FDI in retail will make us a nation of salesboys and salesgirls: Arun Jaitley

NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley on Thursday hit out at the government for moving ahead with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail in a haste.

Citing ill effects of FDI in retail which can be seen in Thailand and England, Jaitley said that India will become a nation of 'salesboys and salesgirls'.

According to Jaitley, the biggest benefit of eliminating middlemen goes to retail chains rather than the producers of goods. Attempting to quash arguments of benefits of retail FDI in China, Jaitley said that China will not oppose retail chains like Walmart because they are selling things that are manufactured there itself.

Standing by BJP's demand for a debate on the issue, Jaitley said that Parliament is above the government and a voting on FDI in retail is a must. He rejected the government's stand that FDI in retail is 'set-in-stone'.

Accusing the government of running away from a debate on FDI, Jaitley reiterated that the Parliament's approval is a must. "Government is going back on its promise of building consensus," he added.

Earlier today, the Winter Session of Parliament got off on a stormy note with the first day getting washed out over FDI in retail even as an effort by Trinamool Congress to bring the no-confidence motion flopped due to lack of requisite numbers.

On a day when the Lok Sabha was adjourned twice before being adjourned for the day at 2 PM, the BJP pressed for a discussion on the FDI in retail issue under Rule 184 which entails voting.