New Delhi:
Union commerce minister Anand Sharma today reacted strongly to Delhi chief minister
Arvind Kejriwal's decision to terminate the permission granted to international chains to open multi-brand retail stores in the capital, arguing that the Aam Aadmi Party government was catering to the interests of the middlemen. (
Highlights of Anand Sharma's interview to NDTV)
"He is supporting the interests of the middlemen. Let the people judge this,'' Mr Sharma told NDTV in an exclusive interview.
"These announcements are not fulfillment of policy. Populism bordering anarchy is not good governance. Theatrics should be avoided,'' he added. (
Watch)
Sticking to his party's pre-poll promise, Mr Kejriwal had yesterday informed reporters of his government's decision to bar international firms from opening multi-brand retail stores in Delhi.
(
AAP pulls the plug on FDI in retail stores in Delhi)
The entry of these firms, he contended, would lead to the closure of neighborhood retail shops and large-scale unemployment in in the country. He, however, insisted at the same time that he was not opposed to admitting FDI, but wanted proposals to be taken up on a case-to-case basis.
The AAP government's move came as severe blow to the Manmohan Singh government's plans to shore up foreign investment in the country, and lead the economy back on the revival path. (
Kejriwal's FDI move blows a hole in PM Manmohan Singh's efforts)
Braving criticism from the opposition and a section of its own allies, the Manmohan Singh government had in July, 2012 green-lighted the proposal to allow foreign firms to enter the country's $ 500 billion (Rs. 30 lakh crore) retail industry. It forced Ms Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress to withdraw support to the ruling coalition at the Centre. (
Mamata Banerjee quits UPA)
With the AAP joining the ranks of those political parties which are opposed to FDI-in-multi-brand-retail, there are now only 10 states which remain favourably disposed to the decision. They are all ruled by the Congress.