BJP will never accept FDI in retail: Venkaiah

Stressing that BJP will continue to oppose the decision taken by UPA government as part of economic reforms, BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu today said the party would never accept FDI in multi-brand retail and fight against the reforms undertaken by UPA government.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party function here, he said FDI in retail would "kill" the Indian trade.

Naidu said once the multinational retailers are allowed, millions of small traders will be put of business.

These retailers will then monopolise the trade and dictate the price of commodities used by common man, hence FDI in retail is against the interests of farmers and also consumers, he said.

He alleged that country leadership had "vested interest" behind the decision on FDI in retail.

"While the US government wants to impose it, our government is welcoming it with open arms," he alleged.

Taking a swipe at Congress for "opposing" FDI while in opposition and proposing it while in power, Naidu said "I have already released a document when Manmohan Singh as the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha opposed FDI in retail during NDA rule."

He also came down heavily against the UPA allies like SP, BSP and DMK and accused them of "double standards."

"We don't know how long UPA will survive as it is on ventilator. Anything may happen to this government any time. UPA allies are opposing Congress in their states and supporting at Delhi", Naidu said.

He said BJP will be strengthening the NDA with the possibility of early elections.
"We want as many parties to come and join us. When the election comes nearer more parties are likely to join NDA and it will be strengthened further," he said.