FDI meant to divert attention from coal saga: Advani

BJP leader L.K. Advani Saturday said the government decision to approve FDI in multi-brand retail and other sectors was aimed at diverting attention from the alleged coal scam.

"That on a day when the Supreme Court put six pertinent questions to the government about this coal scandal, the government should have decided to announce FDI in multi-brand retail may be regarded by some as a desperate bid to shift the focus of debate from corruption to 'reforms'," he said in his blog.

"If the government really thinks (it can succeed), it is gravely mistaken," he added. "The judiciary, the CAG and the opposition, together with the media, have ensured that the corruption issue continues to dominate the people's mind until the next Lok Sabha elections.

"The FDI in retail may actually prove for UPA nothing other than harakiri," he said.
The government Friday allowed 51 percent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail and opened the aviation sector too.

Norms for FDI in broadcasting were also liberalised.