Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee announced here on Tuesday that her party would withdraw support to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre, even as she indicated that the decision might yet be reconsidered if certain demands related to the recent reform measures were met.
“Our party [Ministers] will go to [New Delhi] to submit their resignation on Friday. Today is Tuesday. Let them [the Centre] say, yes, instead of six cylinders we want to give 24 cylinders at least.
Diesel also, they can withdraw the hike and bring down the price by Rs. 3 to 4… Regarding FDI in retail they have to withdraw (sic)…,” Ms. Banerjee said when asked if there was a possibility of her revoking the decision.
Ms. Banerjee said all six Trinamool Ministers would submit their resignations to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at 3 p.m. on Friday.
“We are not staying in UPA-II. It is unfortunate for me to announce all this… We have decided to withdraw support to UPA-II,” Ms. Banerjee told journalists, adding that the unanimous decision was taken at an extended meeting here of all MPs, some Ministers in the State and senior leaders of the party.
She said it “saddened” her to take the decision, but she had given the Congress time to reconsider the reforms.
“I waited… We felt that at least this government will take some decisions, but they did not take those decisions… We were not allowed to stay,” she said.
Ms. Banerjee said she was beginning to wonder whether the recent announcements were a Congress tactic to divert attention from the coal blocks allocation scandal. “Is it a fact that to suppress Coalgate they started this FDI-gate? Is it proper?”
Political parties taking part on the TV debate are not showing the statistics/data as such not able to clarify their stand on the issue.They are coming on TV for time pass only.
Why not our PM take bold step on making a (strong) law against corruption how he had put country for sale through FDI. Then we would we don't need any FDI, and bring down inflation down. Everything is possible with the current resources available.
May be he is afraid of his own congress MPs will be in jail and the government will fall.
Why don't he just get inspired from our Iron Man of India, Sardhar Vallabhai Patel.
Our economy waiting for a booster dose& i.e. FDI. Don't think only for
WB. If Ur not allowing to enter FDI in WB, then don't allow it. But at
least don't oppose it for ur Vote Bank. It will give minimum 1 caror
jobs in next 3 to 5 years.
Stop to oppose change for INDIA.
A query has been raised by one Mr. Valliappan (above) whether the demand
for 24 cylinders of subsidized LPG remotely rational? Partially yes.
Reason bein (a) if one were to weigh the cylinder supplied at
door=step, it will be atleast 2 Kg. short out of prescribed 14.2 Kg.and
(b) in India, there are still either large families with senior citizens
to be tended OR joint families where there is single kitchen unlike
western nations.
If Mamata's utterances as reported by media are true, Congress should not beg her to support and come for a compromise as such support and compromise cannot work for long. It might last till another excuse comes to the fore for Mamata. Basically she is not of good equation with congress and has ended her flirtations with congress. Congress should call it OK and move ahead. Survival of the government depends on Parliament voting at the time when continuance of the government is questioned in Parliament as Government to continue should enjoy majority Parliamentary support and need not worry about anything. Reforms are good and have been welcomed by one and all who do not have any political bias or affiliations.
Couple of days back, I watched a documentary "BBC: Surviving Progress".
which clearly explains how wealthy nations exploit Developing Nations,
and IMF helps Wealthy People/Banks to plunder and exploit other county's
natural resources by lending money and take away their natural resources
as Interest.
I wonder is it happening in India too by way of FDI?
Whenever she opposes the moves of the central government, be it a price hike for petroleum products, fare increase for rail travel or reduction in the number of subsided LPG cylinders per household per annum, the sole reason she cites is that they are anti-poor. It is very clear that, for building a mass support base, she will continue to do so for ever, not caring in the least to find out whether those moves have proper justification or not. Take for example, the case of railway fare revision. The budget proposal to increase the fare nominally met with her threat of withdrawl of support and the government yielded. While the bus fare from Coimbatore to Palghat is Rs.32/-, the railway fare continues to be Rs.9/- How can the Railways manage to provide better passenger amenities? The lavatories remain dirty and rats and cockroaches have become a common sight in railway coaches. Her demand for supply of 24 subsidised LPG cylinders per year defies logic. She is stubborn, not pragmatic.
