Puducherry state unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Tuesday slammed the Union Territory's chief minister N Rangasamy for "keeping mum" on the Centre's controversial decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail. CPI said it was "indeed surprising that Puducherry chief minister N Rangasamy is keeping mum" over the issue when the neighbouring Tamil Nadu government and even allies of the UPA government such as Trinamool Congress and DMK have opposed it.

"The silence maintained by Rangasamy without expressing his government's stand on the issue gives rise to genuine doubts," CPI state secretary N Kalainathan said in a statement.

The party also announced its support to the bandh called on December 1 by traders and business community here in line with the call given by Confederation of All India Traders to protest against the decision to allow FDI in retail.

The CPI would ensure that the bandh called on Dec 1 turns out to be successful. "FDI is most dangerous as it would only strengthen the foreign investors at the cost of Indian traders and business community. The Centre should drop its decision in the larger of country's economy," he said.