BJP MP writes to PM, demands probe into charges against Walmart

BJP MP Anurag Thakur has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding a probe into allegations against the American multi-brand retailer Walmart that it has violated foreign exchange rules in India.

Thakur, BJP's youth wing President, also requested Singh to "personally monitor" the investigation into the matter.

In his letter, the Lok Sabha MP from Himachal Pradesh raised three questions-- has Walmart paid any bribes in India?, Who were these bribes paid to? and has Walmart invested USD 100 million in violation of foreign exchange rules?

"The latest media reports of Walmart's suspension of its Chief Financial Officer along with the entire legal team for bribery in India are not encouraging.

"Walmart's violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in India only goes to prove the BJP's stand that a more informed debate is required on the subject (Government's decision to allow FDI in retail) as well as stringent checks and balances be put in place to prevent another scam story from being written," Thakur said.

The President of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha said that it is the duty of the Prime Minister to inform the House and the people "what his governments view are on this latest development as this not only affects the retail sector but also projects a negative image of India abroad."

Bharati Walmart had on Friday said it has suspended five people including the chief financial officer in the ongoing probe into the allegations of bribery and corruption and promised a thorough investigation into it.

Bharati Walmart is a 50:50 joint venture between Bharati Group and Walmart Stores Inc for running of wholesale stores in India.