Mamata is apprehensive of MSY or MYTI role in this drama.She wants a dominating role in the coalition or a midterm poll.No principle is involved.In all probability she will settle for partial roll backs of diesel,raising of LPG cap and postponement of FDI in multi brand retail for the time being,upto panchayet election at least.If newspaper reports are to be believed she has already committed to US foreign secretary that she will not stand in the way of FDI in multi brand retail entry.It seems that her would fully or with a little change would be conceded.
Thanks Mamata Ji Atleast we have some of person like you ,,,
One of the clauses of FDI says that the supermarket has to source atleast 30% of the goods from India. Does that mean 70% of goods can be imported? And would Indian jobs are only logistics? Man, thats not ethical. We welcome retail becoming organized and feel taking a bitter pill, as our traders lose business. But we should not shut Indian manufacturing and call it as efficiency. Manufacturing industry of India is renowned world over and that is suitable considering the unique population numbers and thier expertise. Why don't we reverse as at the most 30% of the goods can be imported? I wonder why no one has raised a question on this clause.
Can you ask Mamta and other politicians to pressurize Govt to brig down
petrol price also ?
If she has so much reservation with the implementation of FDI she should
not allow its implementation in her state... she has only 19 MP's all
from West Bengal she should not behave like a national party... when she
do not understand the economics well she should not poke her nose in
every government decision... let dis country grow Mamta Di... don't try
to take India on the footsteps of west bengal...
Is a demand for 24 cylinders of subsidized LPG per year remotely
rational?
It is nothing but political gimmicks to gain her needs from congress.
Knowing well about congress and its ambitions why she made alliance with
them first? Demand should be reasonable. 24 cylinders per year is
ridiculous.
Could have appreciated if she had done same thing for passing Lokpal Bill or for bringing back black money, what she is doing now is not going to deter Dr. MM Singh, the man is ready to bite the bullet.
Does anyone care what benefits FDI can bring..
In e-media, there is total one sided story, with 3-4 oppressors taking on single congress mp.
In print too, the focus is on highlighting dark aspects of FDI in retail.
How can they ignore that dominance of FDI in Chinese market was its major strength, as
compared to that of FII in Indian market, which was highly unstable.
A brief search on net can throw up other credible arguments in favour of FDI. So why this
one sided, biased reporting- to excite negative public opinion?
From the comments, it seems that general public is largely ignorant on provisions of this
provisions- if any state is so hell bent to oppose it, simply disallow in your state.
The big question is, is it really an issue worth to be escalated so as to endanger Govt itself?
Its a spectacular show of weakness of Indian parliamentary system, with 19 strong TCP
dictating terms to 200+ congress, and then will critcise it for policy paralysis- all while being
in govt.
I will like to disagree with Syed Ali above.But before why, first need to admit the fact that I haven't read the above piece of news article, and that for other reasons.
Syed says "then only India can be a real democracy and a developed nation".
My question is what do you understand by a 'real democracy' and which is that 'developed nation' you are referring to where this real democracy is followed?
My analysis has been that democracy is not really the rule of intellect. Neither the idea of Democracy was conceived for this purpose. The sole purpose of democracy is to save the state from tyranny, by giving its people the power to choose their ruler and alternate them(or not) at a fixed interval.
Here, nowhere there is implied statement about the competency of the to-be ruler, or more accurately the competency of the people who compete for the top job.
So democracy is not designed to prop up the most competent ruler coming up with 'real' good policy but who can connect to masses.
It is much easier shouting in the opposition without any accountability.No doubt congress has faultered on many counts but today the situation is indeed grim and the step proposed was inevitable. Allies and opposition parties must learn to behave more sensibly especially when the issue is of national interest.
