Indian Opposition shuts parliament for 4th day over FDI spat
Deja vu. Indian protestors shout slogans as they burn an effigy symbolizing Walmart during a protest organised by traders in New Delhi, 09 August 2007. Dozens of protestors demanded that US retail giant Wal-Mart not be allowed into India. Indian telecom firm Bharti Enterprises and US-based retail giant Wal-Mart announced 06 August 2007, a 50:50 joint venture for a new chain of wholesale stores in India to serve small retail shops.
Opponents of the Indian government's decision to liberalize the rules governing foreign direct investment in retail forced a shutdown of the parliament for a fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, India's Hindu newspaper reports.
Opposition parties were joined by the Trinamool Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam — both key partners of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government.
The protesting legislators demanded a rollback of the controversial decision to allow foreign companies like Walmart and Tesco to own 51 percent stakes in multi-brand retail stores, and companies like Ikea and Reebok to open wholly owned, single-brand retail stores.
The opposition made clear that they will continue their stir until the government revokes the decision or submits to an adjournment motion — which will mandate a vote on the issue after an open debate.
The Winter Session has conducted virtually no business since it began last Tuesday, the paper said.
In addition to the FDI controversy, legislators are deeply divided over "several other issues, including price rise, corruption and black money, demand for a separate Telangana and safety of the Mullaperiyar dam," the Hindu said.