12 years ago
The Lok Sabha witnessed some drama when V Narayanasamy, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), got up for consideration and passage of bill on quota. The Samajwadi Party leaders suddenly snatched the papers from him from behind. Congress president Sonia Gandhi tried to take the papers back, but could not do it. The House was adjourned till Thursday.
Ram Jehmalani speaks in Rajya Sabha on the Delhi gang-rape case:
- The maximum punishment that can be given is life imprisonment
- Till the girl dies or any other charges are posed till then you cannot hang him
- Maximum punishment is life imprisonment
- It can be changed for the future
- I am against it
- They threw this girl out of the bus but in case they would know that if capital punishment is the consequence then these people will kill the girl thinking that one witness will be lessened
- Life imprisonment is more serious then sentence of death
- But in case of life imprisonment, you will rot in Indian jail for the rest of your life
Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm after uproar over quota in promotions and incidents of rape.
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde speaks in the Rajya Sabha on the Delhi gang-rape incident:
- There were curtains and the bus was moving normally. That is why did not come to PCR's attention
- All vehicles with tinted glasses and curtains impounded immediately
- All off duty buses parked with owner and not drivers
- All buses in Delhi to keep their lights on inside
- The Delhi Police will undertake the verification of all drivers, staff of buses
- Driver's licence with photo will be displayed with all public vehicles alongwith helpline numbers
- GPS enabled PCR vans to be augmented
Promotions in quota bill tabled in Lok Sabha amid uproar.
Lok Sabha has been adjourned till noon following uproar over quota in promotions and other issues.
Let Sonia Gandhi act, not demand action: BJP's Sushma Swaraj on gang-rape caseLeader of the BJP protested outside Parliament this morning demanding better safety for women in the capital. Yesterday, leaders from different parties took on the government in both Houses of Parliament over the grotesquerie on Sunday night in which a medical student was gang-raped and then beaten with an iron rod in a bus in South Delhi for nearly an hour.
Lok Sabha passes Banking Bill, clears way for new banking licensesThe Bill was passed after the govt agreed to drop a contentious clause which allows banks to enter commodity futures trading.
Delhi gang-rape: what Mayawati, Kamal Nath said in ParliamentThe horrific rape of a young medical student in a bus in South Delhi on Sunday night was raised by angry parliamentarians today in both houses.
Delhi gang-rape: Jaya Bachchan breaks down 
An emotional Mrs Bachchan asked the government if it had apologized to the victim's family or the country. When asked to conclude her speech, an upset Jaya said, "I will not speak but will protest outside the house."
Under attack over gang-rape case, Home Minister shares plans to protect womenAmid national anger over the gang-rape of a medical student in Delhi in a moving bus, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde outlined for parliament how the government plans to increase the safety of women in the capital.
More Angry reactions from MPs in Parliament
Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Congress
Shivanand Tiwari: Delhi gangrape is a failure of Delhi police
He mentions item numbers in films and popular culture - angry protests from women MPs
Jaya Bachchan: Samajwadi Party MP
An Upset Jaya Bachchan says " I will not speak and protest outside the house. This is not a political issue . Only when it comes to women's (issues) we won't have time"
When Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien asks her to conclude - he requests her to give a notice for separate discussion. "Jayaji you are my sister, you will get enough time but not now," says PJ Kurien Jaya Bachchan keeps standing as Shivanand Tiwari Speaks
Mayawati:
Congress' Renuka Choudhary
Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Congress
- I stand here as a nervous father of a 17-year old girl
- Delhi has become the rape capital of India
- Rape is not a women's issue, it is much beyond
- It is about men who stop behaving like human beings and started behaving like animals
- This is even worse than animals
Shivanand Tiwari: Delhi gangrape is a failure of Delhi police
He mentions item numbers in films and popular culture - angry protests from women MPs
Jaya Bachchan: Samajwadi Party MP
- We live in such a country where women are worshipped
- But that faith is disrupted everyday because in some city of India, especially in the capital there are atrocities against women
- The way we are discussing this topic today it should have been done earlier
An Upset Jaya Bachchan says " I will not speak and protest outside the house. This is not a political issue . Only when it comes to women's (issues) we won't have time"
When Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien asks her to conclude - he requests her to give a notice for separate discussion. "Jayaji you are my sister, you will get enough time but not now," says PJ Kurien Jaya Bachchan keeps standing as Shivanand Tiwari Speaks
Mayawati:
- We need to improve our laws and make them stricter, so that it serves as a deterrent
- Delhi is our capital, these kind of shameful incidents are happening everyday.
- Not enough to just arrest them, but action should be so strict that no one should dare to act in such a manner.
Congress' Renuka Choudhary
- Police are to take such steps that fear is there...
- How is it that these individuals think that they'll get away with it?
The horrific rape of a young medical student in a bus in South Delhi on Sunday night was raised by angry parliamentarians today in both houses.
Here are all the reactions in Parliament:
Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
What is the government doing to curb rape cases in the capital? The rapists should be hanged, we need tougher laws to stop rapes.
Girija Vyas, Congress
There should be security all around. Fast track is very much needed. I want to say that everybody should together... There is a need of self-defence programme. Please wake up and save our girls.
Hamid Ansari, Rajya Sabha Chairman
The government will make a statement on the case later today.
Meira Kumar, Speaker of Lok Sabha
The gang-rape case in Delhi is chilling. The government must take tough steps - this is what the House wants.
Kamal Nath, Parliamentary Affairs Minister
Tough and strict steps will be taken.
Here are all the reactions in Parliament:
Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
What is the government doing to curb rape cases in the capital? The rapists should be hanged, we need tougher laws to stop rapes.
Girija Vyas, Congress
There should be security all around. Fast track is very much needed. I want to say that everybody should together... There is a need of self-defence programme. Please wake up and save our girls.
Hamid Ansari, Rajya Sabha Chairman
The government will make a statement on the case later today.
Meira Kumar, Speaker of Lok Sabha
The gang-rape case in Delhi is chilling. The government must take tough steps - this is what the House wants.
Kamal Nath, Parliamentary Affairs Minister
Tough and strict steps will be taken.
Delhi's gang-rape in bus raised in Parliament
The horrific rape of a young medical student in a bus in South Delhi was raised by angry parliamentarians today in both houses. The government will make a statement on the case later today, Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari said.
The horrific rape of a young medical student in a bus in South Delhi was raised by angry parliamentarians today in both houses. The government will make a statement on the case later today, Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari said.
News Update
Rajya Sabha adjourned after uproar over Delhi gang-rape
Rajya Sabha adjourned after uproar over Delhi gang-rape
Quotas in promotions: Will it unite or divide society?The bill for quota in promotions in government jobs for Dalits and tribals has been passed in the Rajya Sabha. Mulayam Singh Yadav's Samajwadi Party (SP) is opposing the bill, saying it will set a bad precedent even as other parties have supported the legislation. We debate whether this landmark legislation will unite or further divide India along caste lines.
The Constitution (117th) Amendment Bill 2012 passed in the Upper House
The Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11:00 am tomorrow
The Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11:00 am tomorrow
The House is voting on clauses of the bill to which amendments were moved...
News Update
Subject to correction - Ayes 206 and Noes 10
Samajwadi Party voted against the quota bill in Rajya Sabha
News Update
Rajya Sabha votes in favour of quota in promotions - 184 of 192 members present and voting support the bill. 8 MPs have voted against the bill.
Rajya Sabha votes in favour of quota in promotions - 184 of 192 members present and voting support the bill. 8 MPs have voted against the bill.
Voting on quota in promotions bill
Rajya Sabha's secretary general is now explaining the method of voting to members
Rajya Sabha's secretary general is now explaining the method of voting to members
BJP's Bhagat Singh Koshiyari: The IAS officers come to the centre from the states. Will you frame rules to make it mandatory for a certain number of SC/ST officers to come to the Centre? Otherwise in my experience, there will never be a situation where this quota in promotions is filled
Constitution (117th) Amendment Bill 2012 in Rajya Sabha
V Narayansamy, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Speaking...
In the chair: Chairman Hamid Ansari
Attacking Samajwadi Party, Mr Narayansamy says:
- I would like to submit- you are accepting the reservation at the entry level, so what is the problem is extending it to promotions...
- There was one objection and suggested change by the leader of Opposition - under Art 335 - and the government has moved an amendment to the effect
News Update
Quota Bill vote in Rajya Sabha at 5:30 pm
Quota Bill vote in Rajya Sabha at 5:30 pm
BJP asks govt for explanation on Pak minister Rehman Malik's controversial remarks Home Minister Suhsil Kumar Shinde made a statement in Rajya Sabha earlier today.
Bills in the Lok Sabha
The Land Acquisition - Relief and Rehabilitation- Bill is scheduled to be tabled at 2 pm.
Banking Regulation Amendment Bill and Companies Bill are also listed in the Lok Sabha.
The banking bill is aimed at attracting more foreign investment into the banking industry in yet another move by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to open up Asia's third-largest economy. Finance Minister P. Chidambaram had tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, December 10, 2012
The Land Acquisition - Relief and Rehabilitation- Bill is scheduled to be tabled at 2 pm.
Banking Regulation Amendment Bill and Companies Bill are also listed in the Lok Sabha.
The banking bill is aimed at attracting more foreign investment into the banking industry in yet another move by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to open up Asia's third-largest economy. Finance Minister P. Chidambaram had tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, December 10, 2012
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde's statement on Pak Interior Minster Rehman Malik's comments
- In talks with Pak, we emphasised on bringing conspirators of Mumbai terror attacks to justice.
- We have asked for all possible steps to be taken against terror suspects.
- Mr Malik said if we desire Pakistan will give FIRs and other details of case when JuD's Hafiz Saeed were arrested and released.
- Rehman Malik appears to have been misinformed. Cases given to us were not related to Mumbai terror attacks.
BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad: Why did the govt not speak about Pakistan Minister's comments on Babri Masjid, Abu Jundal? These amount commenting on India's internal matters.
Rajya Sabha breaks for an hour for Lunch. This issue will be taken up again says Deputy Speaker PJ Kurien. The time will be mutually arrived at...
To counter quota bill, Mulayam's party raises issue of reservation for Muslims: 10 developments Raising the issue during Question Hour as the House begins, Samajwadi Party's Ramgopal Yadav raised voice asking for reservation to Muslims in government jobs. "If a Constitutional (Amendment) is brought to provide reservation to Dalits, why can't similar amendment be introduced to provide reservation to Muslims? You suspend the Question Hour on the issue," said Ramgopal Yadav. At 5 pm, the Rajya Sabha will vote on whether promotions in government jobs should be reserved for Dalits and tribals.
Voting on quota bill at 5 pm; Mulayam's party objects: Latest developments At 5 pm, the Rajya Sabha will vote on whether promotions in government jobs should be reserved for Dalits and tribals. For those of you just joining us, here is a ten-point cheat sheet on what has been happening on this big story...
Parliament disrupted over quota bill, Muslim reservation Both houses of Parliament were disrupted on Monday as Samajwadi Party (SP) members voiced their protest over the bill on reservations in government job promotions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and implementation of the Sachar Committee report on minorities.
News Update
Lok Sabha adjourned till till Noon
In Rajya Sabha, Dr Farooq Abdullah answering questions on cancellation of contracts under JNNSM.
Lok Sabha adjourned till till Noon
In Rajya Sabha, Dr Farooq Abdullah answering questions on cancellation of contracts under JNNSM.
Lok Sabha adjourned till 11:30 am as Samajwadi Party creates ruckus over quota bill
Speaker tried running the house despite SP protests
Mulayam Singh Yadav got up and wanted the Speaker to allow Rewati Raman Singh's notice
Kamal Nath said this House will take up only after Rajya Sabha votes. This was followed by an uproar and the Lok Sabha had to be adjourned.
Speaker tried running the house despite SP protests
Mulayam Singh Yadav got up and wanted the Speaker to allow Rewati Raman Singh's notice
Kamal Nath said this House will take up only after Rajya Sabha votes. This was followed by an uproar and the Lok Sabha had to be adjourned.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11:32 am over quota bill ruckus
Kamal Nath says, 'I was able to reason with the Samjwadi Party.'
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister told NDTV that the Rajya Sabha would vote on the bill on Monday. He was confident of steering the bill through Lok Sabha before the current session ends.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister told NDTV that the Rajya Sabha would vote on the bill on Monday. He was confident of steering the bill through Lok Sabha before the current session ends.
Mayawati on quota in promotion bill
- SC/STs need reservation in promotions
- Look at the statistics in any government department, much still needs to be done
- The reservation policy that is in currently in vogue is a result of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's struggle
- He was inspired by Chattrapati Shahuji Maharaj.
- Our party has told the government many times that obstacles to the reservation and promotions in government jobs must be removed.
- Sadly, no party at the centre has taken cognizance of our concerns
Ram Gopal Yadav Speaks to reporters outside Parliament
- This amendment is unconstitutional
- Even if it is passed in Parliament, it will be thrown out when challenged in courts
Voting on quota in promotions bill likely to take place on Monday: Sources
Arun Jaitley speaking on the quota bill in Rajya Sabha
Arun Jaitley speaking on the quota bill in Rajya Sabha
- BJP committed to social justice
- Should not be implemented in a manner that creates reverse discrimination
- Government should reconsider provision pertaining to Art 335 that deals with efficiency of service
News Update - Bill to introduce promotion in quotas moved in Rajya Sabha
Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav speaks in Parliament..."On the basis of numbers, you are ignoring the wishes of the large number of people of this country. The way the Parliamentary Affairs Minister says these MPs should be thrown out, I and my colleagues will boycott this House."
