New Delhi:
BJP leader Uma Bharti lashed out at the government for their decision to allow 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Retail sector, saying she will personally set fire to any Walmart store that comes up in any mall.
"We are angry because the land was acquired from the poor and now this big company will also take away their employment. And today in Lucknow's market, I will burn the efigy of Walmart company in Meena bagh. If Walmart tries to open its mall anywhere I will burn it myself," said Ms Bharti.
Ms Bharti's outrageous remark came a day after the Cabinet cleared 51 per cent FDI in retail. But the Left, which is also opposing the FDI, hit back at Ms Bharti for her statement.
The Left's Gurudas Dasgupta said the BJP leader "must have gone senile."
With the Opposition and the allies opposing the FDI, the government defended its decision on Friday. Commerce Minister Anand Sharma says it will create four million jobs in India.
Mr Sharma also announced that global retail chains like Walmart and Carrefour will have to source at least 30 per cent of their requirements from small industries. Besides, they will be allowed only in cities with one million people.