Free domestic retail trade from capitalists: Fernandes

Bhopal, June 12 (UNI) NDA Convenor and former Defence Minister George Fernandes today stressed the need for accelerating an ongoing agitation aimed at ''liberating the domestic retail trade from certain capitalists' grip'' and also spoke of bringing the agitation onto a proper platform.

''This danger, hovering over the country's pride, should be tackled in time otherwise our freedom will again be surrounded in difficulties and by questions,'' he felt while addressing a press conference organised here by the Swaraj Sthapna Andolan, an apolitical and non-communal organisation that has picked up the gauntlet against Reliance, other MNCs foraying into retail trade, contract farming and corporatised agriculture.

The Andolan's agitation is witnessing participation by peasants, labourers, traders, intellectuals and others.

''For the past few years, Wal-Mart is attempting to establish itself in the retail sector. This is not a good sign in the country's interest and should be opposed tooth and nail,'' Mr Fernandes alleged.

Squarely blaming the Centre for the state of affairs, he added that it was everyone's duty to free the country from such cobwebs else crores of retail traders would be ruined and forced to work as labourers.

Cargill and ITC posed a challenge to grain markets.

Responding to a query on whether the NDA had nominated a presidential candidate, Mr Fernandes said, ''there has been no discussion in this context. Every party seems to be suggesting candidates on daily basis but the names vanish within a few days.'' Andolan Convenor Dharmendra said that the trader community was further threatened by the gradual ''spreading of a web'' by Reliance and other MNCs.

''About four crore shopkeepers will be affected. An organisation named Vyapar and Rozgar Bachao Andolan has been formed for ryots, labourers, hawkers and other blue-collar workers. That body will initiate its programme on August 9,'' he explained.

UNI