BJP slams BSP, SP for 'U-turn' on FDI issue in Par

"They (SP and BSP) need to explain this to the people. We are not going to let them get away. We will take this issue to the people. We will go to Uttar Pradesh where the two major political parties had colluded and helped the government at the last moment and by making lame excuses," BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters outside Parliament House.

He was replying to questions on the government getting a majority vote in Parliament on the FDI in retail issue and the motion against it in Rajya Sabha being defeated as BSP voted in favour and SP walked out before the crucial division.

"(These) parties had taken a stand, supported a 'Bharat Bandh', (their members) give speeches in Parliament against FDI and suddenly they made a U-turn. They need to explain to the people and we are not going to let them get away," Naidu said.

Alleging that the government's win is a result of manipulation, he said, "If you go by the speeches made in the House by different parties, an overwhelming majority of the members of Rajya Sabha have voted against FDI in retail.

"They may have got the numbers today, but I am confident they will be taught a fitting lesson when they go to the people. The government could not give any convincing answer to any major questions raised by us," he said.

The win, he said, was not going to cut any ice among the people as they are watching the proceedings and are wise enough to "understand their gameplan."

Naidu said BJP wanted to expose the parties and show where they stood in the debate and how they changed their stance during voting. (More)