JD(U) launches agitation against corporatisation of retail, SEZ

New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) Janata Dal(United) today launched agitation against the Special Economic Zone policy of the UPA government and entry of MNCs and big corporate house in the retail sector which affected the habitat and livelihood of common people of the country.

JD(U) President Sharad Yadav told reporters here that entry of big corporate houses and MNCs into retail sector had affected the livelihood of lakhs of small traders and vendors and his party would launch a nationwide agitation against it. He also addressed a meeting of traders protesting against it.

He also reiterated the party's demand of scrapping of the SEZs as it displacing people from their fertile land, which ultimately threatened food security of the country. A nationwide agitation and demonstrations would be launched against it, he added.

He also expressed opposition to disinvestment of profit making Public Sector Undertakings like privatisation of airports at Delhi and Mumbai by the Airports Authority of India limited despite they being the major revenue generators.

Welcoming a Delhi Court's decision against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, Mr Yadav said that justice should be ensured for the riot affected people.

Mr Yadav also demanded that the UPA government scrap Indo-US nuclear deal as it was against the interest of the country.

Regarding the party's future strategy in Gujarat, Mr Yadav said that it would be decided on the basis of the results of the assembly polls on December 23. The JD(U) would hold a meeting of the party leaders after that to take a final decision about its future strategy in state.

He also opposed the proposal for construction of Express Highway in NOIDA stating that it would affect the fertile land in the area.

UNI