We can dictate terms to centre, says Trinamool

Kolkata, Aug 25 (IANS) The Trinamool Congress, the second largest constituent in the centre's ruling dispensation United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Saturday said it was in a position to "dictate terms" to the coalition.

Addressing the maiden conference of the party's youth arm Trinamool Yuva, Trinamool leader in Lok Sabha Sudip Bandyopadhyay said: "When our leader Mamata Banerjee is in a good mood, and smiling, the UPA government ministers are also seen smiling."

"But whenever the government tries to introduce anti-people bills, our leader opposes it, and then you will find members of the government moving around with a long face," he said.

"We are in a position to dicate terms to the UPA," said Bandyopadhyay, also union minister of state for health and family welfare.

On his party's opposition to reform bills related to foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail and pension, he said: "We won't allow anything which burdens the common man."

He said introduction of FDI in retail would hit the small traders and shop keepers.

"Once the big brands gain entry, they will dictate terms and prices," he said.

Bandyopadhyay said his party was opposed to the pension bill as the government would not be in any position to ensure returns to the pensioners if the sector was opened up.