<p>The Union Cabinet’s decision to allow up to 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail trade has already stirred up a political hornets’ nest with the opposition parties gearing up to corner the government in Parliament. Under fire from various quarters, the Commerce and Industry Ministry came out with full-page newspaper advertisements seeking to clear “myths” about 51 per cent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.<br />Barely a day after Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma made it clear that it was for the states to “take a call” on implementing the policy, Jayalalitha urged the Centre to reverse the move as “it would not serve to bring down inflation or improve market efficiency.”<br /><br />Jayalalitha, in a strongly worded statement, slammed the Centre, saying: “While Parliament is in session, this move without even consulting state governments is unprecedented and indicates the overweening arrogance of the government.”<br />Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has also opposed the move which, according to her, would make the state “bankrupt.” <br /><br />The issue brought to the fore the dissent within the party with Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ramesh Chennithala writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh criticising the decision.<br /></p>
<p>The Union Cabinet’s decision to allow up to 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail trade has already stirred up a political hornets’ nest with the opposition parties gearing up to corner the government in Parliament. Under fire from various quarters, the Commerce and Industry Ministry came out with full-page newspaper advertisements seeking to clear “myths” about 51 per cent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.<br />Barely a day after Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma made it clear that it was for the states to “take a call” on implementing the policy, Jayalalitha urged the Centre to reverse the move as “it would not serve to bring down inflation or improve market efficiency.”<br /><br />Jayalalitha, in a strongly worded statement, slammed the Centre, saying: “While Parliament is in session, this move without even consulting state governments is unprecedented and indicates the overweening arrogance of the government.”<br />Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has also opposed the move which, according to her, would make the state “bankrupt.” <br /><br />The issue brought to the fore the dissent within the party with Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ramesh Chennithala writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh criticising the decision.<br /></p>