FDI in retail a gross betrayal of democratic system: Balbir Punj

New Delhi, Sep 15 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Balbir Punj on Saturday hit out at the Congress-led UPA Government's move to allow 51 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, describing it as a gross betrayal of parliamentary structure and the democratic system.

"We were never in favour for FDI in retail that is for sure, that is on record. We have always opposed it and now we will fight it tooth and nail. The fight will be in parliament and outside parliament," he said.

"This is a betrayal of not only parliament, it is a betrayal of democratic system and it also shows that how this government holds the parliamentary system and people of India in contempt," he added.

The Union Cabinet on Friday decided to operationalise 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retail, but left it to the state governments to allow setting up of such stores.

The decision in this regard was taken at a meeting headed by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh here on Friday evening.

The government had in November last year approved 51 percent FDI in multi-brand. This was, however, put on hold due to political opposition, including from UPA constituent Trinamool Congress. (ANI)