UPA introduced FDI under US pressure: Majithia
At a time when voices in support of foreign direct investment in retail are pouring in from different quarters, Shiromani Akali Dal seems to be in dilemma over the issue. Instead of directly opposing the FDI, Punjab revenue minister Bikram Singh Majithia on Tuesday said UPA lacked the required number to take such a decision.
At a time when voices in support of foreign direct investment in retail are pouring in from different quarters, Shiromani Akali Dal seems to be in dilemma over the issue.
Instead of directly opposing the FDI, Punjab revenue minister Bikram Singh Majithia on Tuesday said UPA lacked the required number to take such a decision. "Leave apart the issue of pros and cons of FDI for time being, First we have to discuss whether a government in minority can take such a decision? We are opposing the manner in which the UPA government is taking policy decisions without involving states," he said.
"We won't accept the decision of a minority government (UPA)," he added.
Majithia said that there were many stakeholders and the government should have deliberated the issue and taken the decision with everyone's consensus. "But the UPA is working in an autocratic manner," said Majithia, adding, "it seems that UPA introduced FDI under pressure from foreign forces, especially USA. The UPA government has become a puppet in the hands of corporates and MNCs."
"We will deliberate the FDI issue, but first UPA must prove its majority in the House. A government in minority can't take such decisions. UPA must explain why it was in a hurry," he added.
He took a dig at the UPA over inflation, hike in diesel price and Coalgate, 2G scam etc.
He was here to take part in the valedictory function of 15-day-long youth awarness programme ogrnaised under the aegis of Youth Akali Dal by SAD general secretary Prem Singh Chandumajra.
In his speech, Majithia vowed the YAD workers to launch a drive against female foeticide, drug abuse and other social evils. He lauded Chadumajra for organising an event to awaken the youth.
Speaking on occasion, Punjabi University vice-chancellor Jaspal Singh and social activist Harshinder Kaur deliberated on prevailing social evils and asked youth to look for answers to their problems in Gurbani.
Chandumajra said after going through a recent survey that increasing number of Punjabi youth were turning towards drugs and violence, he decided to organise this programme. He said that similar programmes to awaken youth would also be held in other districts.