‘Need debate on FDI in state’

Even as it vociferously supported the 51 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail in the Lok Sabha, the Nationalist Congress Party has cautioned the Congress from taking any unilateral decision on its implementation in Maharashtra. The NCP’s Maharashtra president has written a letter to chief minister Prithviraj Chavan stating that the NCP should be consulted before implementing FDI in multi-brand retail. A letter signed by state NCP president Madhukar Pichad was delivered to Mr Chavan by Ajit Pawar on Wednesday night. The NCP has insisted that there should be a comprehensive discussion on the various issues involved in FDI at the coordination committee meeting and the ruling parties should put up a coordinated stand to prevent apprehensions among the voters. The NCP has admitted that it is an attempt to consolidate its constituency comprising farmers, who are connected with the powerful cooperation sector, and also working class ahead of next Assembly elections slated for 2014. “We have issues which need to be discussed and clarified. There are Mathadi labour unions, Market committees and we have to ensure that their interests are not harmed while implementing FDI in retail. The chief minister needs to clarify what will be its impact on farmers, especially on the price they are getting for agricultural produce. Where FDI will be allowed, which regions, and such details, ” Mr Pichad said. He reiterated that the Congress alone cannot take a decision on implementation of FDI in multi-brand retail in the state, it will have to take the NCP on board. However, state Congress chief Manikrao Thakre played down NCP’s move and said that the latter could not take a different stand in the state. “NCP chief and Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar has already announced that FDI in multi-brand retail will benefit farmers. There is nothing wrong in the NCP’s demand for debate at the coordination committee. I am quite optimistic that issues being raised by the NCP will be addressed,” he said.