September 21, 2012
Trinamool Chairperson slams UPA over notifying FDI in retail, she terms the hasty decision as `Shocking at midnight`
Inspite of so much protests and resistance all over the country on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail issue, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) notifies FDI in multi-brand retail.
Trinamool Congress Chairperson and West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee termed this hast decision as `Shocking at midnight` on her facebook page: :http://www.facebook.com/MamataBanerjeeOfficial
Trinamool Congress Chairperson wrote:
`I have just come to know through media that Central Government has notified FDI in retail today. Is it ethical, moral and democratic for a minority government to issue Government order forcefully and hurriedly, when massive protest against it is taking place across the country?
This action by a minority government questions its credibility. It also defies democratic tradition in the context of the assurance given in a statement by the former Finance Minister on 7/12/2011 in Lok Sabha to go in for consensus among all stake holders before taking a decision.
It is not understandable as to what has prompted the present minority government to take a hurried decision on such an important issue which touches the livelihood of millions of common people.
Shocking at midnight`
Earlier during the day the Trinamool Chairperson posted the statement of the Ex-Union Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on 7th December, 2011 in Lok Sabha regarding the decision to permit FDI in retail.
Trinamool Chairperson writes:
`For the knowledge of general public and common people, I am posting the statement given by the Ex-Union Finance Minister on 7th December, 2011 in Lok Sabha regarding the decision to permit FDI in retail. I expect your comments on it. Ex-Union Finance Minister was that time also the Hon`ble Leader of the Lok Sabha. Now tell us who has deviated from this statement of the Central Government?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE): Madam Speaker, with your permission, I would just like to make a small statement.
Madam Speaker, the decision to permit 51 per cent FDI in multi brand retail trade is suspended till a consensus is developed through consultation amongst various stakeholders. I convened a meeting of Leaders of all political parties this morning. Earlier also, I had a meeting with them to discuss on how to resolve this impasse due to which Parliament was not functioning properly.
I am glad that all the Leaders have agreed to this formulation but they wanted to have some clarifications. I am seeking your permission to provide that clarification that stakeholders include the Chief Ministers of the State Governments and political parties because without the involvement of the State Chief Ministers, this can never be implemented.
Therefore, the Government will take a decision after a consensus is developed through the process of consultations amongst all stakeholders.
With these words, most respectfully, I would like to submit that the House may transact normal business as only ten days are left before the Winter Session comes to an end. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
`We will not allow the FDI in retail in West Bengal under any circumstances. I am not going to allow the UPA to exploit the farmers. I am aware of the financial constraints they are going through and cannot to allow the UPA to deprive them of their livelihood`, said the Trinamool Chairperson making her position clear on the FDI in retail issue while talking to Press at Writers` Building on Thursday.
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