Sharad Yadav slams SEZ policy

The Janata Dal (United), a partner in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, has slammed the Centre's policy of allowing vast tracts of fertile land for special economic zones and opening up the retail sector for foreign direct investment.

Talking to reporters here on Sunday JD (U) President and former Union minister Sharad Yadav said the two policies, besides causing large-scale unemployment, would prove dangerous for the country's food security.

He said the two policies would take the country towards economic dependence.

"'While the policies will destroy food security, established after decades of hard work, they will also create dependence on MNCs and big firms," he said.

Yadav said his party would organise protest against the economic policies of the UPA government. On December 17, the JD (U) would organise a protest programme in Delhi, where people deprived of land for setting up SEZs would be invited to give their views. On September 25, the JD (U) organised a similar protest.

Yadav alleged central ministers were speaking in many voices on the issue of setting up 350 SEZs in the country.