Bharatiya Janata Party organised a dharna here on Tuesday against the government's decision to allow 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, a move that would allow big chains such WalMart and Tesco enter Indian market.
Inaugurating the dharna in front of General Post Office here, senior BJP leader O. Rajagopal said that allowing multinational companies in the country would put the livelihood of about 40 lakh small traders and retailers in a tough spot and disrupt the economy of India.
Mr. Rajagopal said that small retailers, like the farmers in the country, would be forced to commit suicide if the government allowed FDI in the retail sector.
“The government should make it clear why it is permitting FDI even when the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has opposed the move twice. Even UPA allies such as the Trinamool Congress and the DMK are against allowing FDI in retail,” said Mr. Rajagopal.
BJP district unit president Karamana Jayan and national council member P.P. Vava were present, among others.
