No FDI in multi-brand retail in Delhi: AAP government

The Arvind Kejriwal government on Wednesday said it will not allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail in the national capital, a statement said.

The Aam Aadmi Party had opposed FDI in retail back when it was in power in Delhi in January 2014.

Sticking to its stand, the government said it was not ready to "disturb the character of retail trade" in Delhi.

"The stand of Delhi government, which was communicated to the commerce and industry ministry on January 14, 2014 remains unchanged. Entry of FDI in the retail sector will be detrimental to the interests of traders and will lead to unemployment," the statement said.

Chief Minister Kejriwal had withdrawn the approval given by the previous Sheila Dikshit government for FDI in multi-brand retail in Delhi.

On Wednesday, he made it clear that the decision will remain unchanged.

"We have reiterated our stand to the central government to remove all ambiguity on the issue, which may arise due to the fresh policy document of the centre.

"Delhi government does not have blind opposition to the FDI, but it is of the firm view that the national capital does not require its entry in the retail sector at this juncture," the statement said.