Uma's ultimatum to Reliance Fresh stores

Bhopal, Sep 2 (UNI) Bharatiya Janashakti (BJ) Founder-President and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti today warned that her party would launch a campaign for closing down Reliance Fresh stores if the latter were not shut down within a fortnight.

''My party will oppose every venture by major companies to directly sell vegetables. Our country's foremost problem is unemployment and the plight of those living Below Poverty Line. Even grassroots retailers can sell fresh produce if the government provides benefits. Lower strata retailers will now commit suicide just like ryots as their livelihood is threatened,'' the firebrand sadhvi told reporters here.

Pointing out that India had very prosperous people and also very poor ones, she alleged that major companies foraying into the retail sector would make the poor even poorer.

''Why did the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which speaks of swadeshi, not oppose this move by Reliance? I am not against the Ambanis. Let them invest in other sectors in this state. The mode of implementation of Special Economic Zones should involve tribals and others whose land was acquired for the purpose,'' Ms Bharti felt.

The Congress and other organisations have also voiced their protest againt Reliance Fresh.

UNI