Mayawati, Mulayam keep govt guessing on FDI in retail

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Monday continued the suspense over her stand on FDI in retail saying though it will affect small retailers and farmers adversely, it can be tried in Congress-ruled states first. She said she was against the idea of FDI as of now, but did not want to be seen supporting communal forces.

"Government is saying FDI will help in controlling inflation, our party does not agree with it," Mayawati said. She also said that FDI will lead to unemployment. "Middle income people, retailers, farmers will be badly hit by FDI. It will also lead to unemployment," she said. Also Read: FDI in multi-brand retail: Is India ready for it now? However, Mayawati said that the only good thing was that the decision of FDI wasn't forced upon states. "The only plus point with FDI is that it will not be forcefully imposed on the states," she said. She added that she will clear her decision at the time of voting on FDI in Parliament. Sources say that Mayawati is looking for a cmmitment from the government on the SC/ST quota bill first. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam SIngh Yadav also kept the government guessing on his stand on FDI voting. "I am opposed to FDI. I will clear my stand in the Lok Sabha," Mulayam said.