FDI works, but locals must get jobs: Raj

Announcing his support for a proposal that most of the opposition is unhappy with, Thackeray said that foreign capital was inevitable for any nation. But this came with a rider - locals should be given jobs by such companies.

Announcing his support for a proposal that most of the opposition is unhappy with, Thackeray said that foreign capital was inevitable for any nation. But this came with a rider - locals should be given jobs by such companies.

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“I am going to write a letter both to these companies and the government that Marathi people should be given jobs, or else we will not allow them to function here. They should not give jobs to migrants,” said Thackeray. Reading out the list of states like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh opposed to FDI, he said Maharashtra should not bear the burden of the wrong policies adopted by these states.

He also criticised the BJP, saying that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee mooted the proposal during its regime. “They are opposing this just for the sake of opposing it and I really cannot understand their stance.” He added that a bandh should be called not to protest against FDI in retail, but the scams in the country.

Thackeray, while opposing the diesel hike, defended the Centre government. “About 70% of petroleum products are imported. No government would like to burden its people.”