After SP walkout, V Narayansamy tables the Constitution Amendment Bill....
Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav speaks in Parliament..."On the basis of numbers, you are ignoring the wishes of the large number of people of this country. The way the Parliamentary Affairs Minister says these MPs should be thrown out, I and my colleagues will boycott this House."
After SP walkout, V Narayansamy tables the Constitution Amendment Bill....
Deputy Speaker adjourns House for 10 minutes
Mr Kurien's attempts to get the Samajwadi Party MPs to withdraw from the house fail. "Don't test my patience. Stop shouting or leave..", the Deputy Speaker told the protesting MPs.
Mr Kurien's attempts to get the Samajwadi Party MPs to withdraw from the house fail. "Don't test my patience. Stop shouting or leave..", the Deputy Speaker told the protesting MPs.
News Update
Uproar in Rajya Sabha over quota in promotions bill... SP members shout slogans: Promotion mein arakshan, nahi chalega nahi chalega
Uproar in Rajya Sabha over quota in promotions bill... SP members shout slogans: Promotion mein arakshan, nahi chalega nahi chalega
After outburst, Mayawati says she respects Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari The Rajya Sabha came together today to express its support for Chairman Hamid Ansari, who was subjected yesterday to a scathing and unprecedented attack by Uttar Pradesh politician Mayawati.
Mayawati speaks to reporters outside Parliament
Rajya Sabha has not been functioning in order after noon... and even you know that responsibility of running the House in order lies with the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker in the Lok Sabha...
Rajya Sabha has not been functioning in order after noon... and even you know that responsibility of running the House in order lies with the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker in the Lok Sabha...
Hamid Ansari in Rajya Sabha
The chair seeks the cooperation of the house in his own functioning....
The chair seeks the cooperation of the house in his own functioning....
Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 PM: BSP members in the well raising "coal scam".
Mulayam Singh Yadav met PM Manmohan Singh today. He told the PM that his Samajwadi Party will continue to oppose the bill to implement quota in promotions in government jobs. The SP has 22 members in the Lok Sabha and offer critical support to the UPA government.
Lok Sabha disrupted over Afzal Guru hanging, adjourned till noon
Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena toay disrupted proceedings in the Lok Sabha as they noisily demanded the hanging of Afzal Guru, sentenced to death for the terror attack on parliament on this day 11 years ago.
The house observed a minute's silence to pay tribute to the nine people killed in the Dec 13, 2001 attack. The bedlam began soon after as members of BJP and Shiv Sena gathered near the speaker's podium shouting slogans demanding that Afzal Guru be hanged.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar's repeated requests to members to run the question hour fell on deaf ears.
Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena toay disrupted proceedings in the Lok Sabha as they noisily demanded the hanging of Afzal Guru, sentenced to death for the terror attack on parliament on this day 11 years ago.
The house observed a minute's silence to pay tribute to the nine people killed in the Dec 13, 2001 attack. The bedlam began soon after as members of BJP and Shiv Sena gathered near the speaker's podium shouting slogans demanding that Afzal Guru be hanged.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar's repeated requests to members to run the question hour fell on deaf ears.
People did not sacrifice lives for this, says upset Speaker Meira KumarToday is the 11th anniversary of the terror attack on the Indian Parliament- nine people were killed when five gunmen drove into the high-security Parliament complex and opened fire.
Retired judge to head inquiry into Wal-Mart lobbying A retired judge will head an inquiry to determine whether government officials were bribed to help retail giant Wal-Mart gain access to Indian markets.
A day after he observed that the "Chair of the House is forced to watch helplessly" as MPs shout and disrupt proceedings, Vice President Hamid Ansari was attacked in the Rajya Sabha today by politician Mayawati.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till noon after uproar over BSP's charge that Chairman Hamid Ansari remains absent from House after Question Hour
News Update
Rajya Sabha adjourned due to ruckus over quota bill
Rajya Sabha adjourned due to ruckus over quota bill
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day
Lalu Yadav of the RJD demand that WalMart be summoned
Doodh ka doodh aur pani ka pani ho jana chaiye... WalMart ko bulaya jaye aur poochey ussey paise kisko diya
Doodh ka doodh aur pani ka pani ho jana chaiye... WalMart ko bulaya jaye aur poochey ussey paise kisko diya
Lok Sabha discusses WalMart lobbying report
Tathagata Sathpaty of BJD: The political class is being viewed by suspicion. The BJD had clearly opposed FDI. The people in this country will realise the harm done maybe seven years later. It will impair the growth of the nation. People claiming to be governing the country are dirty, are filthy. It is a dark day for the country. It is not about the amount of money. It is about who was given the money and what were the deliverables expected. The reports of inquiry should be time-bound and given to the house before we adjourn for the winter session.
CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta: The voting on FDI has been under a cloud of suspicion. Therefore we demand an inquiry. There should be an inquiry not by the CBI but by a joint parliamentary committee or JPC.
Tathagata Sathpaty of BJD: The political class is being viewed by suspicion. The BJD had clearly opposed FDI. The people in this country will realise the harm done maybe seven years later. It will impair the growth of the nation. People claiming to be governing the country are dirty, are filthy. It is a dark day for the country. It is not about the amount of money. It is about who was given the money and what were the deliverables expected. The reports of inquiry should be time-bound and given to the house before we adjourn for the winter session.
CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta: The voting on FDI has been under a cloud of suspicion. Therefore we demand an inquiry. There should be an inquiry not by the CBI but by a joint parliamentary committee or JPC.
For those you just logging in -- here's the story so far...
The government is open to an inquiry into Wal-Mart's lobbying practices, a minister said on Tuesday, after reports the company spent $25 million in the United States to help gain access to markets including Asia's third largest economy.
"The government views this with as much concern as all sections of the house and has no hesitation in having an inquiry," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath told parliament as the opposition shouted for a probe.
Opposition uproar at a government policy to allow foreign supermarkets to operate in India for the first time has repeatedly caused parliament to be adjourned in recent weeks and derailed efforts to pass economic reforms.
(Reuters)
News Update
Lok Sabha has been adjourned - the Rajya Sabha is now functioning
Lok Sabha has been adjourned - the Rajya Sabha is now functioning
BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy
We have seen how they have mustered the majority. Today a new situation has arisen. The WalMart report in US senate says 125 crores was spent to lobby for WalMart. Have these political parties succumbed? There is a big question now...
We have not said we will not let it go like this... this is a matter of national importance, we will not let it pass...
We have seen how they have mustered the majority. Today a new situation has arisen. The WalMart report in US senate says 125 crores was spent to lobby for WalMart. Have these political parties succumbed? There is a big question now...
We have not said we will not let it go like this... this is a matter of national importance, we will not let it pass...
Wal-Mart ka paisa kisne khaya, khane wale ka naam batao... BJP
Kamal Nath mede his statement in the Rajya Sabha... He is trying to read from a written statement in Lok Sabha as sloganeering continues...."Govt has no hesitation is having an inquiry to get to the facts of the matter..."says Kamal Nath
Govt open to inquiry, discussion in Parliament: Kamal Nath, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs
- We are open to a discussion on this matter .
- We can have an inquiry in to the matter - I will make a detailed statement later
- It is not just a matter of concern for the Opposition, it is a matter of concern for all of us.
Who were the beneficiaries of the money spent by WalMart in India? asks BJP's Yashwant Sinha
- American system is not opaque as ours and that is the reason WalMart's deeds have come to the fore
- The report in the American senate proves that WalMart spent money in India to enter this country
- What has WalMart spent the money on? Who were the recipients?
- The matter was raised by members during the debate on FDI
News Update
Lok Sabha discusses WalMart lobbying
The voting on FDI has been under a cloud of suspicion. Therefore we demand an inquiry. There should be an inquiry not by the CBI but by a joint parliamentary committee or JPC : CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta
News Update
Rajya Sabha resumes - and is adjourned till noon within minutes
BJP's Venkaiah Naidu tells the chair, "the entire country is agitated over this issue. Please don't come between us and the government."
Rajya Sabha resumes - and is adjourned till noon within minutes
BJP's Venkaiah Naidu tells the chair, "the entire country is agitated over this issue. Please don't come between us and the government."
BJP's Rajnath Singh
- I think if concerned minister had replied then this ruckus would not happened
- The Govt should get this investigated by an independent body
- If institutions like Wal-mart have lobbied then where has the money gone
- We will mount pressure on Govt and would seek answers
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi meet to discuss logjam in Parliament
Hamid Ansari's strong observations
We should either move question hour or it should be dispensed with since members don't attach great importance.
Rajya Sabha adjourned for 30 minutes
Chairman Hamid Ansari says he will call a meeting to discuss whether questions hour should be suspended altogether...
Chairman Hamid Ansari says he will call a meeting to discuss whether questions hour should be suspended altogether...
Wal-mart's disclosure rocked Parliament
Lok Sabha adjourned till noon...
Lok Sabha adjourned till noon...
News Update
Uproar in Lok Sabha - Speaker Meira Kumar asks MPs to go back to their seats.
BJP MPs have rushed to the well raising slogans against WalMart, FDI and Government...
Uproar in Lok Sabha - Speaker Meira Kumar asks MPs to go back to their seats.
BJP MPs have rushed to the well raising slogans against WalMart, FDI and Government...
The Congress' Core Group is meeting to decide on Parliament strategy. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister AK Antony, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath are attending the meeting. The meeting comes after the Opposition raised the heat on the Wal-Mart lobbying controversy and the Samajawadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) war over "quota in promotions" bill.
While the BSP wants the government to pass the bill, the SP has threatened to disrupt the proceedings of the House daily if government goes ahead.
While the BSP wants the government to pass the bill, the SP has threatened to disrupt the proceedings of the House daily if government goes ahead.
Wal-Mart's disclosure on lobbying for FDI in India stirs new controversyIn India, a new controversy has erupted over the decision to open up the vast retail sector to foreign supermarkets.
Row over Quota Bill
Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party: If the government is adamant on it, the Samajwadi party will oppose it and will not let the house function.
Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party: If the government is adamant on it, the Samajwadi party will oppose it and will not let the house function.
PM must clarify who is lobbying for WalMart in India: BJP
BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "We want to ask the government, 'Who is lobbying for WalMart in India?' We want the Prime Minister to answer, and till the PM answers, till this matter is investigated, WalMart should not be allowed in India."
BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "We want to ask the government, 'Who is lobbying for WalMart in India?' We want the Prime Minister to answer, and till the PM answers, till this matter is investigated, WalMart should not be allowed in India."
All-party meeting on promotion quota bill fails to break deadlock
An all-party meeting called by Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari today to resolve differences over the promotions quota bill ended without a solution. This comes following an uproar in Rajya Sabha over the contentious bill that ended in the House being adjourned for the day.
An all-party meeting called by Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari today to resolve differences over the promotions quota bill ended without a solution. This comes following an uproar in Rajya Sabha over the contentious bill that ended in the House being adjourned for the day.
Lobbyists can't score with us because we don't speak English, says Mulayam's man
Mohan Singh from Mr Yadav's party had a unique explanation for why any attempts at lobbying would have fallen flat with the Samajwadi Party. "No Samajwadi Party member can be lobbied with by Wal-Mart, we don't have any leader who can speak English," he said.
Mohan Singh from Mr Yadav's party had a unique explanation for why any attempts at lobbying would have fallen flat with the Samajwadi Party. "No Samajwadi Party member can be lobbied with by Wal-Mart, we don't have any leader who can speak English," he said.
News Update
Rajya Sabha Chiarman has called for an all-party meet to resolve deadlock over bill for quota in promotions in government jobs.
V Narayansami, Minister of State in PM's Office has said the government is committed to giving reservations in promotions
Rajya Sabha Chiarman has called for an all-party meet to resolve deadlock over bill for quota in promotions in government jobs.
V Narayansami, Minister of State in PM's Office has said the government is committed to giving reservations in promotions
Mohan Singh, Samajwadi Party on WalMart lobbying in India
The American Senate Committee has found that from 2008 till date Walmart has spent a lot of money on lobbying both in the US and in India. It is well known that when multi-nationals want to set up shop in a country, they spend a lot. That is part of their strategy. It is natural that they would have spent a hefty amount on lobbying in India. What has come out is a rough estimate. In my understanding, the money spent on India may be much more. The government should investigate how much Walmart spent in lobbying in India, who were the politicians and political parties involved.
The American Senate Committee has found that from 2008 till date Walmart has spent a lot of money on lobbying both in the US and in India. It is well known that when multi-nationals want to set up shop in a country, they spend a lot. That is part of their strategy. It is natural that they would have spent a hefty amount on lobbying in India. What has come out is a rough estimate. In my understanding, the money spent on India may be much more. The government should investigate how much Walmart spent in lobbying in India, who were the politicians and political parties involved.
V Narayansami, Minister of State in PM's Office: What can we do if Walmart lobbies in the US. It's legally allowed there and it has nothing to do with the government of India. Anand Sharma will give a detailed response. If BJP wants to raise it, they can raise it in the US.
Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP: Wal-Mart has in its lobbying disclosure report to the US Senate said it has spent Rs 125 crore on lobbying and USD three million have been spent in 2012 itself for entering the Indian market. Lobbying is illegal in India. Lobbying is a kind of bribe. If Wal-Mart has said that hundreds of crores of rupees were spent in India, then it is a kind of bribe. Government should tell who was given this bribe. This raises a question mark on the implementation of FDI in retail.
