JOIN USJD(U) vows opposition unity against FDI
Taking on the Cabinet’s decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail and aviation sectors, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav on Monday vowed to show the government a grand opposition unity against their recent move, in the days to come.
Buoyed by the support of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bhahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the JD(U) supremo said there is no confusion within Opposition against the recent move of the Centre on FDI. The leader also expected that more parties too, could jump into the bandwagon in the days to come.
“There is no confusion within the Opposition as far as the Cabinet’s move on FDI and recent hike in diesel prices are concerned,” said Yadav on Monday.
In a damage control exercise, Yadav said the reason for Shiv Sena not joining the stir is only the upcoming Ganesha festival and nothing else.
“Shiv Sena is not joining this strike because of Ganpati festival as this is the most celebrated festival of Maharashtra. There is no other reason for the party not joining the agitation. Other leaders like Mulayam Singh and Mayawati have clearly extended their support for the strike,” said the JD(U) supremo.
Yadav also left no stone unturned in lauding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her earlier attempts to oppose the FDI and hoped the TMC leader would again pitch in for the same.
Yadav also sought the help of Left parties in uniting against the controversial issue of FDI and diesel price hike and exhorted them to join hands with the Opposition to voice against the disputed move.
He also led a JD(U) delegation to Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy for demanding “dual pricing” for diesel. They demanded that diesel, used only in transport and generators should be subsidised; others should pay at the market price. Ram Sunder Das MP, R C P Singh, MP, Nad Gowdaa and Chotubhai Basava were part of the delegation.
No FDI in Bihar
Meanwhile, in Patna, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made it very clear that under no circumstances he would allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail sector in the State.
“FDI in infrastructure is always welcome, but at no cost I am going to allow it in retail in Bihar, precisely because the move will make farmers slave,” said Nitish while talking to newsmen in Patna.
“Agriculture is a big market and these foreign companies want to tap it. But I am of the view that they should put in their money in those sectors where investment is imperative,” he added.