|
|
|
|
|
SAD takes U-turn on FDI in retail sector Chandigarh, December 1 Badal senior’s statement, which is being viewed in political circles as a total “somersault” from Sukhbir’s stand on the issue, also found unanimous support at SAD’s core committee meeting held here this evening. The meeting decided that party leaders would refrain from publicly speaking on the issue, as a controversy close to the Assembly elections could prove counterproductive. SAD’s U-turn on the issue comes barely a week after Sukhbir Badal promised “complete support” to the UPA government for its “major” initiative on opening up of foreign direct investment in multi-brand and single brand retail. In a letter to Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Anand Sharma, a copy of which is available with The Tribune, Sukhbir wrote, “We are delighted to hear that your government is taking a major initiative that will offer tremendous benefits to the farmers and people of my state.” The letter, written a day after the Union government announced its decision on foreign direct investment, went on to state that the move would bring expertise, experience and resources of foreign retailers and improve remuneration to the farmers. “I offer my complete support to you and your government for taking this major step that will benefit millions of farmers and youth in our state,” he concluded. However, while addressing the media in Mehraj village this afternoon, the senior Badal said there was no difference of opinion on the issue with the BJP. “We are in alliance with the BJP and our stand cannot be different from our alliance partner (the BJP),” he added. It seems that political compulsions have forced the father and the son to take divergent stands on the issue. In fact, Sukhbir Badal and Naresh Gujral (SAD member of Rajya Sabha) had publicly batted for FDI in retail. During the inaugural function of the Khalsa Heritage Complex at Anandpur Sahib last week, the Deputy Chief Minister had welcomed the move, claiming that it would help improve the economic conditions of farmers in the state, with foreign retailers offering them higher prices for their produce.Sukhbir could not be contacted for comments despite repe1ated efforts. The Congress was quick to react to Badal's U-turn with PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh accusing them of being “inconsistent and opportunists”. He said,undoubtedly, the FDI in retail would be the best means to recover the state’s sagging agro economy. Father, son differ Punjab being an agrarian economy, we are delighted to hear that your government is taking this major initiative (FDI in the retail sector) that will offer tremendous benefits to the farmers and people of my state. — Sukhbir Badal to Union Minister Anand Sharma
We are in alliance with the BJP and our stand cannot be different from our alliance partner. — Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
What sukhbir badal said
What Parkash Singh Badal now says
