TMC for motion against FDI in WB Assembly today

Mamata Banerjee-led ruling Trinamool Congress will bring a motion in West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday to register its protest against FDI in multi-brand retail and hike in prices of diesel and fertiliser.

Government chief whip Sobhandev Chattopadhyay told PTI here that there will be a two-hour discussion in the House tomorrow on the motion, which would be moved by the state commerce and industry minister Partha Chattopadhyay.

Mamata Banerjee, he said, had already raised her strong protest against FDI in multi-brand retail and steep hike in prices of diesel and fertiliser which culminated in the withdrawal of all six Trinamool Congress ministers from the Manmohan Singh ministry as also support to the UPA government.

Chattopadhyay said the party had moved a motion in the House in 2007 against FDI entry in retail trade, which was vehemently opposed by the then ruling Left Front constituent CPI(M) and Congress as well at that time.

"Our motion was defeated by 13-56 votes and now we want to see the role of CPI(M) on this issue, while the Congress' stand is clearly known," the chief whip said.