FDI debate: Oppn warns SP, BSP in Lok Sabha

Apprehending that SP and BSP would bail out the UPA on FDI in retail, Opposition in Lok Sabha today warned these parties as also DMK that history will not pardon them if they sided with the government on the issue despite opposing it during the nationwide protest.

Among those who made a scathing attack on the government over the issue were members of the JD(U), CPI(M), BJD, Shiv Sena and AIADMK.

UPA ally NCP, which is a major partner in Maharashtra government, suggested it was not completely on board regarding implementation of FDI in retail, with its leader Praful Patel saying the state's Coordination Committee will assess its impact as it did not want small retailers to be hurt.

But at the same time, he rejected the Opposition contention that FDI was bad for the country.

Participating in the discussion on the issue, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav said "history will not pardon you (Congress) if you implement this measure. I am telling this also to those who were with us in the 'Bharat Bandh'," called by the entire Opposition, including Left parties and the BJP in September to protest allowing of FDI in multi-brand retail.

Looking at SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav sitting in the front row, he recalled that SP, BSP and DMK were "with us" during the nationwide protest and said that 85 per cent of the people would be adversely affected by the move.

"Sit over it again, have more consultations and roll back the measure. If you do not roll back, then we will roll back your government..... You can win this battle but not the war," Yadav said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath was seen sitting with the SP chief for some time during the discussion while Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanasamy was seen chatting with BSP leader Dara Singh Chauhan. Castigating Union Minister Kapil Sibal for saying that "allowing FDI in retail would check inflation", the JD(U) leader said Sibal had "x-rayed his government by saying that the decline in GDP, industrial production or exports will be checked only through FDI as if this is the only medicine for all ills, as if it is the only way to retrieve the situation."

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