BJP slams PM's remarks on FDI in retail

CHENNAI: BJP today criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks that those who oppose FDI in retail are "ignorant", saying it is not the Opposition which is ignorant, but the UPA government and Congress party.

Addressing a press conference here, senior BJP Leader M Venkaiah Naidu said the Congress-led government in Kerala opposed FDI and the NCP, which is a partner of UPA coalition, said it will take a decision on implementing FDI in Maharashtra after consultation.

The DMK, an ally of the UPA, had supported the Bharath bandh against FDI and described it as "Foreign Direct Invasion", he said.

While the Samajwadi Party described FDI in retail as "an invitation to another East India Company" and would not implement in Uttar Pradesh, another UPA outside ally, BSP not only demanded suspension of FDI but also "complete rollback".

"Do you mean to say that your government in Kerala, your allies and supporting parties are ignorant, Mr Prime Minister? Who are ignorant and who will be ignored by the people will be known when people get an opportunity," Naidu said.

Addressing the annual general meeting of FICCI yesterday, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hit out at opponents, saying they were "ignorant" about global realities or were constrained by "outdated ideologies".