PROTEST AGAINST FDI IN RETAIL: Recite flute in front of buffaloes

New Delhi, November 5, 2012: To lodge their loud protest against FDI in Retail, the traders today held a unique protest at Jantar Mantar at New Delhi by "reciting the flute in front of buffaloes " depicting in reality the old dictum " Bhains Ke Aagey Been Bajana" giving a clear message that the Union Government has become deaf and dumb as it has ignored large protest voices by political parties and the stakeholders and perhaps the recitation of flute may prevail saner counsel on the government.

The protest was held under the banner of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) which was participated by not only the traders but even people from farmers, hawkers, small industry, labourers, consumers and co-operative sector also joined the protest.

Most vocal politician on this issue Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and several other leaders of different political parties also joined the protest. Challenging the government and the industry bodies, which are supporting FDI in Retail to join CAIT for an open debate on any public platform.

CAIT national organising general secretary Satish Garg, Naresh Sirohi, General Secretary , Bhartiya Kisan Morcha, CAIT National Secretary Ramesh Kanna, CAIT Delhi State General Secretary Vijay Pal and Pradeep Sharma of Khudra FDI Virodhi Rashtriya Morcha were prominent amongst the protesters.

Amid chanting of slogans like " amrica aur bade corporate gharano ka dawab-hamara aandolan dega sahi jawab", " Videshi compania aayengi-barbadi dahej main layengi""Videshi Dhan nahin Videsho main Jama Bhartiya Kala Dhan chahiye" the protestors virtually recite flute in front of two small buffelows who were decorated with protest banners and garlands.

Amongst the beaming protestors Dr. Joshi also recite the flute to its tune. The spirit of the protestors amply reflected their strong sentiments against FDI in Retail.

Taking a dig on the rally hold by the Congress and substituted by the government at New Delhi today CAIT National Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal advised the government that instead of holding artificial support in shape of rally, the government should prepare itself to face the Parliament on FDI in retail, which it was avoiding till now but the self created "chakravyoh" of the government has led itself in a situation where it has to take this issue in the Parliament on its own in forthcoming session of the Parliament.

Under Section 48 of the FEMA Act, the government is bound to take any amendment in rules and regulations to both the houses of Parliament for discussion.

Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi while addressing the protestors condemn the autocratic attitude of the government on FDI in retail and said that ignoring the majority of protest voices inside and outside the Parliament by the government is a blow on the democratic set up of the Country. Though under the law, the government is certainly not bound to take nod of the Parliament in this case but it is the onus to keep alive the democratic spirit of the constitution.

Adding, he said that opposition of a policy which will have vital impact on the livelihood of crores and crores of people in the country by nearly all political parties is a healthy sign for the democracy and he appreciated the efforts by all parties to make it a common cause for the larger interest of the country.