Press Statement
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) which met in New Delhi on December 1, 2011 has issued the following statement:
The Polit Bureau reiterates its strong opposition to the introduction of FDI in multibrand retail trade announced by the Union Cabinet. Unable to counter the facts regarding the large-scale displacement of employment and livelihoods in the retail trade if foreign retail chains are allowed to operate in the country, the UPA government is now using the specious argument that it will benefit the farmers. Contrary to its claim, experience in other countries shows that once multinational retailers establish themselves and eliminate the intermediaries, they are able to dictate terms to the producers. The farmers would become captive to the prices determined by the giant retailers.
The Polit Bureau congratulates the lakhs of shopkeepers and traders who conducted a hartal on December 1 against the introduction of FDI in retail trade.
The struggle against FDI in retail trade must be continued with vigour. The Polit Bureau calls upon all its Party units to intensify the campaign against FDI in retail and mobilise the people to organize protest actions.