‘Secular’ Maya may save day for Congress
4 Dec 2012 6:29 AM IST
With the Opposition all girded up to put the UPA government on the mat on the foreign direct investment (FDI) on multi-brand retail issue in Parliament on Tuesday, the Congress almost got a shot in the arm with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati promising to keep the ‘communal forces at bay’.
While addressing the media in the capital, BSP supremo Mayawati said, ‘If there is a voting on FDI in Parliament we will keep these things and the country in mind. The only plus point of the FDI policy introduced by the government is that if a state does not want to implement it, then it will not be forcefully imposed on that state. Our party has taken serious note of this.’
The BSP leader went on to say: ‘Our party is also seriously thinking whether it should be standing with those parties that encourage communal forces.’ With this statement Mayawati steered clear of having any truck with the Bharatiya Janata Party which has been vehemently opposing FDI.
‘Due to lack of resources, development cannot take place. So, developing nations have to take loans or depend on FDI. But there is a limit to the amount of loan a country can take. FDI then is the only other option. Many countries have taken the help of FDI to improve their economy,’ she added.
On the other hand, the government too is leaving no stone unturned to woo Mayawati to their side, by claiming their commitment to a Constitution Amendment Bill providing for promotions for SC/STs in government jobs. ‘The government is committed to the Constitution Amendment Bill,’ said parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath. With BSP and SP on their side, the government is expected to sail through voting on 5 December, after the discussion on FDI is held on Tuesday.
While addressing the media in the capital, BSP supremo Mayawati said, ‘If there is a voting on FDI in Parliament we will keep these things and the country in mind. The only plus point of the FDI policy introduced by the government is that if a state does not want to implement it, then it will not be forcefully imposed on that state. Our party has taken serious note of this.’
The BSP leader went on to say: ‘Our party is also seriously thinking whether it should be standing with those parties that encourage communal forces.’ With this statement Mayawati steered clear of having any truck with the Bharatiya Janata Party which has been vehemently opposing FDI.
‘Due to lack of resources, development cannot take place. So, developing nations have to take loans or depend on FDI. But there is a limit to the amount of loan a country can take. FDI then is the only other option. Many countries have taken the help of FDI to improve their economy,’ she added.
On the other hand, the government too is leaving no stone unturned to woo Mayawati to their side, by claiming their commitment to a Constitution Amendment Bill providing for promotions for SC/STs in government jobs. ‘The government is committed to the Constitution Amendment Bill,’ said parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath. With BSP and SP on their side, the government is expected to sail through voting on 5 December, after the discussion on FDI is held on Tuesday.
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