In its bid to outdo the Left in opposing FDI in multibrand retail, the ruling Trinamool Congress has put together a strategy that may just end up putting the Mamata Banerjee government in a spot.
Industries minister Partha Chatterjee is all set to table in the assembly a resolution similar to the one he had introduced as leader of opposition in 2007 opposing entry of both domestic capital and FDI in the retail sector. The Left and the Congress had then ganged up to defeat the resolution by 46 votes. Chatterjee, who is also the parliamentary affairs minister, believes a similar joining of hands this time would corner the Congress and expose the Left.
What the Trinamool leaders have not bargained for is that if passed, as it is likely to be with the party now in majority, the resolution would mount pressure on the government to cancel licences under the Shops and Establishment Act as also KMC trade licences to retail outlets like Reliance Fresh, Big Bazaar, Pantaloons, Spencer’s, More as well as German retail giant Metro Cash & Carry engaged in wholesale business, all of which do roaring business in the city.
Besides, it would become imperative for the state agriculture marketing department to review the sourcing of potatoes by Pepsico that has a contract with farmers.
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