BJP trade cell holds protest outside Raj Bhawan against FDI

The trade cell of the BJP also submitted a memorandum having detailed grievances of the traders to Raj Bhawan.

The cell leaders were carrying placards and shouted slogans against the Union government for its proposed move.

"After failing to survive prolonged global recession world-wide, these MNC's have set their eyes on Indian Retail Market," said Anil Gupta, BJP state convener of trade cell.

BJP leader Chander Mohan Sharma said FDI in retail sector is a "blow to the interests of not only small businessmen but to the consumers also."

"This anti-poor attitude of the government will further push the people towards unrest and starvation," Sharma claimed adding in Jammu and Kashmir, besides other factors, the long power cuts to the industries too is adding to the woes of the trading community.

If the Centre approves FDI in India, it will certainly bring recession here also, Gupta said.

"Moreover, such an act will raise the prices of consumer goods further which will not be in the interest of common consumer," he said.

Yesterday, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma has said that the Indian government will soon take a 'political call' on the issue of FDI in multi-brand retail as it cannot wait indefinitely.