We will take to the streets if the government approves FDI: Trade unions

After the Lok Sabha rejected the motion that sought withdrawal of the central government's decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retails, the traders at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market along with other trade unions have decided not to vote for the political parties that cast their votes in support of the FDI on Wednesday.

A file photo of traders protesting against FDI in retail at APMC market

The traders have decided to intensify their fight against FDI under the leadership of Federation of Association of Maharashtra (FAM). Mohan Gurnani, president of FAM, said, "We denounce the government and all political parties that voted in favour of FDI in retail trade. A few parties, claiming to protest against the FDI, boycotted the house before the voting on flimsy grounds that actually helped the government ensure victory.

It is a shame on our democracy that the government wants to allow FDI at the cost of small traders and farmers. We will approach all traders in the country, requesting them to condemn the parties that voted in favour of FDI. In addition, we will take to the streets if the government approves FDI in retail trade forcibly."

Interestingly, most of the APMC trade unions are aligned to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which voted in support of the FDI. So some NCP aligned trade unions have decided to remain cautious about dealing with the FDI issue now.

Narendra Patil, president of APMC Mathadi Union, said, "Since the FDI has got the green signal, we will attempt to stop FDI in a legal way rather than taking to the streets. We are still discussing the issue and we will soon decide our next line of action to stop the FDI soon."u00a0