FDI in retail is anti-farmer and anti-small retailers, says UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav

LUCKNOW: Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has reiterated his opposition to FDI in retail sector. Speaking to the media on completion of his government's six months in office, he said "we are not in favour of FDI in retail sector and that has been our stated position for a long time now. Even if FDI in retail sector is allowed we will not let it be implemented in Uttar Pradesh. Our party has made this stand very clear".

On whether the Samajwadi Party will reconsider its support to the UPA over the issue of FDI being implemented in the retail sector Akhilesh Yadav said "Netaji ( Mulayam Singh Yadav) will decide on this. Our national leadership will take a call on that. Our support to the UPA is to keep communal forces at bay".

He said that the UPA should bring FDI in power and roads which are pressing needs of the nation not in retail. "What will happen to farmers, milk producers and small retailers once FDI in retail comes through" he asked.