The Centre’s Narendra Modi government on Wednesday gave its nod to 100 percent foreign investment in single brand retail trading (SBRT) and construction development and decided to open up Air India for FDI up to 49 percent.
Besides, the Union Cabinet also decided that foreign institution investors and portfolio investors be allowed to invest in power exchanges through primary market and amended the definition of “medical devices” in its FDI policy, reported IANS.
The cabinet’s approval for 100 percent in retail sector evoked instant opposition from the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which called the move a “serious matter.”
The CAIT also condemned the Modi government’s “love for MNCs.”
CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said the move would facilitate easy entry of MNCs in retail trade and leave a large number of people jobless.
“It’s a serious matter for small businesses,” he said, adding the move was in a violation of the election promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Manish Tewari of Congress took to Twitter reminding Modi about his old tweet from 2012, when the latter had accused the Congress party of selling India to ‘foreigners.’
Tewari wrote, “Mr Prime Minster Sir – would you please explain how does this tweet square up with all the Cabinet decisions today opening up various sectors to 100% FDI ? Is your government giving nation to Foreigners????”
Mr Prime Minster Sir – would you please explain how does this tweet square up with all the Cabinet decisions today opening up various sectors to 100% FDI ? Is your government giving nation to Foreigners???? pic.twitter.com/ncatSMULhr
— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) January 10, 2018
On social media, other users too began to post Modi’s old video and tweets condemning the then Manmohan Singh government on the proposed plan for FDI in retail sector.
After accusing Cong of selling the nation to foreigners by seeking to allow FDI in retail, when he was in opposition, Modi now allows 100% FDI in retail. After bankrupting farmers&traders, destroying jobs& youth, Modi will now destroy retailers by selling out to foreign interests pic.twitter.com/o2ILKF9IQP
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) January 10, 2018
Left: Allows 100% FDI in 2018
Right : Opposed 49% FDI before 2014#வேறவாய்நாறவாய் pic.twitter.com/30uR6Y8Xpv— Fake Trend Hunter (@trollabhakt) January 10, 2018
Modi govt clears 100% FDI.
Watch this what Modi as CM had to say against UPA govt for 100% FDI.pic.twitter.com/kQQF5IWAol— ASHUTOSH MISHRA (@ashu3page) January 10, 2018
BJP का ‘यू टर्न’ – सिंगल ब्रैण्ड रीटेल में 100% FDI (ऑटोमैटिक रूट) को मंज़ूरी दी. UPA के समय इसका विरोध किया था
— Manak Gupta (@manakgupta) January 10, 2018
Then there those, who reminded how Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had correctly predicted way back in 2014 that Prime Minister Modi would allow 100 percent FDI in retail sector.
BJP approves 100% FDI in retail .@ArvindKejriwal has told you so in March 2014 . @sanjayuvacha pic.twitter.com/XkMzrf5w4r
— Md Asif Khan (@imMAK02) January 10, 2018
BJP approves 100% FDI in retail.
Arvind kejriwal predicted it 2014.
Hope for the best.. #100%FDI pic.twitter.com/DrYADdQ1wj— Chetan Pawar ? (@babahasmukh) January 10, 2018
Kejriwal in March 2014 was quoted by ANI, “In BJP now only Modiji’s words matter. If Modiji’s govt comes to power, there will be FDI in retail and unemployment will increase.”