BJP seeks to ride retail storm in House

Following the protests in the House over the decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail,Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj held impromptu consultations with Left leaders

Following the protests in the House over the decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail,Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj held impromptu consultations with Left leaders,where a proposal to move adjournment motions against the decision was discussed.

BJP circles suggested that the issue would be taken up within the party and with other opposition leaders tomorrow or on Sunday.

MoS for Health Sudip Bandopadhyay of the Trinamool said,It is a coalition government and not the rule of a single party. We have the right to protest such decisions which go against the peoples interests. He added though that the Trinamool would not go so far as to break coalition dharma over the issue.

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LJP chief Ramvilas Paswan told reporters in Patna that the governments decision would destroy home retailers in the country.

Also in Patna,Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said,I oppose it (FDI in multi-brand retail) tooth and nail… It will ruin retailers and lead to unemployment of an unimaginable scale.

The BJP,which has a votebank in small traders and shopkeepers,has been opposed to FDI in multi-brand retail,arguing that it would lead to predatory pricing,job losses and the destruction of kirana shops.

The government,on its part,has issued a three-line whip to its MPs for Tuesday,asking them to be present for the adjournment motion on black money. Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held a meeting on Friday evening to discuss the fallout of the FDI decision.

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