Farmers demand reopening of Reliance Fresh outlets in UP

Lucknow, Aug 28 (UNI) A group of farmers continued with their protest today in front of the collection depot run by Reliance Fresh after its retail outlets were closed by the Uttar Pradesh government last week.

The farmers held demonstration at the collection depot of Reliance Fresh at Chamaria in Gosainganj area of the state capital.

They had staged a similar protest yesterdaty over the issue.

Demonstrating in favour of the outlets, they raised 'reopen Reliance' and 'long live farmers unity' solgans.

They criticised the state government for ordering the closure of the retail chain outlets in UP.

Citing law and order problem, the Mayawati government had on August 23 ordered closure of to Reliance Fresh stores in Lucknow and some in Varanasi.

On August 22, a group of small traders led by Samajwadi Party MP Banwari Lal Kanchal had staged a violent protest at the retail giant's stores in Lucknow vandalising property and manhandling staff and customers.

Later, Reliance put on hold its plan to roll out over 100 outlets in Northern and Eastern parts of country.

The protest highlighted the faultlines in rapidly globalising India, where millions have been left out of the booming economy that is perceived as benefitting only wealthy consumer.

Reliance buys its farm produce directly from local farmers, which saves them from middlemen and other inconvenience, and fetch better prices.

Meanwhile, the protesting farmers have warned that they would hold a bigger demonstration in the state capital soon, if the government does not widhdraw its decision.

The industry chambers, farmers and the consumers in general are miffed at the state government's move and have asked the dispensation to reconsider its decision.

UP government's decision came at a time when, Reliance Retail had lined up large investments in UP, besides creating large number of jobs in retail sector.

Moreover, the possible entry of other reatil chains like 'Subhiksha' and Wal-Mart in UP have also been hit.

In a related move, the state government had also withdrawn its new much-hyped agriculture policy announced with fan fare by Chief Minister Mayawati on August 3 and hailed as ''pro-retail.'' According to industry sources, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Group was expected to invest Rs 5,000-10,000 crore in the retail sector in UP during the next five years and the decision of the state government is likely to have an adverse effect on such plans.

UNI