MP traders to campaign against Reliance Fresh

Small traders and retailers under the banner of an arm of the Bharatiya Janata Party are planning to lobby against the entry of big firms into retail.

A cell of traders in the BJP Sangatham today registered protest against the entry of big companies in retail in general and Reliance Fresh in particular.

A meeting of the Vyapari Prakoshtha (traders' cell) of the party today set the agenda for the movement and decided to organise traders from all over the state. The BJP leadership would soon spell out the course of action in this regard, said a spokesperson of the cell.

Speaking to Business Standard, Anant Agrawal, state head of the Prakoshtha, said: "We have sent a detailed report to the central leadership. And we are in favour of small traders and retailers." He, however, evaded a direct reply on whether the report strongly protested against the entry of Reliance Fresh in Madhya Pradesh but said, "We are not in favour of the company you are referring to."

The Prakoshtha has decided to organise small traders at local level by August 31 so that a strong movement can be launched against Reliance and other companies. The Prakoshtha working committee today also discussed the matter with Industry Minister Babulal Gaur and Finance Minister Ragahvji.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has twice stressed he is against the entry of Reliance Fresh in Madhya Pradesh. During a recent meeting of small industries, he had said big firms like Reliance should not enter retailing.

Speaking to Business Standard, a Reliance Fresh official said the company would set up shop on schedule.

A section of traders and retailers has strongly protested against Reliance Fresh stores. Reliance Fresh has plans to open at least six outlets in Bhopal.

The trader-members of the Prakoshtha has asked for a cut in value-added tax on certain household items and simplification of some forms necessary for traders to declare their earnings, transportation of goods, and input cost.

The shortage of coins was also on the agenda of the meeting today. Traders across the state are facing a shortage of coins and currency notes of small denomination.