As BJP appeared to be against opening of the retail sector, Congress on Saturday hailed the “calibrated and incremental” approach of the government on the issue of bringing FDI in multi-brand retail.
The party also criticised BJP for its approach on the issue saying it was taking a “cheap” political stand.
“No final decision has been taken by Government of India (on allowing FDI in retail) government has decided to allow it in some areas under certain conditions. A very careful, calibrated and incremental decision has been taken. This calibrated and incremental approach is most appropriate,” party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters.
Senior BJP leader and former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha had been maintaining that there was no need for FDI in multi-brand retail as it has adverse economic implications.
Alleging that the central government bends whenever a leader from a foreign country, especially the U.S., visits India, party spokesman leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on Saturday said, “BJP opposes FDI in retail.”
Mr. Singhvi, however, condemned “BJP’s premature attack” and “cheap political stand” on the issue. “BJP is engaging in nothing but political opportunism like it had done on many other issues like GST,” he said.
The war of words between BJP and Congress over the issue comes a day after the Centre’s Committee of Secretaries (CoS) on Friday recommended up to 51 per cent FDI in the politically sensitive multi-brand retail.
Mr. Singhvi said that it was a “progressing process” and speculations should be made on the issue.
Asked about the party’s opinion on the issue of FDI in retail, the Congress spokesperson said it will go by the government’s decision, adding that the government has decided to go in a calibrated and incremental manner on this issue after a thorough consideration.
