Local BJP leaders organised a protest on the Bhandari Bridge against the central government's decision to allow FDI (foreign direct investment) in retail. Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj and Amritsar MP Navjot Singh Sidhu chained themselves during the protest.
"We are just indicating what the FDI is going to do to a common businessman. The union government has tried to help big companies without protecting the ordinary shopkeeper or businessman," said said MP Navjot Singh Sidhu. He claimed that the Centre's policies were anti-people and allowing FDI was a clear example of the policy.

He added that a market with many sellers was good, but with bigger consolidated stores allowed to function, the consumer will ultimately be the loser.

Punjab industry minister Anil Joshi also staged a protest along with his workers and criticised the UPA Government and its economic policies.

"The policies of UPA Government are taking us towards situation wherein only big companies will flourish. The Congress is taking us towards economic slavery."

BJP workers raised slogans against the Congress and alleged that the UPA was taking decisions against the interest of the common man.