Yes, Unfortunate! She had warned them earlier and i thought that a solution might be worked out however it did not. I am aware that this govt is nothing short of a beleaguered govt but withdrawing support on this issue should not have happened. Price rise of fuels is something nearly out of control of the govt as it depends on international prices. I understand that this govt is most infamous for corruption and if Ms. Banerjee had withdrawn because of scam i would have appreciated it more. I too want this government out of power but at the same time it is not desirable to have early elections, it might hurt FDI, FII and worst on the exchequer.
What took Mamata and her MPs so long to to decide upon to walk out of the UPA alliance? I smell a not-to-far poll gimmick here but better late than never.
There is no way for incumbent government to turn back the clock. As we
are part of Global Economy and death of socialism and opportunist
Indian Politicians trying to put on hold on the reforms. Foreign
Investments are vital for India and closing our doors for foreign
Investors will have boomerang effect on Indian Economy.
Also effect on mega corruption also having an effect on the Indian
economy. As long as Indian Political Hierarchy stamps out corruption,
the suffering will be more for the common person in India.
God Save India
Can't really say if this is good or bad, but there is partial validity
in few of her arguments, 6 subsidized cylinders a year is not enough of
an average household, but FDI and cutting of subsidies is also needed to
get the economy back to track.
Now issue related to Big Supermarket chains entry:
In a developed world, including UAE, such type of Big Supermarkets/ Hyper Market chains is part of life like Computer and internet. You cannot close your eyes against such facts. Even, Indian companies entering to Supermarket/ Hyper Market Business all over world and giving competent quality and price ( Example: Lulu, Reliance, Pantas...) Hence I don't think that there is a valid reason to oppose such measures. However, Government should have some control over such big chains. Now think why government did so: It brings foreign exchange, good opportunities both in job as well as quality of product with reasonable and affordable price
Compare current Retail Outlets and quality and price of product delivered through some of the out outlets and quality and price of Big Supermarket/ Hyper market?
Government should not limit Gas cylinder numbers supplied by government but put a slab based on usage and charge accordingly.
Mamata Banerjee's decision to withdraw support from UPA II can go down in history as a masterstroke. This decision has the potential to reap only gains for TMC. The decision is a well calculated one with long term politics in view. The impact of this decision will be multiple. By taking this decision Mamata has virtually hijacked the Leftist space in popular public imagination which will help her in West Bengal. She has been able to take the wind out of the Leftist political activism over these issues. Nationally she has been able to push the Congress to take a call on the important reform issues and the future of them. If Congress doesn't take any decision that is a gain for Mamata. Otherwise is also a gain for her. Her decision might have a snowballing effect now in the shape of parties running far from Congress. That will set the stage for a very early general election. Early election will favor TMC. Any formation of the next loksabha will favor her. Even if BJP comes to power.
The cat is finally out of the sack. Lets see what unfolds now.
Withdrawing support, forming new alliance breaking away from main party, this is what common man is witnessing since independence, which only resulted in making politicians rich and autocratic.
In present circumstances where global economy is struggling our politician is making mockery of democracy by playing dirty politics, reforms are needed in economic policies and some relaxations shall be given to those indians who have amassed huge unaccounted wealth enabling them to invest that money in India itself. Reforms in political system is needed for barring political parties and politicians whose politics is based on caste, religion and region, then only India can be a real democracy and a developed nation as we possess lot of talent in all fields.
we are happy to know that somebody is caring for common man.keep it up
DIDI
Scams, under performances and dictatorial attitude CONG deserves it.
This is not the end of the drama.It is a well scripted drama.The last of many acts the last would be staged in three days' time.FDI in multi-brand retail would be postponed till US presidential election is over,there would be partial rollback of diesel price and LPG cap would be upped to 9 or a little more and the drama would end with a reunion of adversaries on the surface but friends in political game.
Mamata often labelled as a trusted and valued colleague has finally revealed her true colours and has withdrawn support to the government. The UPA had been putting up with her tantrums since long and now apparently having reached the end of their tether have called Mamata's bluff. The SP and the BSP are certain to bail out the government for the simple reason that no one wants to face an early election.
