MDMK's Vaiko slams Centre opting for ordinance route on insurance

CHENNAI: Describing Centre's opting of the ordinance route to increase FDI cap in insurance sector 'anti-democratic', MDMK today said it confirmed that the Narendra Modi government was 'pro-foreign firms' coinciding with US President Barack Obama's Indian visit next month.

Party founder Vaiko squarely blamed the government and right wing Hindu groups for the logjam in Rajya Sabha, where the bill could not be passed.

"The bill could not be passed in Rajya Sabha due to lack of adequate majority for the ruling party and the winter session was stalled due to the controversial remarks of Ministers and the conversion issue," he said in a statement.

Subsequently the government opted for the ordinance route, with the cabinet okaying the increase in FDI cap besides repromulgation of coal ordinance, he said.

"This is an anti-democratic activity by the BJP. If there is no majority in Rajya sabha, shouldn't the bill be placed before a joint sitting of the two Houses as announced by Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley)? Can we forget that the BJP had stalled Parliament opposing UPA's bills on FDI in retail sector and increasing the cap in insurance," he said.

The Modi government's approach in its six months in office seemed to betray a 'callous regard' for Parliamentary democracy, he said.

"By issuing ordinances coinciding with the visit of President Obama, the government has confirmed it is pro-foreign corporates," he said.

Condemning the move, he urged President Pranab Mukherjee not to grant approval to the ordinances.