Wal-mart's disclosure on lobbying for FDI in India stirs new controversy Rajya Sabha adjourned twice after Opposition uproar over reports of Wal-Mart spending on lobbying to enter Indian market.
JUST IN
Upper House adjourned for 10 minutes; BJP demands probe on report that suggests WalMart spent $25 million to lobby in India
Upper House adjourned for 10 minutes; BJP demands probe on report that suggests WalMart spent $25 million to lobby in India
News Update
Furor over WalMart lobbying row in Rajya Sabha
Furor over WalMart lobbying row in Rajya Sabha
Who stands where on the quota
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath: We have listed it on first position and we would want it to get passed. We will try and convince the Samajwadi Party.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath: We have listed it on first position and we would want it to get passed. We will try and convince the Samajwadi Party.
Naresh Agrawal, Samajwadi Party MP in Rajya Sabha: Samajwadi Party wants the House to function, but parting of the communities is not right and SP is not in its favour. I am sure results will be in favour of the people.
BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi: We are not bothered about SP and BSP. We have always cared about the well being and progress of Dalits and will reveal out stand in Parliament accordingly.
BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi: We are not bothered about SP and BSP. We have always cared about the well being and progress of Dalits and will reveal out stand in Parliament accordingly.
After FDI, Govt now faces quota bill dilemmaThe government just managed to successfully tide over the FDI issue in Parliament, but now it has another task at hand.
A diva is nominated to Rajya Sabha & comes for 11 mins to get sworn in.Then she bunks.She next saunters in for the FDI vote.Eminent person?
- Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) December 7, 2012
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath to NDTV
- I tried and explain to all political parties that please recognize the politics of BJP
- In the garb of FDi they want to play politics and this has to be abhorred.
- Mayawati understands politics, she did not want to support the BJP's politics
BJP's Venkaiah Naidu on losing FDI vote
- We may have lost on numbers because of the manipulation of the ruling party, but it is a moral victory.
- Overwhelming numbers of the members spoke against FDI
- They may have had the numbers but I am sure they will be taught a fitting lesson by the people
FDI: Government seeks recalculation of votes in Rajya Sabha
The government has sought recalculation of votes in the Rajya Sabha on the issue of Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in retail as the total number of votes appeared to be more than the actual strength of the House.
The government has sought recalculation of votes in the Rajya Sabha on the issue of Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in retail as the total number of votes appeared to be more than the actual strength of the House.
Re-counting of votes on in the Rajya Sabha on. NDTV's Rahul Shrivastava reports this is not a major flutter and is a confirmatory exercise
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath to NDTV
I had appealed to all parties to support us. I am glad they have seen through BJP's politics.
I had appealed to all parties to support us. I am glad they have seen through BJP's politics.
News Update
Hamid Ansari announces revised figures : Ayes 109 and Noes 123 ... the motion is negated....
Hamid Ansari announces revised figures : Ayes 109 and Noes 123 ... the motion is negated....
News Update: Mulayam,Mayawati help govt win Rajya Sabha too
Out of the 212 members present and voting, 95 members supported the motion and 116 voted votes for the government against the motion
The machines flashed these figures... these are being re-tabulated as some members complain their votes were not registered...
Out of the 212 members present and voting, 95 members supported the motion and 116 voted votes for the government against the motion
The machines flashed these figures... these are being re-tabulated as some members complain their votes were not registered...
Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha explaining the voting procedures to members
News Update
The motion on FDI is put to division in Rajya Sabha
The motion on FDI is put to division in Rajya Sabha
News Update
Samajwadi Party (9 MPs) have walked out; they will abstain....
Samajwadi Party (9 MPs) have walked out; they will abstain....
Anand Sharma's concluding comments
- We do not have to learn about Gandhiji from you.
- The political discourse here should be within the limits of decency.
- If you live in a glass house, don't throw stones at us... there may be a few thrown from the treasury benches too.
- This kind of political discourse is not in favour of the nation, it spoils the atmosphere for investment.
- We don't make policies under western influence, our policies are to uphold supreme national interests
News Update
Rajya Sabha proceedings being again... Anand Sharma trying to complete his response to the debate after he was interrupted an hour earlier....
Rajya Sabha proceedings being again... Anand Sharma trying to complete his response to the debate after he was interrupted an hour earlier....
FDI vote in Rajya Sabha:
- Abstentions to help government numbers
- PM, govt representatives speak to individual MPs to get all on board
In Rajya Sabha, every vote counts
Reports: Janardhan Waghmare will be brought in straight from the hospital in time for voting.
Reports: Janardhan Waghmare will be brought in straight from the hospital in time for voting.
News Update
Voting on FDI to take place at 2:30 pm : Rajiv Shukla
Voting on FDI to take place at 2:30 pm : Rajiv Shukla
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2:30 pm
Anand Sharma says opposition claims exaggerated
The opposition is fear mongering, saying Indian farmers will be finished. That is far from the truth
{heated response as Mr Sharma responds to NK Singh of the JDU, PJ Kurien , Deputy Chairperson appeals for calm}
The opposition is fear mongering, saying Indian farmers will be finished. That is far from the truth
{heated response as Mr Sharma responds to NK Singh of the JDU, PJ Kurien , Deputy Chairperson appeals for calm}
Anand Sharma says FDI was an executive decision
- The NDA has taken executive decisions on allowing FDI in pharmaceuticals or defence sectors. We have not questioned that executive decision.
- There isn't a single document that suggests then then government initiated a discussion with a stake holders
Humari aur Arunji ki umar barabar hain, ab toh shirshashan nahin karte hain kabhi kabhi yoga kar lete hain... par kal yahaan tarkon ka, WTO ka shirshashan ho gaya...
- There has been such a furor over FDI that even my concerned mother, who has no interest in politics, asked my siblings - What has Anand done? Who is he getting from abroad? [Arun Jaitley responds - If your family is so concerned, please at least listen to them]
{BJP members continue with their footnotes - Anand Sharma says yeh toka toki band karaiye... }
Anand Sharma, Commerce Minister continues his defence of FDI
- To say India would become a country of sales boys & girls sends a wrong message to those who earn a living selling goods (responding to what Arun Jaitley had said yesterday)
- We are not in violation of any international or bilateral agreements, I would like to clarify
Anand Sharma refuses to yield - BJP members up on their feet... Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley says,"... the quantum of wastage is a matter of fact. Here there is a situation where there are two different versions... that needs a clarification."
Uproar over figures quoted by Anand Sharma on wastage in agricultural produce... Arun Jaitley says he quoted from figures given by Sharad Pawar...
Dy Chairman says he cannot direct the minister to reply in a certain manner -- Ravi Shankar Prasad asks for a clarification...
Dy Chairman says he cannot direct the minister to reply in a certain manner -- Ravi Shankar Prasad asks for a clarification...
We consulted all parties on FDI: Anand Sharma
- Consultation process means the Secretary to govt of India writes to Chief Secretaries of all states to elicit response... this was done and 21 states responded.
- 11 states supported the move... and that is there is writing
- All recognised consumer forums and unions were called and there was a meeting in Delhi
- How can states be compelled to let FDI in retail, if they don't want? But equally one state cannot decide for the other.
- Consensus does not mean unanimity, otherwise there will be no decision
Anand Sharma, Commerce Minister responding to the debate
- I stand here to reply to the questions raised so that people know the realities and what was the government's thought process.
- Did we consult all the parties involved or not? Such questions need to be answered
- We decided this after 18 months of consulation s with various farmers' associations, confederations and states.
- Mr Maityreyan I would like to tell you that your honourable leader should reply to my letter - 19 CMs have written back to me.
- On Dec 7, the BJP president met the then Finance Minister and then announced that the BJP was opposed to it
Dr Prabha Thakur, Congress MP from Rajasthan, who was reduced to tears yesterday by Mr Venkaiah Naidu's comments is now speaking in Parliament....
Amar Singh hits out at the BJP for attacking Mayawati
Ram Vilas Paswan of Lok Jan Shakti Party supports FDI
- There should not be opposition just for the sake of opposing. We are living in the 20th century but are trying to go back to 18th century.
- When a mall opens, the BJP members are there to inaugurate it.
- We were in socialist parties, we have opposed computers saying it will lead to unemployment, but look what happened.
- History is being written here... there is a difference between fact, act and tact...
- There is little point in sticking to ideology removed from reality
- This will lead to inflation being brought down
{each member has been given 5 minutes to speak... the chair urges Mr Paswan to conclude}
Question hour in Rajya Sabha suspended... the house continues with its discussion on FDI...
D Raja of the CPI is speaking in favour of the motion..
"The present government identifies with multi-nationals and corporate houses but it claims it stands for the aam admi."
D Raja of the CPI is speaking in favour of the motion..
"The present government identifies with multi-nationals and corporate houses but it claims it stands for the aam admi."
The government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that it wins today's vote. Sources have told NDTV that Prime Minister phoned many nominated members this morning, including Rekha, as well as Independents.
FDI vote in Rajya Sabha today; Govt likely to sail through with Mayawati's supportThe Bahujan Samaj Party's 15 Rajya Sabha MPs will vote in favour of the government's decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail. This could help the government scrape through by a whisker and win today's vote in the Upper House, where it is in a minority.
Has insisting for a vote on FDI backfired for the BJP?In a dramatic U-turn, Mayawati says she will vote for the UPA in Rajya Sabha because she can't back communal forces. With the Samajwadi Party abstaining, the government stands to win the FDI vote in Rajya Sabha as well by a wafer thin margin.
Mayawati to vote for FDI, Govt likely to win in Rajya Sabha tooThe Bahujan Samaj Party's 15 Rajya Sabha MPs will vote in favour of the government's decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment in multi-brand retail. This could help the government scrape through by a whisker and win tomorrow's vote in the Upper House, where it is in a minority.
The debate in the Rajya Sabha come to an end... the house will vote on the motion tomorrow.
Venkaiah Naidu apologises after woman MP breaks down over his comment
There was uproar in the Rajya Sabha today over senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu calling a Congress MP bewakoof (stupid) after she interjected during his speech over Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in multi-brand retail.
There was uproar in the Rajya Sabha today over senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu calling a Congress MP bewakoof (stupid) after she interjected during his speech over Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in multi-brand retail.
BJP's Uma Bharti says - The vote on FDI is like killing Mahatama Gandhi
FDI not against small shopkeepers says independent MP
Foreign equity in multi-brand retail is good for the country and would not uproot small shopkeepers, said Rajya Sabha independent member and former chairperson of Hindustan Lever Ashok S. Ganguly. Quoting studies, he said during the Rajya Sabha debate on the subject that post-harvest losses in India amounted to Rs.53,000 crore. Bringing in FDI in retail would help in tackling the huge losses, he said.
Foreign equity in multi-brand retail is good for the country and would not uproot small shopkeepers, said Rajya Sabha independent member and former chairperson of Hindustan Lever Ashok S. Ganguly. Quoting studies, he said during the Rajya Sabha debate on the subject that post-harvest losses in India amounted to Rs.53,000 crore. Bringing in FDI in retail would help in tackling the huge losses, he said.
News Just In
Sources: Govt meets to assess Rajya Sabha vote; Govt reviewed numbers after Mayawati's announcement
BJP's Venkaiah Naidu
Had you consulted political parties this situation would not have arisen
Without consulting allies, the govt has pushed this {treasury benches oppose strongly}
Tiruchi Siva from the DMK
Explains why they are opposed to FDI but are supporting govt against the motion
Explains why they are opposed to FDI but are supporting govt against the motion
Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agarwal: I am here to speak for Agarwal-mart
- I am opposed to FDI
- I am opposed to WalMart and here to speaking for the traders of India
- SP is neither responsible for propping up the government nor for its downfall
- We did not implement VAT in Uttar Pradesh, we will not let FDi there
- FDI to dast-e-katil hain, chote logon ko mar, unke kapde utar...
- Don't let another East India Co enter India Mr Anand Sharma. The first one entered through Kolkata and ruled for 200 years. This one will enter from Delhi and take over.
- Your FCI is not procuring rice in Uttar Pradesh - you are unable to provide rural infrastructure...
- A good leader listens to his detractors and course corrects...
Trinamool's Derek O'Brien: FDI is no more, or no less than foreign direct instruction.
- The Trinamool Congress is against a policy that looks at India only as a market.
- This is a deformed government. It has ceased to perform.
- FDI is no more, or no less than foreign direct instruction.
- Nowadays the Congress speaks of importing and sustitution.
- The clause of sourcing 30% from small and medium units is a bizzare clause...
- The SMEs will be grown to be captive suppliers often uncapable of doing business with others.
- This country is not yet ready for FDI in multi-brand retail
- The govt needs to be sensitive to the Human Development Index
- When govt brushes aside HDI for FDi , it breaches a fundamental contract with the people
NK Singh, Janata Dal United
- I will speak in Hindi since all speeches are being made in Hindi.
- I want to ask the PM - is this issue of FDI the over-arching economic issue that faces India?
- And, seeing this divided house, which investor will be enthused in investing in India
Yechury: Why can we not make our own cold storage facilities
- We are not able to make our own cold storage facilities and foreign companies will come and do that for us...
- How will a retail chain become a chain in stand-alone states? So infact states are not free to choose
- We urge the govt to reconsider the decision.
- The government isn't telling is the real reason - we want to reduce revenue deficit of 70 Bn dollars.. which FDI will erase this deficit...
- And at what cost? Unemployment will rise and a policy that will benefit only foreign capital...
