PM calls Mamata, but gets a firm 'no' on FDI

Kolkata/New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that though she did not want the government to fall, supporting it on the issue of foreign equity in the retail sector was a "problem" for her party.

"Today (Friday), the prime minister phoned me asking to reconsider our decision on FDI (foreign direct investment) issue. I told him that we do not intend the government to fall, but supporting it on the FDI issue was a problem for us," Banerjee said.

"Fifty percent people of our state are dependent upon the retail sector. Even in our manifesto, we have committed not to support FDI in the state. We can think of such things only after ensuring a proper livelihood of our farmers," she added.

Banerjee had earlier made clear that her government will not allow FDI in the state.

She also said it was against her party policy to support the decision.

"We have also told them to reconsider the decision and withdraw it. If there is a financial crisis, then suggestions from all political parties may be sought to solve the problem. I have supported the government on earlier occasions but this is a very sensitive issue and I am committed to stand by the people," Banerjee said.

"I respect the request of prime minister but it is our decision not to support it. Though on his request I can at most discuss this with my party leaders," reiterated Banerjee.

The Trinamool Congress, a key member in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), is bitterly opposed to the new reform policy and said this would hurt the interests of farmers and small traders in India.

The government's efforts have so far failed to win the Trinamool's support on the decision that is being also opposed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Left parties.

The opposition parties are demanding an adjournment motion under a rule entailing voting to discuss the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retailing. The government has so far rejected the demand, triggering a political deadlock in parliament.

The standoff between the government and the opposition has led to parliament not doing any significant business in the first nine days of the 21-day long winter session that ends Dec 22.

Manmohan Singh also wished a speedy recovery for Banerjee's mother who has been in a hospital since the last week following illness, Banerjee said.


 

Home | Top of the Page

Top Stories

Protests over the entry of global retail chains such as Wal-Mart and Carrefour saw tens of thousands of shop-owners downing their  »

Cong, opposition fight over FDI continues; traders call nationwide protests

PM firm on FDI decision, says it is pro-people

  Most Read

The Superman of Malegaon, the documentary film which introduced Mollywood - the local film industry to the International audience as never before, has been included for  »

After Alvi, Khurshid too says Govt mulling quota for Muslims

In a significant move ahead of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Law Minister Salman Khurshid Thursday said the government is considering reservation to backward Muslims within the 27 percent  »

Government working on reservation for minorities: Congress

  News Pick

Picture of the Day

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Emeritus Senior Minister, Mr. Goh Chok Tong, unveiled the bust and the Marker of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, at Asian Civilizations Museum, in Singapore on November 20, 2011.

(Photo: M. Asokan )