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Congress brings up PM Narendra Modi's opposition to FDI, says it was BJP's prime agenda

Anand Sharma says the move was a U-turn and the PM should now accept that they are following previous policies only

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Anand Sharma
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Reacting sharply to the government's decision of relaxing norms in single brand retail, construction, and Air India on Wednesday, the Congress said the opposition to FDI was one of the corner-stones to the BJP campaign, and played back Modi's words that it would harm shopkeepers, manufacturing sector and create joblessness.

The Congress said the Modi government has not only made a U-turn, but also removed the clause of mandatory 30 per cent sourcing requirement to be met from purchases in India which will harm the Indian industry.

"Is this your Make in India vision, Modiji? How will it help generate new jobs? Do you remember how your party had stalled the proceedings of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the issue of FDI during Congress government? Your doublespeak lies exposed now," said Congress spokesperson, RPN Singh.

"The Congress is giving nation to foreigners. Most parties opposed to FDI but due to sword of CBI some didn't vote and Congress won through backdoor," Modi had tweeted in December 2012.

The Congress tweeted, "Opposition to FDI was a one of the corner-stones to the BJP campaign. #UTurnSarkar"

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma, who was Union Commerce and Industry Minister in UPA regime, said the move was a "U-turn and the PM should now accept that they are following previous policies only."

The Congress also criticised hurting India's pride by allowing 49% FDI in country's national carrier Air India.

Accusing the government of "not caring" about India's pride Air India, Sharma said there were other ways of raising funds.

"This is a departure from policy. Foreign carriers cannot be allowed to take over national carrier -- you can allow equity participation. Clearly the government does not want to infuse funds and bail it out," said Sharma.

RPN Singh accused Modi government of not playing heed to the parliamentary standing committee's recommendation not to divest in the airline when it has started showing operational profits.

"The parliamentary panel has clearly asked the government not to divest Air India for at least next 5 years and take a call on privatisation in 2022, at the end of the 10-year turnaround plan that's in effect right now," said Singh.

"The government should instead answer why the GDP growth has been lowest – 6.5% in last 4 years and according to old methodology only 4%, why Bank credit growth is the lowest in the last 63 years and why investment are at an time low in last 13 years," he said.

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