BJP protest decision to allow FDI in retail sector

While the opposition parties have cornered the ruling Congress government in Parliament for allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail sector, the state unit of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a dharna at Jantar Mantar for immediate rollback of the decision on Monday.

While the opposition parties have cornered the ruling Congress government in Parliament for allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail sector, the state unit of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a dharna at Jantar Mantar for immediate rollback of the decision on Monday.

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Senior BJP leaders said that the central government's decision would render lakhs of people unemployed.

"Almost 95% of retail trade in India runs under the unorganised sector. About 15 crore people are supporting their families with the help of retail trade in every lane of the country. If foreign companies are allowed retail trading, millions of people will be rendered unemployed. This earning section of the country will start committing suicide," said Vijender Gupta, Delhi BJP president.

BJP workers, along with thousands of traders, began gathering at Jantar Mantar at 10am.

Armed with banners and flags, they raised slogans such as 'rozgar de nahi sakte to rozgar chhino mat (if you can't give employment, don't snatch it away) and others.

Traders protesting at the venue demanded that the government should immediately withdraw this decision, which they said would ruin the country.

"If the government allows foreign multi-brand companies to start trading and open show rooms, then we will come onto the streets and oppose government's anti-people decision," said Gupta.