Congress should thank Didi for giving it a lifeline. Keeping Didi inside the tent is more detremental to the Government than keeping her out. Sympathy will be with Congress while Didi gets isolated. Lack of political pragmatism on the part of Didi.
I don't think UPA government fall just by Didi's decision to withdraw her party's support as the UPA managers foresee this situation very early and might take some necessary steps to overcome it. There are lot possibilities for the UPA government to survive. I don't think Didi stick on her stand. If some of her demands conceeded, she might reconsider her decision. People had seen her volte-face during president's election. BSP and SP are in a race in their support for UPA. Last but not least there is some chance of Left Front to support UPA in the name of secularism with the sole motive to take on their main rival Mamatha in Bengal with the help of Congress.If all the doors closed, business tycoons who benefited several billions by MMS Government's favours might emerge with cash boxes to buy as many MPs needed for his government's survival; give way for second CASH FOR VOTE SCAM. Hence Didi's decision only help to create a news to fill the headlines of newspapers, but do nothing ....
Union Government has taken the right steps to put the Country on the growth path again. Congress should have already chalked out a strategy to manage the numbers if a 'no confidence' motion is moved in the winter session of the Lok Sabha. The Government should allow Mamata to leave the Government and carry on with all the needed reforms with speed.
It is no surprise that the UPA rulers are going headlong towards implementing the unpopular measures like FDA in retail in the teeth of severe oposition from all quarters. And Trinamool's decision to quit the ruling coalition is bound to trigger many other allies to follow suit thus reducing the government to a minority staus leading to its exit and resulting in a mid-term poll.
This is a random decision without any logic. How can we claim our democracy to be mature? Congress or no congress but the politics of the slogan should not continue anymore. We,Indian should demand clean politics with credible policies. Look at Mamta's demands such as 24 cylinders. Does she have a credible alternative plan even? Current English coalition governments compared to ours, looks far civilized and intelligent. Our national politics has reduced to farce entertaining people from the rest of the world.
It is a great decision by Mamata Banerjee and India needs young leaders who want India to progress, end corruption, mockery and political lynching.
This is a complex problem and root cause of this is our overpopulation
and explosion in number of poor and becoming a burden on India. Even
in advanced countries like USA, Europe govt is slowing cutting back on
subsidies and subsidised health care like Medicare and Medicaid and
asking people to pay for it. Indirectly Govt is telling Indians, that
they cannot continue to provide subsided gas, kerosene, groceries to
millions of poor Indians and they have to fend for themselves or die.
Let GoI educate people about the costs involved in Oil and Gas
exploration and try to reduce overpopulation.Also, there should be
severe punishment for any officials, middlemen involved in corruption
and loot and scam the system by taking away a big chunk of whatever
subsided cylinders, kerosene rations like cooking oil, dal and rice
which Govt is trying to dole out of poorer and BPL sections.
Her behaviour is clear indication that she is inclining towards Hindutva pary BJP. So, she started unfolding such dramas every now and then. UPA -II is forced to take some bold steps to strengthen the weaker economy. Now, these measures are implemented Indian can reach in a commendable position as far as world economy is concerned. These regional parties are parasytes and spoilers, public should be aware of these elements and give them a fitting lesson in the coming election.
Congress should show courage to discard mamata and go with other allies. Such characters should be brushed aside in politics. Enough of mukerjis and banerjees please. we have pushed one and the other one is due now.
let her withdraw support and not come to Delhi please.
sonia should call the bluff.
Yet another gimmick my Didi. A political drama to get more props. Just
look out for the Mamata RollBack.
just a gimmick by didi, she'll be back for sure ,need to throw a
special package for bengal.
Bravo mamata di...
well done we need to tell UPA how common people feels about such kind of
reform
How can UPA take any decision like FDI, without a majority in the
Parliament.? UPA has to prove this in the Parliament without any buying
of votes. The Election Commission and Speaker have to oversee these.
she is trying to create her own vote bank
its a good step by Mamta.. Ministers sitting in AC offices dont even know the hw the real life
finally somebody stood up! great going mamta di
Atlast, she finally agreed to withdraw her support. Now new
election will be conducted soon.
