The Arvind Kejriwal Government’s decision to do away with foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail in Delhi, has drawn flak as it was alleged that has been done in great haste without applying the mind.
The resolution was passed by erstwhile Sheila Dikshit Government in Delhi Assembly in 2012 to implement FDI in retail sector and was duly notified. Hence, FDI simply cannot be dismissed by an executive order when the same was passed by the Assembly and passed by majority votes.
The Congress, which is extending outside support to the AAP Government, on Tuesday, questioned how Kejriwal dispensation could oppose FDI in retail as the policy decision of the erstwhile Government had the approval of the Delhi Assembly and was notified through a gazette
notification. Congress leader Haroon Yusuf termed Kejriwal’s decision against FDI in retail through a mere letter as ‘illegal’. The Government runs according to business of rules, he said.
Expressing surprise at the “arbitrary” decision of the AAP Government to disallow FDI in multi-brand retailing, Yusuf said that the decision to withdraw consent of FDI seems to be in a poor state and the decision was taken in great haste. “I don’t think there is legal backing for what (Delhi) Government has done. We will call for a discussion on the matter in the Delhi Assembly. Only Delhi Assembly will have to pass a resolution with majority vote for withdrawal of FDI consent,” he said. The erstwhile Sheila Dikshit Government had called a special session of Delhi Assembly and passed it. The same was also approved by the Cabinet.
Congress leaders also met Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma on this issue on Tuesday. Yusuf is also writing a letter to Ministry of Commerce, complaining how Delhi Government could withdraw consent for FDI in Delhi without the approval of Delhi Assembly. Strangely, the issue of FDI was not mentioned in the list of 18-point agenda which was sent to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for formation of the AAP Government in Delhi.
Asked if the Congress would withdraw support to the minority AAP Government on the FDI issue, Yusuf said, “It is not the question of withdrawing support. But one thing is sure — that we will go and see the details and legality of the letter (written to the Commerce Ministry).” Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh lovely said that if the Government has to take some major decisions, there are certain procedures which need to be followed.