said that it was high time the government must learn from an economically developed and powerful country like the United States.

"US President Mr. Obama (Barack Obama) has commented on his twitter account and appealed to the people of his country to purchase commodities from the small markets, which will provide an impetus to the economy of the country. So, I want to ask this government that if the President of an economically developed and powerful country like US can appeal to the people of his country to purchase commodities from small markets, then why is the Prime Minister of our country, which has a population of 120 crore people, asking the people and pressurising them to purchase commodities from big malls where foreign investment is there. This is not understandable," said Singh.

"I want ask this government that when they say that farmers and consumers will benefit with the decision, then why a powerful country like US gives billion dollars subsidy to its farmers if these multinationals are going to benefit the farmers," he added.

The deadlock in Parliament over FDI in retail and several other issues continued for the ninth day today with the opposition and some members of UPA partner Trinamool Congress creating uproar in both Houses to press for their demands.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were today adjourned till December 7.

The Winter Session, which began on November 22, has virtually done no business, due to the treasury-opposition standoff on several issues, including the price rise, corruption, the demand for a separate state of Telangana and the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam.

The Union Cabinet had earlier on November 24 approved 51 percent FDI in multi- brand retail.

As per this move, many global retailers like Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco can open outlets in India.

But the new policy, seen as one of the most important government economic reforms in years, may commit supermarkets to strict local sourcing requirements and minimum investment levels aimed at protecting jobs. (ANI)