Raj Thackeray backs FDI in Retail

Maharashtra Navanirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray announced in Mumbai that his party fully backs FDI in retail trade and will welcome all foreign companies that wish to set up retail facilities in the state.
However, Thackeray insisted that states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar that have opposed FDI in retail should not depend on employment generated in Maharashtra through FDI.
Speaking to newspersons at his residence, Thackeray said he welcomes the string of reforms that the UPA government has announced recently.
“I discussed the details of the reforms with many senior economists and have come to the conclusion that FDI in retail is going to be very good for farmers and consumers of this country. Only vested-interest groups are opposing these reforms, because they will miss the profits they are currently making,” he said.
Hitting out at states that have decided to oppose FDI in retail, the MNS chief said, “Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal have openly announced their opposition to FDI. How will they manage to keep pace with the changing dynamics?”
“Maharashtra will generate huge employment because of FDI and I fear that we will again face a big inflow of migrants from states which are opposing FDI. This won’t be tolerated. I will send letters to all companies that want to set up facilities in Maharashtra telling them that I will back them, but they have to employ only locals and not migrants,” Thackeray added. Speaking about the recent diesel price increase, Thackeray said, “The Centre is still facing a deficit of  Rs.13.60 on every litre of diesel sold in the country. I can understand that they can not go on like this. So, I don’t mind if they have decided to raise the price. But they should have done it gradually, not suddenly.” Reiterating that his party will not take part in the NDA-promoted Bharat bandh, Thackeray said, “The way all NDA leaders decided the date for this protest shows their tendency to take Maharashtra for granted. How could they announce a date that’s right in the middle of Ganesh festival? Would they have announced a bandh in the middle of Navratri or Durga Puja? We will not accept a bandh in the middle of the Ganesh festival.”