Opposition misled LS, people on FDI in retail issue: Lalu

RJD chief Lalu Prasad today alleged that the Opposition had misled the Lok Sabha and the people on the FDI in retail issue and tried to create a big but unfounded fear about multinational companies.

"BJP and the Opposition parties tried to mislead the people and the House on the FDI in retail issue. There is nothing mandatory in the FDI policy and states have the freedom to implement it if they want," he told reporters outside Parliament after the debate and voting on the issue.

Prasad, whose party voted with the government and against the FDI motion moved by Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj, said unfounded fear is being created by RSS and BJP that a scenario similar to the one created by East India Company's dominance over India will emerge if retail giants like Walmart set up shop here.

Asked why he supported the government and was taking a line similar to that of the UPA, Prasad said if the government is right on an issue he will definitely support it.

"I am opposed to the RSS and the BJP and their politics," he said.

Prasad maintained that BJP is trying to create a fear in the minds of the small traders that they will be affected when actually a bigger market will be created after FDI in retail is allowed. He said the consumers will have a wider choice after the policy is implemented.