SP joins anti-FDI chorus

Adding its voice to the list of political parties that do not support the hike in foreign direct investment (FDI) caps in insurance, civil aviation and telecom, the Samajwadi Party (SP) today said it would oppose the Budget move both inside and outside Parliament.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the SP's parliamentary party, Amar Singh said though the party was supporting the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, it was unfortunate that the government believed in foisting its economic world view on allies instead of taking decisions through discussion and consultation.

The government's priorities were wrong, he said and added it was acting on directions from industrial houses like Hutch and Airtel.

"Though Sunil Bharti Mittal is my friend, he has said $20 billion is needed in the telecom sector. But the social sector needs $50 billion. So why is not the government more concerned about drought, poverty and the poor?," he asked.

"My party will use all methods and will go to any lengths to oppose the FDI in these sectors. We will liaiase with the Left on the matter. It is sad that the government did not consult even the Left on this matter before announcing their decision," Singh said.

"We have supported this government not surrendered to it" (Hamne sarkar ka samarthan kiya hai, samarpan nahin), Singh said. He charged that Hutch and Airtel had actually violated the law of the land and had the FDI far beyond the legal limits. Instead of taking action against them, the government was indulging them.