CPM's Sitaram Yechury opposes FDI
- We are not against foreign capital. But FDI in retail does not add anything to the productive capacity of the economy.
- We have opposed the policy when NDA was in power and we are still opposed to it.
- Out of 1.6 million employed by WalMart, only 1.2% live above the poverty line. All others below poverty line in those country.
- US report: 18 jobs created by a street vendor, supermarket needs just 4 people to handle the same volume of produce.. so it will not create employment
BSP will vote with the Govt tomorrow in the Rajya Sabha: Mayawati
- We should see our domestic markets are not hit while allowing FDI.
- BSP and most of the people in this country feel that this decision will impact the small traders and manufacturers adversely.
- India's economy will also be impacted and people fear , we will be economically dependent on foreign companies.
- BSP says the policy should be tested and the govt should not decide in a hurry. We suggest that the centre try this policy out in some Congress-ruled states and see how the experience is in a time bound fashion.
- The only plus point of this policy is that it will not be forced uponm the states - the states are free to choose.
- Like the Lok Sabha we wanted to abstain in the Rajya Sabha... and if the Opposition's motion goes through tomorrow then they will get a political peg and the house will not function... many important litigation will go on the back burner...
- Considering all these factors, we will vote with the govt in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow
Mayawati advocates wait-&-watch on FDI
- We should see our domestic markets are not hit while allowing FDI.
- BSP and most of the people in this country feel that this decision will impact the small traders and manufacturers adversely.
- India's economy will also be impacted and people fear , we will be economically dependent on foreign companies.
- BSP says the policy should be tested and the govt should not decide in a hurry. We suggest that the centre try this policy out in some Congress-ruled states and see how the experience is in a time bound fashion.
Mayawati is still attacking the BJP; not a peep on FDI yet
- BJP used the CBI to put pressure on me to agree to a pre-poll alliance.
- We have never given in to communal forces
- We have never been afraid of the CBI nor of the Congress and BJP governments at the centre...
- Jo baatein humko padne ko mili hain, woh inke chichorepan, ocheypan aur choteypan ko darshata hain.
Debate resumes in Rajya Sabha
Mayawati continues her attack against the BJP...
Mayawati continues her attack against the BJP...
Rajya Sabha Adjourned for 10 minutes
BJP MPs up on their feet after Mayawati says BJP framed her in the Taj Corrdoor case and used the CBI
BJP MPs up on their feet after Mayawati says BJP framed her in the Taj Corrdoor case and used the CBI
Mayawati takes on Sushma Swaraj, BJP
We are often accused of being under pressure from CBI. This has become fashionable for the opposition... yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj... {more protests from BJP member}
Since the BJP is a responsible party and they have hinted at us being under pressure from the CBI, we need to elucidate how the BJP abused the CBI when it was in power... {uproar from BJP members again - discussion on FDI not CBI}
We are often accused of being under pressure from CBI. This has become fashionable for the opposition... yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj... {more protests from BJP member}
Since the BJP is a responsible party and they have hinted at us being under pressure from the CBI, we need to elucidate how the BJP abused the CBI when it was in power... {uproar from BJP members again - discussion on FDI not CBI}
Mayawati responds to Sushma Swaraj's comments in Lok Sabha alluding to BSP and its leaders...unhone jo ghatiya kisam ki baat kahee{BJP members object}
Mayawati speaks haltingly... she has a bad throat... thanks the chair for this debate and the opportunity to speak in the debate...
Arun Jaitley's concluding remarks
- All of us when in power make a mistake
- The biggest danger politicians fall into is buying their own arguments even when no one outside is buying them. This is the trap your govt is falling into.
- You can force this policy but India will not accept.
- I beseech you please reconsider this policy. My appeal to all friends in the opposition - please in one voice reject it.
- Those who are in two minds - if you are willing to proclaim, please be willing to strike out...
Jaitley on the govt's exaggerated figures on farm wastage
To the argument that there is a lot of wastage and the farmers lose because of this. DIPP, which is under Mr Anand Sharma, says as per some industry estimates 25% of fruits and vegetables and 7% of foodgrains are wastage... and the Central Institute of Post Harvesting Technology in Punjab has figures even lower than that... Mr Pawar in Parliament on May 8 said in Lok Sabha -- and agreed with these figures...
To the argument that there is a lot of wastage and the farmers lose because of this. DIPP, which is under Mr Anand Sharma, says as per some industry estimates 25% of fruits and vegetables and 7% of foodgrains are wastage... and the Central Institute of Post Harvesting Technology in Punjab has figures even lower than that... Mr Pawar in Parliament on May 8 said in Lok Sabha -- and agreed with these figures...
Kamal Nath reponds to Mr Jaitley quoting from a 2005 interview to BBC and calls hms and 'obident minister" -- In 2005, we were carrying out the studies on FDI in retail. It was me as Commerce Minister who had promoted FDI - when we opened up single-brand retail and B2B... and Mr Jaitley is quoting out of context...
Mr Jaitley's repartee - I have had the greatest admiration for Mr Kamal Nath. He is in a league of his own...
Mr Jaitley's repartee - I have had the greatest admiration for Mr Kamal Nath. He is in a league of his own...
How can FDI become a state subject: Jaitley
- WTO is not a place for charity. That is bazaar...America and EU has been asking us for FDI in retail... and the govt suddenly gave them a unilateral concession
- What was the pressure on you to give this concession free? What was the reason why we did not give it, Mr Kamal Nath did not but you did?
- You wanted to add a sweetner to the policy - and so you said we leave it to the states... I do not understand how.
- States can pass municipal laws - FDI is on the centre's list....
- The advantage that Reliance Fresh, or Shoppers Stop get--the same advantage all the foreign companies who invest here will get. {reads from a bilateral trade agreement} I will read this again, you may have heard this but not understood it fully... {anecdotal quote from Lewis Caroll's Through the Looking Glass}
- The major argument is that back-end infrastructure will be strengthened - these stores will not provide irrigation or build roads or provide farmers electricity. They will make cold storage chains, but that is not rocket science alien to India. For that we do not have to impact our food security...
Jaitley on why FDI won't benefit farmers
- US, Europe give 400 Billion dollar subsidy to their farmers
- So if the experiment did not work there, how will it work in India...
- The only sector in which there are no middlemen is the sugar cane sector -- farmers sell to factories straight... the crop is contracted... but sugarcane growers will starved is states did not raise the minimum advise price...
- Milk cooperatives - White Revolution the best example of agri-produce retail. In India for every consumer rupee spent 68% goes to producer and 32% to the retailer .. in England, 34% goes to the producer and 66% to the retailer...
- When small middlemen get out of the equation, the super-middleman comes in... these are the WalMarts and Tescos...
- A fragmented market is better than a consolidated market
Arun Jaitley: India will be a nation of sales boys and sales girls...
- When America has small stores 19.5 million people were employed in the manufacturing sector. 30 years later that has come down to 11.5 million.
- We have not had reforms in the manufacturing sector - from this what will emanate.
- The domestic retail shops say 90% of their goods are sourced locally.
- The first adversely affected area is manufacturing sector jobs when international structured retail comes in...
- [cites examples of Delhi's furniture market] Open your doors to IKEA and India's carpenter will vanish...
- We'll cease to be a manufacturing nation, we will become a nation of traders . We will have a strores by Americans, French and British selling Chinese goods and India will be a nation of sales boys and sales girls...
- Will structured international retail create additional markets? Markets remain the same... when such retailer with deep pockets come to India who can bear losses and have a low intensive employment policy... WalMart's golbal turnover is 21.5 lakh crore - compare that to India's total retail market of 10.5 lakh cr...
- In the month of September, WalMart decided to open its first store in Manhattan. There were protests and the proposal was taken back. There was only one reason - one WalMart will hit 50 small stores.. and when that happens Mayor Michael Bloomberg knows he will not be in office...
Jaitley: Every change is not reform
- Because some western countries define reform or economic progress as such , should we accept this?
- Can you as commerce minister tell USA that their subsidies to their farmers is not economic reform?[Anand Sharma intervenes - that remains and firm and consistent position of India in WTO]
- And to accept such reforms... what is the context with relation to the Indian economy? What is the job structure in India? 51% percent are self employed - most in agriculture and next small retail traders -- 40 million people directly employed .. add families to that and the figure of 4 crore becomes 18-20 crore...
Arun Jaitley: A lame-duck government dependent on costly support
- When you are 18 short of majority, then you cannot run the government as you please
- You cannot touch the 272 mark in Lok Sabha - you will need support and help
- And whenever you need help, you have to compromise and pay a price.
- The country is worried that with regards to investigative agencies and the govt's work practices, we have seen the compromises for the past 4 years.
- After yesterday's vote, those worries have gone up.
- After that figure you are a lame duck govt, and you are dependent on support which is costly
- Some people support you from the outside. They vote for you but are opposed to FDI
- But even your own ally the NCP , in Maharashtra, they don't want to implement it immediately. They want to discuss the matter in the alliance.
- As far as the DMK is concerned, they were part of the Bharat Bandh...as as fare as you say that you speak on behalf of the people of India, it is a self assumed authority.
- Those who abstain, and by that support you, do not want this in their states
- I challenge Mr Sibal, who spoke for FDI, to get a store opened in his constituency. Elections are round the corner and he'll come to know what the people want.
Law Minister Ashwani Kumar :
- I am not the one to say those who oppose this , oppose this because of reasons totally uninformed by politics.
- There are very good reasons for our decision on FDI.
- Opinions are free, facts are sacred and I want to take the leave of the house to place some facts.
- We thought if we were to go ahead with FDI in multi-brand retail, we would be able to enlist significant amount of investment in backend infrastructure. That is why when we made the policy, we said 50% of the minimum investment of $100 million, will be done in such activities.
- There are moments in a life of a nation where certain decision are taken - we did what is right by our conscience.
- Because you may be proved wrong at a later point in time, it is no reason not to take bold decisions...
- We need a better life, better dignity for people...
- We spoke to most farmers' unions who supported FDI
- 30% of all products procured by these chains should be from medium and small scale enterprises - this will exponentially expand the country's production base.
- There has been a lot of talk about WalMart and China. WalMart went to China and the farmers there were benefited. Walmart in China has only 350 stores and has a small market share but it procures 65% from China for stores all over the world
- Consumers will also benefit from FDI. They will have a wide range of products to choose from.
- FDI in retail will bnefit over 100 crore people
Dr V Maithreyan, AIADMK MP
Mr PM on Dec 6, 2002 Mr Sangvi wrote to you and you gave him an assurance. 10 years in later we demand that you withdraw FDI in multi-brand retail. Dr Manmohan Singh opposed FDI when he was in opposition, today he is the prime mover. UPA chairperson was also opposed to FDI in retail when UPA I was in power.
Quotes CNN- I am quoting foreign journal because we have a habit of believing foreign journals, not our own....
If FDI is so beneficial, why is it limited to 53 cities? Why isn't it extended to rural brethren? The answer is obvious, the MNCs are not interested in our rural markets.
Govt wants us to belief that global retailers will buy from local suppliers. But that is a lie. W
We do not want to learn from someone else's mistake. Wal-Mart is under probe, and India wants to bring the company here. What a shame!
{DMK members protest after being attacked for voting for Govt in Lok Sabha}
Mr PM on Dec 6, 2002 Mr Sangvi wrote to you and you gave him an assurance. 10 years in later we demand that you withdraw FDI in multi-brand retail. Dr Manmohan Singh opposed FDI when he was in opposition, today he is the prime mover. UPA chairperson was also opposed to FDI in retail when UPA I was in power.
Quotes CNN- I am quoting foreign journal because we have a habit of believing foreign journals, not our own....
If FDI is so beneficial, why is it limited to 53 cities? Why isn't it extended to rural brethren? The answer is obvious, the MNCs are not interested in our rural markets.
Govt wants us to belief that global retailers will buy from local suppliers. But that is a lie. W
We do not want to learn from someone else's mistake. Wal-Mart is under probe, and India wants to bring the company here. What a shame!
{DMK members protest after being attacked for voting for Govt in Lok Sabha}
Dr Maitreyan decides to speak in Tamil - protests by members of the house forces him to switch to English
News Update
Rajya Sabha takes up motion on FDI under Rule 168. AIADMK's V Maitreyan moves the motion
Rajya Sabha takes up motion on FDI under Rule 168. AIADMK's V Maitreyan moves the motion
BJP members raise objections to govt changing subsidiary laws with retrospective effect...
Chidambaram: What is being laid today is amendments to notifications made under customs act. Please gob through explanatory memoranda. If you still feel it does not explain, I will come back and explain....
Chidambaram: What is being laid today is amendments to notifications made under customs act. Please gob through explanatory memoranda. If you still feel it does not explain, I will come back and explain....
News Update
Lok Sabha adjourned till noon following uproar over Babri mosque demolition issue... the Babri mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992. Today marks its 20th anniversary...
Lok Sabha adjourned till noon following uproar over Babri mosque demolition issue... the Babri mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992. Today marks its 20th anniversary...
Finance Minister Chidambaram to NDTV: Debate will happen in Rajya Sabha, govt will win vote
Naresh Agarwal, Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP to NDTV
- We are against FDI. We will not allow it in Uttar Pradesh.
- In politics, everything is possible but we are not in favour of FDI.
Numbers loaded against the Govt in Rajya Sabha: Arun Jaitley to NDTVLeader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley, accused the government of disrupting the House as it doesn't have the numbers to win the vote on FDI in the Rajya Sabha.
