BJP tried to bring FDI without adequate safeguards: Rahul

New Delhi, Nov 4: Making a strong pitch for

in retail,

today said

, when in power, had sought to bring in foreign investment without adequate safeguards while UPA has taken strong measures to protect the interest of farmers.

"It was BJP, which first talked of FDI. They were weak- hearted. We are strong-hearted. So we did. But when we did it, they said no to it in Parliament," the Congress general secretary said, addressing a well-attended rally at Ramlila Ground here.

He made a strong case for economic reforms and said foreign direct investment in retail will benefit farmers, contrary to what the Opposition was claiming.

"If the poor have to progress, then FDI is needed, the economic reforms are needed," he said.

"At a time when there is a positive atmosphere for the country and India has a standing in the world, the Opposition is engaged in opposing every measure of the government without giving a thought to it," Gandhi said.

Underscoring the achievements of UPA, Gandhi said the rural employment guarantee scheme had benefited people across the country and the Right to Information (RTI) Act had helped tackle corruption.

Exhorting the youth to join politics, Gandhi, who is expected to take up a larger role in the party, said change could not be ushered into the country till the youth join the political system.

He said the current political system needs to provide a more active role to people belonging to weaker and underprivileged sections of the society. "Unless we open the doors for the common man, we cannot develop," he said.

PTI