If Mamta was really thinking of the Bengalis, she should have done two things,
1. Get financial support from central govt. and invest that in making Bengal a better place.
2. If Didi doesn’t like FDI in retail don’t implement it! As simple as that!
MB will find it hard to keep her flock of MPs from crossing over !
Its very nice decision madam.....
Mamta back in form--its election time!!
I think this is the biggest claim Mamta can make announcing that she is anti -
progress and she doesnt understand a word of economics. Leaders of this stature
should never be allowed to be in the ministry in the first place. Good riddance.
It is shameful that other constituents like DMK, NCP etc. are not
concerned that serious policy issues were not discussed in coordination
committee meeting of UPA-II and simply remain silent on big-brother
attitude of Congress for the sake of ministerial berths. Mamata is
right in asking why these issues were not taken up again in the last
meeting of cooridnation committee.
Good to see someone with the backbone.
We had enough of Mamata Banerjee at the centre. Her tantrums were
becoming too much to bear for the people. Congress has done well to get
rid of her.
I am disheartened by the politicians of our country. The have little or no knowledge of economics, and use sentiments rather than reason to take such decisions that are against national interest. Subsidies are not a way to provide for higher price goods, the deficit is paid by some one rightfully paying taxes. Why put burden on the revenue for subsidies ??? Tax money should be spent on infrastructure not for paying railway costs and fuel prices.
My Dear Ms Banerjee, Economy and economic dynamics are not governed by your election manifesto, its a system & science that is driven by facts and numbers . Making a government to fall for doing what, I consider, a good decision is not how responsible leaders should act. if you have a better plan to lift our GDP and control inflation please bring it to the stage.
The world is in a slowdown and we are a young and developing country we need to spend the revenue in justified manner. An untimely eletcion will only add to our financial burden.
Problem here is no one is thinking about Development of India. Mamta is
exploiting poor reputation of govt for her own benefit or political use.
Very good move.... FDI is good... not in agriculture, or retail... put it in Infrastructure, research, aviation so on.... becoz.. it
harms indian Farmers.... for generation to comes... with world population
increasing.. with a land of 37% of world fertile land share... FDI in retail and
Agriculture will only doom my country......
Well for one, we would get a better Railway minister, so I do welcome
this move from Trinamol towards the betterment of the nation.
Indian politics always surprised us.Kudos Mamta Dee, for this great
decision. Dear other partner of UPA please learn something from Mamata
dee.
Just deserts for an arrogant dispensation which laughs off vital concerns of the people and
denegrate those leaders and political parties who highllight these concerns!
Mamta is a difficult ally and it is perhaps for the better that she has decided to leave.
This is indeed a wise decision by her. We do not need FDI at this
moment. The country is capable enough to scale to meet the demand on
all fronts, but UPA government failed to scale the needs and thereby
generated too much inflation. Also, the FDInvestment will not be
handled well by the government as it is proved time and again
incompetent ( 2G Scam, Coalgate etc.). The government should fall,
though the elections is big hit on Common Man's pocket!
Hopefully, now we can get some railway reforms without her holding the
government hostage.
Why wait till Friday? You need time for another drama, or are you
waiting for Congress to call you back?
Thanks for not becoming bottleneck this time, Mamata. Poor WB, earlier communists did not allow to develop it and not Mamata.
I appreciate the sensitivity displayed by TMC & its leader Mamta Banerjee
to the poor and downtrodden people of India.I welcome her bold decision.
India needs such sensitive persons at the realms of power. People belonging to corruption have ruled the Nation ruthlessly for decades. It is time we get new leaders. FDI in retail- trade means death- knell to millions.
For the first time, i am really proud of Mamta Banerjee who stood by her
words and took the initiative for people..Also respect her for not
negotiating like Mulayam and Mayawati..
i think that everybody is just opposing congress on fdi
Good riddance
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