Nothing to lose, Oppn launches all-out attack

The Opposition is pushing the government into corner over FDI in retail because it sees itself in a comfortable no-loss, all-gain situation.

The Opposition is pushing the government into corner over FDI in retail because it sees itself in a comfortable no-loss, all-gain situation.

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While it paints the government as "anti-people" for its "attack" on small traders, Opposition-led state governments can showcase their "resistance" by saying they won’t let retail giants in since the decision is not binding on state governments.

"Small traders would number 1-2 lakh in each parliamentary constituency," a BJP leader said, pointing to a key Bania (trader) vote bank the party is trying to woo back. It is also trying to reclaim urban voters it lost to the Congress in the 2009 polls. An urban middle class enamoured of the Prime Minister till not too long ago — the BJP believes — can now be turned against the UPA in the coming state polls.

BJP also says global giants like Walmart will source the cheapest goods, hurting local manufacturers.

The BJP also blames the UPA's 'intransigence' for the stalling of Parliament. CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta adds that it is Parliament's "sovererign" right to question any executive decision.