FDI debate in Rajya Sabha today; will SP, BSP save the Govt? The Upper House will debate and vote on FDI over the next two days starting today; the Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley will initiate the debate which will begin around noon. Though the numbers are not in favour of the UPA government in the Rajya Sabha, it is hoping that the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will bail it out.
NCP opposes FDI in Maharashtra, writes to Prithviraj ChavanKey UPA ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) may have voted in favour of FDI in retail in the Lok Sabha, but outside it immediately said that it did not support the policy's implementation in Maharashtra.
FDI vote - politically relevant?After two days of stormy debate, lawmakers in the Lok Sabha voted in favour of the government's big policy decision to open up the country's highly-protected retail industry to foreign chains such as Walmart. 471 of the Lok Sabha's 545 members voted; 253 MPs voted against the BJP motion that challenged the policy and 218 voted for it.
FDI vote: 'McAloo wars' in ParliamentFor two days the Lok Sabha debated the contentious issue of Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in multi-brand retail before voting on it this evening. The opposition argued against the policy claiming it was a myth that foreign investment would benefit farmers, consumers and generate employment - the example that was thrown around the most was of potatoes.
Govt wins FDI vote in Lok Sabha with Mulayam, Mayawati's help After two days of stormy debate, lawmakers in the Lok Sabha voted in favour of the government's big policy decision to open up the country's highly-protected retail industry to foreign chains such as Walmart.
FDI in multi-brand retail: India Inc cheers Lok Sabha nod
"This will be a game changer for kick-starting economy," Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon, said.
"It is extremely encouraging. A very good signal for reforms. India Inc cheers FDI vote win, said Adi Godrej, Chairman of Godrej Group.
"It is a welcome development. We fully support the government on the issue. The country needs to move forward. We need to send a strong signal to foreign investors," said FICCI President RV Kanoria.
"This will be a game changer for kick-starting economy," Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon, said.
"It is extremely encouraging. A very good signal for reforms. India Inc cheers FDI vote win, said Adi Godrej, Chairman of Godrej Group.
"It is a welcome development. We fully support the government on the issue. The country needs to move forward. We need to send a strong signal to foreign investors," said FICCI President RV Kanoria.
Kamal Nath to NDTV
- The real issue is big versus small and it is a fear of the unknown
- There is no political bartering - all I urged other political parties is that please dissect the politics and other issues
- Mulayam Singh Yadav does not want it in UP, I don't expect him to support it in Parliament
- In the garb of FDI BJP was trying to play politics and the other parties saw through it.
- The debate in Rajya Sabha will start tomorrow, the voting will happen on Friday
- I want to dispel any fear that we are going to stall this and we are going to win the vote.
- It may be by a very small margin but I am confident of the numbers in the Rajya Sabha - we will win.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi to NDTV
BJP is taking a heads I win, tails you lose stand on the vote
BJP is taking a heads I win, tails you lose stand on the vote
Sushma Swaraj says - It a political victory but a moral loss. The people of this country will now give them a fitting reply during the elections. Those who did not vote with us today and abstained, in a covert way, have extended their support to the govt's policy of FDI.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath to NDTV
- I appeal to the leader of all parties that this is nothing but politics. It is a defeat for the BJP's brand of politics
- They have seen what has happened here, they are now sensitized...
- I will appeal they not abstain but vote with us..
Mani Shankar Aiyar retorts to Prakash Javadekar's statement -
That just shows they are better poets than politicians. They have held up Parliament for all these days and now they have egg on their face... they now want to take it off saying itg is a nice omelette...
Naresh Agarwal of the SP - We are not forced to respond to what the BJP says. We have declared that we will not implement FDI in Uttar Pradesh. Why don't the BJP Chief Ministers make a similar declaration? No one has a right to ask us why we walked out.
Prakash Javadekar to NDTV: The Congress has not won, it is the Congress Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that has won.
Manish Tiwari, I&B Minister responds to the FDI vote win
- This is a victory of reforms and a defeat of those who look at India's economy through ideologically coloured lenses.
- We hope the Opposition will reconsider their position and join the government in this constructive endeavor.
Sonia Gandhi, PM react after winning FDI vote
Sonia Gandhi: I am happy with victory. I am not at all worried about the vote in the Rajya Sabha.
Prime Minister to NDTV: FDI policy has the approval of the house
Sonia Gandhi: I am happy with victory. I am not at all worried about the vote in the Rajya Sabha.
Prime Minister to NDTV: FDI policy has the approval of the house
News Update
For Mr Sougata Roy's amendment's on FEMA - needed to operationalise the FDI policy
254 MPs against the motion and 224 MPs support the motion. 478 members of Parliament present and voting.
For Mr Sougata Roy's amendment's on FEMA - needed to operationalise the FDI policy
254 MPs against the motion and 224 MPs support the motion. 478 members of Parliament present and voting.
News Just In:
Govt wins FDI vote... 253 votes in its favour... 218 votes in support of the BJP sponsored motion.
Total of 471 members of Lok Sabha present and voting...motion moved by BJP's Sushma Swaraj defeated.
Govt wins FDI vote... 253 votes in its favour... 218 votes in support of the BJP sponsored motion.
Total of 471 members of Lok Sabha present and voting...motion moved by BJP's Sushma Swaraj defeated.
Secretary General of the Lok Sabha explaining how the voting will take place and how to operate the voting machines...
News Update
Motion being voted upon in Parliament - Voice vote over, the motion has been put to division
Motion being voted upon in Parliament - Voice vote over, the motion has been put to division
Saugata Roy of the Trinamool Congress:
Saugata Roy of the Trinamool Congress: Your (Anand Sharma) definition of consensus is wrong. Kapil Sibal said Kerala CM is against FDI. What about Antony?
If 9 states of which 3 are Union Territories give their approval, is that a consent
Sushma hits out on Mulayam
- Mr Anthony, a senior member in the cabinet is opposed to it. Their Kerala unit is opposed to it. Yesterday, I met Shashi Tharoor and he said he had been asked not to speak in support.
- Those who spoke in support their numbers add up to 282 , and those who spoke in support are 224.
- These walls which have echoed the speeches will have the results of the vote plastered on them - I wanted it to be known in posterity who said what and then what they did.
- I wanted that everyone should have walked their talked ... how vociferously Mulayam ji had opposed FDI...if he had voted with us, FDI would not have been implemented.
- Its is not a question of BJP, this is not a communal issue... but the problem is the issue has now become FDI vs CBI... so which is closer...
- When BSP wants support, they come to us and then we aren't communal... this dichotomy won't work.
Concluding Urdu couplet: Tareekh ke aakhon ne woh haal bhi dekha hain, lamhon he khata ki thee sadion ne sazaa payee hain
Sushma Swaraj responds to the debate
- The discussion has been detailed and fruitful
- 22 MPs have participated in the debate - they represent 18 parties
- Of the 18, 14 parties spoke against FDI - and they did not oppose FDI lightly
- Kapil Sibal's speech yesterday was fraught with contradictions - he was conflicted...
- His constituency - Chandni Chowk - is opposed to FDI and the govt he was defending is in favour...
- Kabhi boond ke idhar aur kabhi udhar - bach bach ke chal rahe the...{quotes from Sibal's speech}
- Sibal says where will they set up shop in Delhi... but the Delhi Chief Minister from his party says the first store will be set up in the city.
- They say it will benefit farmers -- but in his speech said -'no one will go to WalMart on cycles or two wheelers'- which consumer are you talking about who will be benefitted - those in big cars.
- WalMart was in loss til 2008. India's economy is in doldrums -- so I want to ask, how will this relationship help each other...
To Lalu's couplet: Aap ko gathey khol na nahin aata aur maskari ke alwa aap ko kuch bolan nahin aata
On Deepender Hooda - I was looking forward to the speech since he is from my state... but was so excited that he promised McDonald's that he'll grow a two-feet-long potato... Kisan ke bete ho, pehle aloo aur lauki ka farq to samajh lo...
News Update
Government looks all set to win... Samajwadi Party and Bhaujan Samaj Party members have walked out ahead of vote on FDI...
The government now needs 251 to win the vote -- its has 261 MPs on its side...
Government looks all set to win... Samajwadi Party and Bhaujan Samaj Party members have walked out ahead of vote on FDI...
The government now needs 251 to win the vote -- its has 261 MPs on its side...
Anand Sharma's point-by-point rebuttal continues
- 30% local sourcing is not against any WTO agreement as it is a pre-establishment issue and not post-establishment one
- Where will the small trader go? In 12 years since there has been organised retail in India, the small traders, the local kirana shop has not vanished...(quotes from study by Jagadish Bhagwati and Rajiv Kohli)
Reports from the house: BSP members seem to have walked out of the Lok Sabha - will abstain from vote
Seen: Rahul Gandhi talking to Jyotiraditya Scindia
Anand Sharma: Each state free to choose, we spoke to everyone
- No one can tell an elected government what to choose and what not...
- We have a guiding policy, it is upto the states to accept or not accept.
- On Dec 7, Mr Gadkari lunched with Mr Mukherjee and after that said BJP would oppose it. CPM politburo, Left parties also said they were opposed to it - I have a letter from 4 months ago.
- I met Naveen Patnaik, Parkash Singh Badal... are they not political leaders
- Doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results is the definition of crazy.
- Sushmaji asked what has changed - What has changed is that this time implicitly, explicitly we have said that it is for the states to decide...
- Farooq Abdullah, the Uttarakhand CM and Tarun Gogoi asked me why the small landlocked states were kept out by the 10 lakh population clause - we made a special dispensation for them
- Consensus ka matlab aam sehmati, sarva sammati nahi. If you have to wait for unanimity, you wait till eternity.
[Yashwant Sinha responds angrily to the Commerce Minister's charges - says not important what the GoM debated upon but when the decision was taken]
Anand Sharma continues
Anand Sharma continues
- I have said discussions include all the states and all political parties..
- I acknowledge that if the govt went back on an assurance made in Parliament then that is a very serious charge but that is far from the truth...
- I have written to leaders of all political parties in both houses. I applaud Mr Acharia who said yesterday that the Commerce Minister wrote to us, but he did not agree with our position.
- After December 7, we spoke to farmers' bodies again... 12 such bodies were called and what they said we have in writing - I'll lay that in parliament today
- Consumer forums were also called and consulted - 17 of them and 6 bodies of food processing industries gave us their views in writing
- We also sent letters to all Chief Minsters...Secretary DIPP wrote to all states - 21 states responded and I have responses of 14 CMs in writing.
- Of the 21, 11 states were in favour of it, 7 states opposed it and 3 states asked for further clarifications
Anand Sharma intervenes before the house votes on the motion
- This was not an overnight decision and it is important to understand the context of the decision.
- We do not have the requisite infrastructure to manage our produce...
- Farmers suffer due to lack on infrastructure.
- The BJP asked us why we changed our stand. Our question on why they changed their stand is equally pertinent.
- In Nov 2001, the GoM constituted by BJP on FDI in retail met {quotes from the GoM papers}
- I congratulate my friends from the BJP that back then they remembered to take Haldiram and Bikanerwala into consideration..
- McDonald's came to India and started making aloo tikki - after all Indians would not let go of their palate
- But equally important Haldiram now has 38 stores world wide, 3 in London. Bikarnerwala is a 1000 crore company that has 85 stores across the world...
Deve Gowda recalls his days as PM, opposes FDI. Now, Deepender Hooda, Congress MP from Rohtak speaking...
- BJP is opposing FDI because it is a UPA move
- Sushmaji spoke of being from Ambala but I think she has not been to Ambala in quite some time. There are kirana stores that co-exist with multi-brand retail chains... there are at least 15 stores run by Reliance, Easy Day , etc [mentions Gadkari's Purthi stores who are also involved in multi-brand retail]
- I know FDI will not solve all the problems of farmers, but it gives them an option. I am the son for a farmer, I understand their problems.
- Do not underestimate the farmer of India - they are not fools, they will sell to the person who gives them the best price
- You glorified the "aratiya" - they are not like ATMs - they lend money not on trust but on interest, at rates comparable to international credit cards.
- You glorified the "aratiya" - they are not like ATMs - they lend money not on trust but on interest, at rates comparable to international credit cards.
- You try and make this 'traditional ATM' your mascot in 2014 and the people of this country will let them know what they think
- We found out where McDonald's buys it's potatoes from - most come from Gujarat. That state has the most McDonald's stores
- Even McDonald's was shocked at what Sushmaji said and came out with a press statement to say they buy most potatoes from India
- Once the potatoes are harvested, maybe for my friends from BJP, they become American
- We have left it to the states to decide and this strengthens the federal polity of this country
- Sushmaji said 50 of 60 years have seen Congress-led governments. I ask her to consider why the people keep voting for us... if you continue such opposition, in 2014 the people will vote for us once again
Lalu's couplet for Sushma Swaraj
Mohabbat mein tumhe ansoon bahane nahin ata... Banaras aake Banaras ka paan khana nahin aata?
Mohabbat mein tumhe ansoon bahane nahin ata... Banaras aake Banaras ka paan khana nahin aata?
Amidst disruption, Lalu voices his support for FDI
- The opposition is misleading the country
- BJP wanted FDI in 2002. How have you changed your stand- you supported 100% FDI in retail in 2004 and now Joshiji says - videshi, videshi.... how much does your watch cost? (to a quip how much does yours) I have no watch, I have no cell phone, they have their close to their hearts and when a phone call comes, you'd see them run a 100-metre dash.
- The BJP leaders invoke Gandhi here - he rode in the 3rd class compartment in trains and BJP leaders want coupes reserved.
