LDF opposes entry of retail giants into Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 26 (UNI) The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala said its government would oppose the entry of multinational and domestic retail giants into the state.

''The LDF is against the Centre's policy which allows these giants in the retail sector. The LDF government will oppose its entry as it poses a threat to small retailers,'' LDF Convenor Vaikom Viswan told reporters here today after the meeting.

When asked if some protests would be organised before their shops, Mr Viswan said nothing had been planned. The legal points in this regard had not been discussed and it would be taken into account in the coming days, he added.

The meeting called for revision of the age-old building tax, collected by the local bodies. It was high time the tax was revised and new taxes imposed.

He stated small houses should be exempted and the tax for houses with all modern facilities should be revised.

Regarding the industrial policy, he said infrastructure development was needed for attracting industries to the state but the state was not able to do so because of Centre's policies.

For building a four-lane highway, the Centre had specified that it should be built only on the BoT policy. In this case, the state had to pay heavy tax which was not viable for a state like Kerala, he said, and added the policy should be changed according to the state's requirements.

UNI