Differences in the Congress over allowing FDI in retail surfaced on Sunday with Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ramesh Chennithala writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opposing the move and asking the party government in the State not to implement it.
Party equations
The Congress in Kerala has been opposing FDI in retail fearing that the Opposition Left will capitalise on it by weaning away small and marginal retail shop owners from its supporters.
“I have written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opposing the Union Cabinet decision to throw open the doors of country’s retail market,” Mr. Chennithala said.
Plea to Chandy
He said he had met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and asked him not to implement the Centre’s decision.
Kerala is the first Congress-ruled State where a PCC chief has expressed opposition to FDI in retail.
Mr. Chennithala contended that the decision would have a huge impact on thousands of small retail shop owners in the State.