- 100% farming of vegetables is being affected today-- farmer will get money straight and middlemen will be done away with.
- There is no compulsion on states to implement it in their states.
- Mr Sibal was not able to say eloquently what he wanted to convey - the stores will not open in the middle of Delhi... they need lakhs of square feet...
- The day we see it is against national interests, RJD will set all stores on fire...
- With FDI there will be investment in the country... and agricultural production will go up.
- Nescafe peene walon, poocho Advani ji se twitter ka istemal kyun kartein hain, woh videshi nahi hain kya
Back to Lok Sabha where Murli Manohar Joshi is rebutting Kapil Sibal:
You had said that PepsiCo is an agreement to procure potatoes from 10,000 farmers now, as opposed to 1,800 when they started off in 2010. Cultivation is happening in 7,000 acres of land now compared to the 5,500 acres that were being cultivated in 2010.
You call this beneficial? It is far from that. This is what we call 'monopoly farming', where a foreign company monopolises even agriculture in our country.
Pre-pricing of farm produce will lead to exploitation of farmers. Big corporates and small farmers cannot co-exist in the sector
WalMart will not increase competition; it will destroy markets that are already very competitive.
[Speaker asks Mr Joshi to wrap up - says proceedings have to run on time]
You had said that PepsiCo is an agreement to procure potatoes from 10,000 farmers now, as opposed to 1,800 when they started off in 2010. Cultivation is happening in 7,000 acres of land now compared to the 5,500 acres that were being cultivated in 2010.
You call this beneficial? It is far from that. This is what we call 'monopoly farming', where a foreign company monopolises even agriculture in our country.
Pre-pricing of farm produce will lead to exploitation of farmers. Big corporates and small farmers cannot co-exist in the sector
WalMart will not increase competition; it will destroy markets that are already very competitive.
[Speaker asks Mr Joshi to wrap up - says proceedings have to run on time]
News Update
BSP likely to vote for the government on FDI. Mayawati has been opposed to FDI but sources tell NDTV, Mayawati has told BSP MPs that right now she is not in a position to vote against FDI.
BSP likely to vote for the government on FDI. Mayawati has been opposed to FDI but sources tell NDTV, Mayawati has told BSP MPs that right now she is not in a position to vote against FDI.
- Murli Manohar Joshi speaks in Parliament
- {Anecdote on how to become a good lawyer} If you have the law on your side hammer the law into the judge's head, if you have the facts on your side hammer the facts in the jury's head and if you have nothing hammer the table and shout loudly
- If FDI is so beneficial for the country why the concessions? Implement it all over the country.
- {To the govt} Aap ki gardanein aap katwaye, desk ki gardan maat katiye
- Till Pranab Babu who is now the honourable President, there was no movement on FDI. As soon as the new FM took over, everything transformed as a super-fast speed
- {explains the BJP stand on FDI in retail} BJP said we did not support FDI in retail. We have never favoured a dominant role of 'unincorporated sector' - why do do you put your words in our manifesto? This is the magic of your being a lawyer...
- Let us concede - we'll tell you why we changed our stand, but why did you change your stand? You seem to have changed from anti-national to national... we know whatever little there was in the NDA document was wrong, why don't you accept you are wrong?
(Galti ho gayi hum toh maan rahe hai - lekin aap bataye anti-national activity national kaise ban gayi?) - East India Company was one company... these are many companies.
- Foreign companies will indulge in predatory pricing. They will destroy everything local and reap profits later. PepsiCo has a lot of land but that hasn't benefitted farmers.
Lok Sabha adjourned by the Deputy Speaker
Lalu Yadav, RJD Chief speaks
PM has said whether the govt stays or goes economic reforms will go on.
In the matter of FDI, I don't understand...
[Uproar from BJP benches, Lalu calls them jamhoora, they say it is unparliamentary. The Parliamentary Affairs minister's intervention and appeal doesn't help. Lalu translates jamhoora as player, challenges why it is unparliamentary. An angry Lalu Yadav engaged in a verbal duel with the BJP MPs]
PM has said whether the govt stays or goes economic reforms will go on.
In the matter of FDI, I don't understand...
[Uproar from BJP benches, Lalu calls them jamhoora, they say it is unparliamentary. The Parliamentary Affairs minister's intervention and appeal doesn't help. Lalu translates jamhoora as player, challenges why it is unparliamentary. An angry Lalu Yadav engaged in a verbal duel with the BJP MPs]
Harsimrat Kaur of the Shiromani Akali Dal :
- This FDI policy is bartering away the interest of its own people and country. This policy will not provide employment but end the livelihood of crores of people.[Shouts from the govt benches as the chair urges Ms Kaur to continue]
- Yeh toh madam ko khush karne ke liye bol rahe hain lekin Punjab se toh inka safaya ho gaya.[Congress MPs from Punjab continue to oppose her]
- Quotes ICAR - wastage due to rotting only 0.8%, so should we believe what Mr Sibal said.[Narrates how potato farmers in Jalandhar had to throw away their potatoes when PepsiCo refused to buy the potatoes... quotes from an Indian Express report...]
- Has the government framed a policy for the displaced middle-men or are they not Indians? Will WalMart not have middlemen as quality inspectors?
- In case of natural calamities, will foreign companies compensate them or use that as an excuse to reject our produce and import?
- Aaj holi ke gubbare se lekar Diwali ke patakho tak sab China se aate hain... FDI se humara manufacturing bilkul hee khatam ho jayega.
Gurudas Dasgupta, CPI takes a dig at PM
- For the cause of WalMart, the PM of a country of 120 Crores is ready to sacrifice the government. Is it so important?
- Mr Sibal said look at the state of the economy... after that Mr Chidambaram must've looked at him so he changed the subject... but that is the question.
- The economic condition is very grim, the govt has not come clean to Parliament... GDP is at 5.3%...
- Where the country has gone to? Investment has gone down.. employment generation is minimum...
- Who is responsible? You are in power for 9 years- it is a fiasco caused by your policy
- Govt believes FDI can come to rescue India's economy
- FDi in retail not an end, it is a signal to MNCs - make India the most favoured destination
- But is it the right strategy - Over-dependence on foreign funds when India is hit by sky-high inflation of food products?
- There is a pressure of multi-nationals on Government of India...MNCs want India to open up because all over the world there is a crisis, they want new markets
- Obama is a supporter of small retailers in his own country but lobbying for WalMart in India - that is a paradox.
- Where in the world has FDI in retail promoted equitable growth and benefitted farmers? In agriculture, it is not FDI that benefitted American farmers but federal support.
- There cannot be competition between giants and pygmies. Our retailers are pygmies. Therefore, you are promoting monpolistic growth.
- I am echoing Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi - this is anti-national.
M Thambidurai of the AIADMK opposes FDI in retail
The Congress knowing that this is not accepted by the Indian people is trying to implement this.
The BJP had it in the 2004 manifesto, look what happened to them...
Kapil Sibal is a good lawyer (He pronounced it as liar and Speaker asked what he meant). The Congress used to say that we want swadeshi but now they want videshi. They are boycotting swadeshi. Don't encourage WalMart to come and catch our market
Why is the DMK supporting FDI here and opposing it there? Is Tamil Nadu in Sri Lanka ?
The Congress knowing that this is not accepted by the Indian people is trying to implement this.
The BJP had it in the 2004 manifesto, look what happened to them...
Kapil Sibal is a good lawyer (He pronounced it as liar and Speaker asked what he meant). The Congress used to say that we want swadeshi but now they want videshi. They are boycotting swadeshi. Don't encourage WalMart to come and catch our market
Why is the DMK supporting FDI here and opposing it there? Is Tamil Nadu in Sri Lanka ?
Praful Patel on why NCP supports FDI
- Retail FDI will not hurt local markets...globalization doesn't kill industry
- Is the potato in McDonald's aloo tikki burger imported or is the bread imported?
- Despite the entrance of Coca Cola in India, local brand Thums Up is more popular.
- Because of KFC, and McDonald's, Indian food chains like Bikaner & Haldiram improved. Even shops in small villages improved.
- There should not be this fear-mongering - that there will be a take-over by East India Company, country will be sold out...
- Why do we doubt our capability?
- The largest exporter of cut roses in the world is in Bangalore, not Holland.
- We must acknowledge the losses in agricultural produce -- almost Rs 50,000 crores each year.
Anant Geete of the Shiv Sena:
Govt is taking away the rights of 20 lakh farmers and giving it to Wal-Mart. Poor farmers come to the market to sell vegetables. And now, govt is asking Wal Mart to sell those vegetables. Why? I am worried about Indian farmers. I am not worried about Wal-Mart and Carrefour. You can welcome them at India Gate but we will not let them enter through the Gateway of India.
BJD leader Bharatuhari Mahtab now speaking in Lok Sabha
News Update: Arun Jaitley on disruption in Rajya Sabha
The Government not serious about conducting business in Rajya Sabha. First few days wasted on the issue of whether or not to vote on FDI issue. But after that government members and those extending outside support are deliberating disrupting the house. I have a lurking suspension that Govt is unsure of numbers and is therefore taken this round about way not allow the Rajya Sabha to function. We have therefore asked leader of the House, the Prime Minister, to clarify.
The Government not serious about conducting business in Rajya Sabha. First few days wasted on the issue of whether or not to vote on FDI issue. But after that government members and those extending outside support are deliberating disrupting the house. I have a lurking suspension that Govt is unsure of numbers and is therefore taken this round about way not allow the Rajya Sabha to function. We have therefore asked leader of the House, the Prime Minister, to clarify.
Sharad Yadav, President of JDU: If we wanted govt to fall, we would have backed Trinamoo's no-confidence motion
- In the last winter session, Trinamool Congress helped us block FDI
- What Kapil Sibal said yesterday was nothing but the truth -- what he says is understood only in North and South Block and limited sections in Delhi... so he chose to speak in Hindi...
- The small traders in India add 12.4% to the GDP, do not survive on the government's money and achieve that through hard work...
- How will a man on a cycle or scooter go to Tesco? We have divided the country in two parts - one you are worried about, the share markets - the economy... the govt should bother about GDP but do not forget that there is a 5000-year-old market, civilization in India...
- Today the yardstick has become the GDP, or how the rupee is doing against the dollar; industrial growth is down...
- If we wanted to make the govt fall, we could have backed the Trinamool sponsored motion but we did not...
- You said we want to sit there... haan hai hamari iccha par aap ki iccha nahi hain kya.. aap kya khaat pe baithe hain... hum najyaz tarike se nahee baithna chahtey hain... ye Kalayan Banerjee sirf apna hi kalyan karna chahta tha...
- You have led a few to prosperity and for those you want WalMart in India. WalMart is not coming to serve the people of India...I am not against market forces but this is not the way...
- You said people with a car will go there - you give subsidy to those who travel in SUVs... diesel subsidy is not just for farmers...
- You can win this battle but we will win the war ultimately... roll back FDI or you will be rolled back
- You reminded us of our misdemeanors -- see what happened.. Sushma is sitting in opposition, Advani ji was Dy PM, he is on this side...
- Take FDI back... let us not have a vote... otherwise people of India will make you pay... remember what Mulayam Singh was telling you yesterday...
- Why are we bent on squandering our resources? Iron ore aapne mitti ke daam nahi, phokat mein bechn diya
- Why don't you think of the human resources in this country? Why are there curbs on Indians working in other countries...
- If the people vote for us, we will come there otherwise again we'll come back here... we've been here for many years.
- History will not forgive you if you remain adamant.
Back to Lok Sabha and the FDI debate there... Basudeb Acharia says
We want the government to seriously rethink about it. This policy is not in the interest of our country. I urge the government to reconsider. We will not let WalMart enter our country so easily, we will continue to oppose it.
We want the government to seriously rethink about it. This policy is not in the interest of our country. I urge the government to reconsider. We will not let WalMart enter our country so easily, we will continue to oppose it.
News Just In
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day
Samajwadi Party members rushed to the well of the house over quota in promotions. They did not let let Arun Jaitley wanted to raise the issue of suspension of IOA by the IOC.
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day
Samajwadi Party members rushed to the well of the house over quota in promotions. They did not let let Arun Jaitley wanted to raise the issue of suspension of IOA by the IOC.
News Update - FDI debate in Lok Sabha resumes
Basudeb Acharia of the CPM continuing from where he left off yesterday...
Basudeb Acharia of the CPM continuing from where he left off yesterday...
- We are not opposing for the sake of it. Our stand has been consistent. The Congress's stand hasn't. Priya Ranjan Das Munshi had in this house said FDI in retail was anti-national.
- Mr Sibal you said the farmers will be benefitted. The situation in the country today is that there is a wide variation between the farm price and consumer price. Your policies are responsible for it. International experience shows that with FDI neither farmers will get their du nor will consumers benefit. There will be monopolization.
- A report from ICAR says post-harvest losses not more that 1%... you are exaggerating the losses. Who is responsible is there are no cold storage facilities in this country? Will WalMart make cold storages in India, rural roads linking villages? They will not invest in infrastructure that benefits Indian farmers...
Anand Sharma says in Lok Sabha .. the centre backs the availability of land to construct an Ambedkar memorial in Maharashtra...
FDI debate in RS set for Thursday noon straight through to 7 pm without a lunch break.Voting Friday 2.30
- Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) December 5, 2012
News Update
Uproar in the Rajya Sabha: Hamid Ansari appealing to members to let proceedings go on during question hour... Mayawati demands question hour be suspended...
House is adjourned till noon
Uproar in the Rajya Sabha: Hamid Ansari appealing to members to let proceedings go on during question hour... Mayawati demands question hour be suspended...
