The Hindu : Front Page : Karat opposes FDI in retail

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Monday, Feb 12, 2007
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Karat opposes FDI in retail

Special Correspondent

"Centre appears oblivious to public opinion"

HYDERABAD: Asserting that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government "cannot proceed with its moves to permit foreign direct investment (FDI) in the retail sector," the Communist Party of India (Marxist) reiterated that the move was not acceptable to the Left parties.

"Days after the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, writes to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking him to reconsider FDI in retail, Commerce Minister Kamal Nath announces the intention to permit FDI in certain segments," CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat said.

At a press conference here on Sunday, Mr. Karat said the Government appeared to be oblivious to the public opinion against allowing foreign investors in the retail sector. "The entire political spectrum, including some UPA allies, are opposed to it, and the Government cannot proceed with its move."

Mr. Karat was also critical of the Government's failure to check the spiralling rise in the prices of essential commodities. It was not taking any steps, such as curbing futures trading in foodgrains and essential commodities. "The Government repeats its claims that the prices are rising because of the buoyant economy. This is a callous way of putting it as the increase is artificial and cannot be explained as supply constraint."

A major step needed was a cut in the price of petrol by Rs. 2 a litre and diesel by Re. 1 with immediate effect, he said and cited the declining petroleum prices in the international markets. The CPI (M) Polit Bureau had decided to meet on February 17 and 18 to chalk out an agitational plan in this regard as the Government was "not listening."

Lamenting that corruption was prevailing in all institutions, Mr. Karat wanted the Government to reconsider the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court as there were many complaints.

Even the President had returned the appointment asking the Government to take a re-look. On queries about a separate Telangana, he said the party was against the constitution of another States Reorganisation Commission. "Telangana is a specific issue, and it can be dealt with separately. But why do you want to open the problems of the entire country in the name of SRC," he wanted to know.

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