Lalu supports FDI, says Advani also used a Toyota for his rath yatra

NEW DELHI: Pitching his support for FDI in multi-brand retail, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday accused BJP of double standards on the issue. "BJP is opposing FDI in retail wearing coloured-glasses with an eye on 2014 general elections," he stormed.

Stating that BJP supported FDI in retail in its manifesto in 2002, Lalu hit out at Advani saying, "You used a Toyota for your rath yatra and that is foreign technology. BJP is against progress."

Lalu argued in favour of retail FDI saying that if it is allowed, then all farmers will engage in agricultural activities and labourers will be assured jobs. "I support FDI in multi-retail 100%," he added.

He even went on to say that RJD would immediately 'destroy' all retail stores, if they start harming the people of the country.

Earlier in the day, Praful Patel said that with the opening of outlets by KFC and McDonald's has led to improvements in Indian chains like Bikanerwala & Haldiram.

He also said that owing to competition, shops in small villages have also seen an improvement. In an attempt to press his point that FDI will not harm local products Patel cited the example of Thums Up being more popular than Coca Cola.

"Trade is a two way relationship, when big investors from India profit in other countries the same will be expected of India," he said.