House is adjourned till noon
Vote on FDI: How the numbers add upA day after it began discussing the contentious issue of Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in multi-brand retail, the Lok Sabha will continue debating the issue followed by a vote today. The UPA government, which has managed to convince all its partners, including the DMK, to stand by it in today's vote in Lok Sabha, has been kept guessing by the SP and BSP, which provide external support to it, on which way they will vote.
Ahead of the voting today, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav told NDTV: "We can't vote in favour of the proposal of FDI. Mulayam Singh clearly said yesterday in the House that the Samajwadi Party is not in favour of FDI. There are only two options to show our opposition: either abstain or vote against the government and we will decide after the government's reply in the House."
Battlelines drawn, FDI vote in Lok Sabha todayAfter a heated debate in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday on the government's decision to allow foreign direct investment or FDI in multi-brand retail, the major reform policy will be put to vote today.
Parliament debates FDI: Is the vote key to future reforms?How important is this vote to the future of reforms in India, and can the government pull it off, especially in the Upper House?
FDI debate: McDonald's refutes Sushma Swaraj's claims that it imports potatoes Taking on the sourcing policies of international food chains Ms Swaraj said, "Ask McDonald's about their fries. They never buy potatoes from local Indian farmers, saying the potatoes are too small here."
BJP Spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad to NDTV
How can we say Congress has managed numbers? Only DMK has been managed by the Congress, we can say, and maybe the 2G trial is a factor there.
We want the people of the country to know that voting was important because the govt contrary to assurances in Parliament went back, and therefore, we wanted to ensure there was a proper determination.
Top leaders took a stand in the house, let us see how they vote.
Except money bill, there is the same weight on a vote in both houses. It is not a constitutional-legal argument; it is about the political will of the people.
How can we say Congress has managed numbers? Only DMK has been managed by the Congress, we can say, and maybe the 2G trial is a factor there.
We want the people of the country to know that voting was important because the govt contrary to assurances in Parliament went back, and therefore, we wanted to ensure there was a proper determination.
Top leaders took a stand in the house, let us see how they vote.
Except money bill, there is the same weight on a vote in both houses. It is not a constitutional-legal argument; it is about the political will of the people.
FDI in retail debate in Parliament: 10-point cheat-sheet
The Lok Sabha is debating the government's decision to allow 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in multi-brand retail, a move that the BJP says will see big supermarket chains like Walmart "swallow small retailers" through predatory pricing. The government has said the opposition is exaggerating the evils of FDI in retail. While there was much sparring today, the government is confident it has the numbers for the vote tomorrow.
The Lok Sabha is debating the government's decision to allow 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in multi-brand retail, a move that the BJP says will see big supermarket chains like Walmart "swallow small retailers" through predatory pricing. The government has said the opposition is exaggerating the evils of FDI in retail. While there was much sparring today, the government is confident it has the numbers for the vote tomorrow.
NDTV's Sunil Prabhu reports PM held a strategy meeting with Kamal Nath and Rajiv Shukla took stock of the situation vis-a-vis the FDI vote in Parliament. The government is very closely monitoring the situation, especially in Rajya Sabha where the situation is very tight.
Sources in the Congress suggest the numbers as they stack up now are
For FDI -108 and against 110
Sources in the Congress suggest the numbers as they stack up now are
For FDI -108 and against 110
News Update
Discussion on FDI in multi-brand retail to continue in Lok Sabha tomorrow. At the end of the discussion, the house will vote on the BJP-sponsored motion.
Basudeb Acharia (Communist Party of India-Marxist): The government is giving dreams of employment (from FDI).. There is 0.8 percent growth in employment in the country and unemployment is rising, there is an economic slowdown... If Wal-Mart gives one employment, it will snatch 17 jobs.
Discussion on FDI in multi-brand retail to continue in Lok Sabha tomorrow. At the end of the discussion, the house will vote on the BJP-sponsored motion.
Basudeb Acharia (Communist Party of India-Marxist): The government is giving dreams of employment (from FDI).. There is 0.8 percent growth in employment in the country and unemployment is rising, there is an economic slowdown... If Wal-Mart gives one employment, it will snatch 17 jobs.
DMK's TKS Elangovan: Oppose FDI but support Govt
I am not telling this as an opponent, but telling this as your brother. I don't want to put you (government) for a whole-body scan as opposition, but it (FDI in retail) is definitely not in interest of the trading community. We were the first party to oppose FDI, but we don't want to oppose you. We have done many good things for the country together, something may not be in favour of the country. While registering our strong opposition to FDI in retail, we however support the government. We do not want to let the govt down and be (seen) with BJP
I am not telling this as an opponent, but telling this as your brother. I don't want to put you (government) for a whole-body scan as opposition, but it (FDI in retail) is definitely not in interest of the trading community. We were the first party to oppose FDI, but we don't want to oppose you. We have done many good things for the country together, something may not be in favour of the country. While registering our strong opposition to FDI in retail, we however support the government. We do not want to let the govt down and be (seen) with BJP
MPs want the debate to resume tomorrow, but Meria Kumar says that the final ten minutes have to be uitlised. Mr Basudeb Acharya is speaking. He may continue tomorrow.
MPs refuse to extend the sitting today till 6:30 PM. Speaker sought consent for extension because there are many people listed to speak.
Mulayam SIngh Yadav Speaks: Will SP vote with the govt?
We had opposed Coca-Cola and Pepsi
The potato production in this country has not gone up because of them but due to the Indian farmer
No matter what you say, FDI is not in the interests of India.
There are 5 crore small traders who are self-employed... 5 people to a family and 20-25 crore people will be unemployed if FDI in retail is introduced.
We are helping you. If you are making mistake, we must tell you that.
I tell you, take back the FDI... if it was beneficial, why is there opposition to it in America? There are no big stores in New York today.
Small traders will not be able to compete with the big retailers. This will lead to unemployment.
If FDI is beneficial, why is it implemented in only 53 cities? Why not the whole country?
We are small parties... you say they are with someone, they say you are with others - this is kushti between the main parties
We know we cannot win 273 seats - so either you'll be in power (Congress) or you'll be in power(BJP)
When Gandhi ji set fire to foreign cloth, he said this was to benefit Indian weavers
I request Sonia ji - there is Gandhi in your name... remember what he said... You are forgetting Swadeshi and getting in Videshi
You will not get any benefits politically from this - that will only lead to the Opposition being voted in
If Gandhi, Lohia or JP were alive today, no one would have dared to bring in FDI
We had opposed Coca-Cola and Pepsi
The potato production in this country has not gone up because of them but due to the Indian farmer
No matter what you say, FDI is not in the interests of India.
There are 5 crore small traders who are self-employed... 5 people to a family and 20-25 crore people will be unemployed if FDI in retail is introduced.
We are helping you. If you are making mistake, we must tell you that.
I tell you, take back the FDI... if it was beneficial, why is there opposition to it in America? There are no big stores in New York today.
Small traders will not be able to compete with the big retailers. This will lead to unemployment.
If FDI is beneficial, why is it implemented in only 53 cities? Why not the whole country?
We are small parties... you say they are with someone, they say you are with others - this is kushti between the main parties
We know we cannot win 273 seats - so either you'll be in power (Congress) or you'll be in power(BJP)
When Gandhi ji set fire to foreign cloth, he said this was to benefit Indian weavers
I request Sonia ji - there is Gandhi in your name... remember what he said... You are forgetting Swadeshi and getting in Videshi
You will not get any benefits politically from this - that will only lead to the Opposition being voted in
If Gandhi, Lohia or JP were alive today, no one would have dared to bring in FDI
Sibal's closing comments
We make our policies looking at our young. Our policies are not governed by whether we sit on this side or that side... When you look at us, you look at these seats and when you would come on this side. When we look at you, we look beyond you, at the people of this country.
We make our policies looking at our young. Our policies are not governed by whether we sit on this side or that side... When you look at us, you look at these seats and when you would come on this side. When we look at you, we look beyond you, at the people of this country.
Sibal on Opposition double-speak
Look at our pharma sector and our automobile sector - there was so much Opposition... but look at those sectors today.
The country does not know your neeti (policy) but knows your neeyat (intention)
India has not undertaken any commitment under GATT - very sad that being Sushma Swaraj being leader of the Opposition does not have the full details...
FDI is a pre-establishment instrument - not covered under bilateral agreements
When Sushmaji speaks, she speaks so well that she thinks whatever she says is right
Look at the economy if this country -- in next eight years urban population will grow by 125 million. We need to give the youth jobs, manufacturing needs to be encouraged. last year, 71% FDI in manufacturing sector... people are coming from China to India where efficiency has grown 17% and there has been no rise in wages.
(Cites the example of Chandni Chowk, his own constituency, where people cannot go to WalMart & why...) So who will buy from WalMart - the 30 Crore who constitute India's middle , upper middle class - people who drive around in cars.
And Sushmaji I don't know why you are opposing? You come from a multi-brand party... there is good competition between brands and Sushmaji competition is good for you...
If IKEA makes furniture in India, will they import the wood... 90% of products sold in global chains are sourced locally.
Look at our pharma sector and our automobile sector - there was so much Opposition... but look at those sectors today.
The country does not know your neeti (policy) but knows your neeyat (intention)
India has not undertaken any commitment under GATT - very sad that being Sushma Swaraj being leader of the Opposition does not have the full details...
FDI is a pre-establishment instrument - not covered under bilateral agreements
When Sushmaji speaks, she speaks so well that she thinks whatever she says is right
Look at the economy if this country -- in next eight years urban population will grow by 125 million. We need to give the youth jobs, manufacturing needs to be encouraged. last year, 71% FDI in manufacturing sector... people are coming from China to India where efficiency has grown 17% and there has been no rise in wages.
(Cites the example of Chandni Chowk, his own constituency, where people cannot go to WalMart & why...) So who will buy from WalMart - the 30 Crore who constitute India's middle , upper middle class - people who drive around in cars.
And Sushmaji I don't know why you are opposing? You come from a multi-brand party... there is good competition between brands and Sushmaji competition is good for you...
If IKEA makes furniture in India, will they import the wood... 90% of products sold in global chains are sourced locally.
Sibal trains his sights on the Left
These people who oppose us have hired Ernst & Young to attract FDI.
They say something and do something else.
Let me now turn to the Left who have been opposing this most vociferously - Yechuryji was sharing the stage the other day with Sushmaji and Arunji. (Cites from a 2004 statement of Mr Yechury)
These people who oppose us have hired Ernst & Young to attract FDI.
They say something and do something else.
Let me now turn to the Left who have been opposing this most vociferously - Yechuryji was sharing the stage the other day with Sushmaji and Arunji. (Cites from a 2004 statement of Mr Yechury)
Sibal questions BJP on their varying stands on FDI in retail
In 2004, the BJP said in its vision document supported FDI in retail. Mr Jaswant Singh said on April 12, 2004 - it is part of our agenda and we are committed to it. Many said KFC will drive the dhabas out of the market. Dhabas have driven out KFC. Don't underestimate Indian brands...
Now that you are not in power you have changed your stance. (Sibal also cites from BJP's 2009 manifesto - which said Foreign investment in unincorporated sector in retail trade) How will that foreign investment come in? Please tell us...
In West Bengal, Pepsico buys 60,000 metric tonnes of potatoes from farmers - they have agreements with 10,000 farmers and area under cultivation is 7000 acres . So you are in West Bengal doing what you oppose here.
(In response to Sushma Swaraj's defence of the arath system) It is a shame that she supported money lenders...
80 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables each year go to waste due to lack of storage facilities.
Farmers get only 15-17% of the value of produce. The Opposition needs to decide whether they are with the farmers or the middlemen. Farmers will get paid more, get their money on time, get technology, has an assured market....
In 2004, the BJP said in its vision document supported FDI in retail. Mr Jaswant Singh said on April 12, 2004 - it is part of our agenda and we are committed to it. Many said KFC will drive the dhabas out of the market. Dhabas have driven out KFC. Don't underestimate Indian brands...
Now that you are not in power you have changed your stance. (Sibal also cites from BJP's 2009 manifesto - which said Foreign investment in unincorporated sector in retail trade) How will that foreign investment come in? Please tell us...
In West Bengal, Pepsico buys 60,000 metric tonnes of potatoes from farmers - they have agreements with 10,000 farmers and area under cultivation is 7000 acres . So you are in West Bengal doing what you oppose here.
(In response to Sushma Swaraj's defence of the arath system) It is a shame that she supported money lenders...
80 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables each year go to waste due to lack of storage facilities.
Farmers get only 15-17% of the value of produce. The Opposition needs to decide whether they are with the farmers or the middlemen. Farmers will get paid more, get their money on time, get technology, has an assured market....
Kapil Sibal: I don't think this dicussion was necessay. It is merely from a political standpoint
The government decided that FDI will be allowed in cities with a population of more than 10 lakhs - there are only 53 cities that meet this criteria.
Then we were told by certain, especially Opposition ruled states, who did not want FDI in retail in those states. If you exclude these, only 18 cities remain...
So if FDI is implemented in 18 cities, it is an exaggeration to say the country will be sold, WalMart will occupy the country and so on...
I do not understand the point of this discussion.... If states don't want to implement FDI in retail, let them not.
But how can the Opposition stop CMs who want to implement FDI in retail. How is that constitutional?
Yeh kaunsi rajneeti hai? Hum toh doobenge sanam, tumko bhi le doobenge...
