FDI issue: Maharashtra open to talks with trade associations

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today said the state government was open to hold discussions with the trade associations on the issue of FDI in retail even as traders observed bandh to protest UPA government's decision on the issue.

Asserting that the interests of farmers will be protected, Ajit Pawar, who also holds finance portfolio, said, "the state government will do nothing that will adversely affect farmers in Maharashtra".

"Myself and Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan will discuss the FDI issue with our respective party leaders and spell out the government stand," he said, adding the state government was ready to discuss the concerns of traders.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has backed the UPA government's decision to open retail sector to FDI.