Who ever wants to enter the retail sector through FDI will have to invest 100 million dollars - and half of that in back-end infrastructure...and that will have to be done in three years
Source of 30% of goods sold shall be from medium and small scale enterprises - that is the policy.
Saugata Roy's tet-e-tet Salman Khurshid
Saugata Roy, in the course of his speech, waves the Time magazine, the cover of which refers to Manmohan Singh as an underachiever.
"I come from Bengal, where Siraj-ud-daulah lost the Battle of Plassey. Quoting Tagore, I can say, 'they came as traders and became kings'. Does America want to do that too?" he quipped
When law minister Salman Khurshid protested to Roy bringing up Hillary Clinton and her 'arrangements' with Walmart, Mr Roy said "Mr Khurshid is a sensitive man. Positively sensitive about Hillary Clinton and negatively sensitive about Arvind Kejriwal."
Closes with - "The argument of FDI is a discourse of colonialism. Just for tickling middle class families who can say that 'I go to WalMart' , do not finish the small kirana shops which have stood the test of time"
Saugata Roy, in the course of his speech, waves the Time magazine, the cover of which refers to Manmohan Singh as an underachiever.
"I come from Bengal, where Siraj-ud-daulah lost the Battle of Plassey. Quoting Tagore, I can say, 'they came as traders and became kings'. Does America want to do that too?" he quipped
When law minister Salman Khurshid protested to Roy bringing up Hillary Clinton and her 'arrangements' with Walmart, Mr Roy said "Mr Khurshid is a sensitive man. Positively sensitive about Hillary Clinton and negatively sensitive about Arvind Kejriwal."
Closes with - "The argument of FDI is a discourse of colonialism. Just for tickling middle class families who can say that 'I go to WalMart' , do not finish the small kirana shops which have stood the test of time"
NDTV's Sunetra Choudhury reports that unlike the Opposition benches, there were many empty spots on the treasury benches. Many Ministers of State and Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi missing for the start of the debate.
Trinamool's Saugata Ray supports Sushma Swaraj's motion
It is very difficult to make a speech after Sushma ji's flowery Hindi but I'll still make an attempt.
For us FDI is a matter of faith
When we moved the no-confidence motion against the government on this issue, no one stood with us...
It is very difficult to make a speech after Sushma ji's flowery Hindi but I'll still make an attempt.
For us FDI is a matter of faith
When we moved the no-confidence motion against the government on this issue, no one stood with us...
Sushma's closing repartee
If the govt does not take the decision back, then I appeal to my colleagues here, vote with us and defeat FDI. The government will not fall if they lose the vote.
Aap ko harakar jeet darj nahi karna chate hain, mankar jeey darj karana chate hain
We want to convince you so that you reconsider. We are not against FDI per se... but not in retailIf the govt does not take the decision back, then I appeal to my colleagues here, vote with us and defeat FDI. The government will not fall if they lose the vote.
Sushma's dig at Sonia, PM
(Cites Priya Ranjan Das Munshi's calling attention motion when the NDA was in power and how the Congress was then opposed to FDI) I ask the PM. Your Chief whip called it anti-national. So how have the circumstances changed now? Why has your view point changed?
(Cites AP report on WalMart investigating corrupt practices... and how the India CFO Pankaj Madan has been suspended...) I fear is this decision borne out of corruption? I ask my government why are we caving in?
Sonia ji had said in a recent rally that has India seen any government which had done so much development has so short a time span... I did not understand who she was comparing herself too... We have been in power for six years. The Congress has been in power for 50 and of those over 30 years have been led by the Nehru-Gandhi family ..
Yeh sarkar vikaas ki seedhi nahi, vinaash ka gaddha hai...
PM makes bold statements - if we must go down, we will go down fighting. You must go down fighting Mr PM but fight for the poor not the rich, for the country not MNCs... Fight for your own and we will stand with you.
(Cites Priya Ranjan Das Munshi's calling attention motion when the NDA was in power and how the Congress was then opposed to FDI) I ask the PM. Your Chief whip called it anti-national. So how have the circumstances changed now? Why has your view point changed?
(Cites AP report on WalMart investigating corrupt practices... and how the India CFO Pankaj Madan has been suspended...) I fear is this decision borne out of corruption? I ask my government why are we caving in?
Sonia ji had said in a recent rally that has India seen any government which had done so much development has so short a time span... I did not understand who she was comparing herself too... We have been in power for six years. The Congress has been in power for 50 and of those over 30 years have been led by the Nehru-Gandhi family ..
Yeh sarkar vikaas ki seedhi nahi, vinaash ka gaddha hai...
PM makes bold statements - if we must go down, we will go down fighting. You must go down fighting Mr PM but fight for the poor not the rich, for the country not MNCs... Fight for your own and we will stand with you.
Sushma cites instances on how WalMart has hit pop-&-mom shops
In America, President Obama encourages a movement called "small business Saturday". A CBS news report says 89 million consumers plan to shop small in an effort to promote independent retailers on main street.
In America, President Obama encourages a movement called "small business Saturday". A CBS news report says 89 million consumers plan to shop small in an effort to promote independent retailers on main street.
Sushma Swaraj on why FDI will not lead to employment as claimed
The government's third claim is that FDI will provide employment. The Commerce Minister says 40 lakh people will be directly employed... WalMart has 21 lakh employees world wide... their largest store has 214 employees. At this rate they have to open 18,000 stores in India... Fore Tesco or Carrefour it is lesser... so there are 36,000 stores that need to be opened in 53 cities - that is 600 stores per city...
30% has to be sourced locally... will that not hit local trade... can any company run on 30% capacity. From what they import, 90% will be from China. Factories will open in China and your industry will be finished.
Under GATT and WTO guidelines, this is not implantable...We have reciprocal arrangements with 82 countries... so how can we procure even 30% locally.
The government's third claim is that FDI will provide employment. The Commerce Minister says 40 lakh people will be directly employed... WalMart has 21 lakh employees world wide... their largest store has 214 employees. At this rate they have to open 18,000 stores in India... Fore Tesco or Carrefour it is lesser... so there are 36,000 stores that need to be opened in 53 cities - that is 600 stores per city...
30% has to be sourced locally... will that not hit local trade... can any company run on 30% capacity. From what they import, 90% will be from China. Factories will open in China and your industry will be finished.
Under GATT and WTO guidelines, this is not implantable...We have reciprocal arrangements with 82 countries... so how can we procure even 30% locally.
Speaker: This is a discussion on a very serious matter... please sit down...The leader of the opposition is speaking .. please listen to her...
Sushil Kumar Shinde responds to a BJP member saying he challenged the speaker
Sushil Kumar Shinde responds to a BJP member saying he challenged the speaker
Sushma Swaraj on why FDI will no benefit farmers
Cites instances of how potato farmers are forced to throw their potatoes away while McDonald's imports the potatoes it uses.
They say this will end the middle-man system. There are instances where there are no middlemen in India. For example, in the sugar sector, the sugar can farmers are contracted by sugar mills to sell their produce directly to the mills.
There may be many faults in our rural market (aarat) system that need fixing. But there is a bond of trust between the farmer and the traders in the market and that cannot be denied.
(More disruptions as the speaker appeals for calm...) Someone who knows the rural system knows that the trader is the farmer's traditional ATM... bank ATMs have made an appearance recently...
The traders lend money on trust to farmers...
When FDI comes in, who will buy from the farmers directly? There will be new middlemen. Do you want foreign middlemen? To say that middlemen will no longer exist is totally wrong.
(More disruptions -- speaker standing, appealing for calm)
Cites instances of how potato farmers are forced to throw their potatoes away while McDonald's imports the potatoes it uses.
They say this will end the middle-man system. There are instances where there are no middlemen in India. For example, in the sugar sector, the sugar can farmers are contracted by sugar mills to sell their produce directly to the mills.
There may be many faults in our rural market (aarat) system that need fixing. But there is a bond of trust between the farmer and the traders in the market and that cannot be denied.
(More disruptions as the speaker appeals for calm...) Someone who knows the rural system knows that the trader is the farmer's traditional ATM... bank ATMs have made an appearance recently...
The traders lend money on trust to farmers...
When FDI comes in, who will buy from the farmers directly? There will be new middlemen. Do you want foreign middlemen? To say that middlemen will no longer exist is totally wrong.
(More disruptions -- speaker standing, appealing for calm)
Sushma Swaraj Speaks in Debate on FDI
I thank the PM that the government bowed to popular demand.
There were two aspects to the assurances in Parliament - consensus and consultation.
But far from any effort at consensus, there was no effort at consultation.
We are the main opposition party, we were not taken into confidence.
I was shocked and called Advaniji. I asked him whether in all his years in Parliament he had seen such a violation of assurances made on the floor of the house.Advani ji said this was a case of violation of privileges.
The govt claims the policy of FDI is in the interests of the consumers - people will get better prices and better quality. A spread out market gives the consumer choice - a consumer has no choice when it comes to a small market.
We women know this since we go out shopping.
The retailers who will now come in resort to predatory pricing - first wipe out the competition at low rates and then when the consumer has no choice sell at high prices.
The other argument is it will benefit farmers - they never reduce profits. Look at the international experience. They pay farmers less, employees less. I have a declaration from the EU Parliament here -" large supermarkets are abusing their buying power."
In our country a successful cooperative like Amul has opposed to FDI - their president has said the so called benefits accrue to large retailers who drive down the prices.
We had asked when you use stakeholder's what does that mean. Leader of the house had said it means the chief ministers of states and other constituents in the states and political parties.
Quotes from Pranab Mukherjee's statement in the house whilst suspending the decision on FDI
I thank the PM that the government bowed to popular demand.
There were two aspects to the assurances in Parliament - consensus and consultation.
But far from any effort at consensus, there was no effort at consultation.
We are the main opposition party, we were not taken into confidence.
I was shocked and called Advaniji. I asked him whether in all his years in Parliament he had seen such a violation of assurances made on the floor of the house.Advani ji said this was a case of violation of privileges.
The govt claims the policy of FDI is in the interests of the consumers - people will get better prices and better quality. A spread out market gives the consumer choice - a consumer has no choice when it comes to a small market.
We women know this since we go out shopping.
The retailers who will now come in resort to predatory pricing - first wipe out the competition at low rates and then when the consumer has no choice sell at high prices.
The other argument is it will benefit farmers - they never reduce profits. Look at the international experience. They pay farmers less, employees less. I have a declaration from the EU Parliament here -" large supermarkets are abusing their buying power."
In our country a successful cooperative like Amul has opposed to FDI - their president has said the so called benefits accrue to large retailers who drive down the prices.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj moves the motion on FDI in multi-brand retail
Speaker Meira Kumar rejects opposition demand for separate debate on FEMA
Speaker Meira Kumar: I have considered Yashwant Sinha's letter on FEMA. I am bound to fix the date for any amendment if the the MP opposes so...will take up motion separately.
Sushilkumar Shinde says no rules have been violated and FEMA can be discussed along with FDI.
Yashwant Sinha says, "We're not running away from vote, we asked for it.
CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta adds, "No one is running away...we will fight you anywhere"
Kamal Nath says BJP, Left are running away from a vote on FDI.
Yashwant Sinha demands that amendments to FEMA be placed on the floor of the house for 30 days. Also, that these cannot be dealt with today in conjunction with the debate on FDI under Rule 184.
News Update
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day- Uproar over quota issue...
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day- Uproar over quota issue...
Speakers from the Congress in the FDI debate
- Kapil Sibal, Minister for Communications and IT & MP from Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Deepender Singh Hooda, MP from Rohtak, Haryana
- PS Bajwa, MP from Gurdaspur, Punjab
- Sandeep Dikshit, Congress Spokesperson and MP from East Delhi
News Update
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm... Samajwadi Party protests - slogans of promotion mein aarakshan nahee chalega
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm... Samajwadi Party protests - slogans of promotion mein aarakshan nahee chalega
FDI vote: Nine Telangana MPs boycott meeting with Kamal Nath Nine MPs from the Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh, including Jaipal Reddy, today decided to boycott a meeting with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath ahead of the voting in Parliament on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail issue.
News Update
Rajya Sabha adjourned till Noon over the release of a jailed muslim youth
Rajya Sabha adjourned till Noon over the release of a jailed muslim youth
The BJD's opposition (14 MPs in Lok Sabha) to FDI takes the number of those voting against the government to 219. The government still has 261 MPs voting on its side.
Jay Panda: The BJD issued 3-line whip to MPs to vote against the government on FDI
BJP Spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad
In Lok Sabha the debate will be initiated by Sushma Swaraj and our senior leader MM Joshi will intervene. In Rajya Sabha the debate will be initiated by Arun Jaitley and Mr Venkaiah Naidu will intervene.
In today's parliamentary party meeting, we also discussed the amendments to FEMA. The BJP demands that it be placed in both houses for 30 days and adequately debated...we strongly oppose the government's moves to push this bill through in the Lok Sabha without proper deliberations.
In Lok Sabha the debate will be initiated by Sushma Swaraj and our senior leader MM Joshi will intervene. In Rajya Sabha the debate will be initiated by Arun Jaitley and Mr Venkaiah Naidu will intervene.
In today's parliamentary party meeting, we also discussed the amendments to FEMA. The BJP demands that it be placed in both houses for 30 days and adequately debated...we strongly oppose the government's moves to push this bill through in the Lok Sabha without proper deliberations.
News Update
Proceedings in Lok Sabha underway... Speaker Meira Kumar in the chair as question hour goes on...
Proceedings in Lok Sabha underway... Speaker Meira Kumar in the chair as question hour goes on...
