BJP to oppose entry of Walmart into HP, says Satti

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh BJP, which has been opposing FDI in retail, on Saturday said it would not allow foreign stores like Walmart into the state "Foreign chains like Walmart and Metro Cash and Carry will not be allowed to enter Himachal and the interests of small traders will be fully safeguarded," state BJP president Satpal Singh Satti said.

He was reacting to Civil Supplies minister GS Bali's announcement to invite Walmart and Metro Cash and Carry for purchasing foodgrains for distribution under the PDS in the state. The BJP would firmly oppose any such move, Satti said in a statement Shimla. On Friday, Bali told reporters in Shimla the government had invited Walmart and Metro Cash and Carry for providing foodgrains at competitive and cheaper rates to consumers.

The decision had nothing to do with the FDI in retail, he had said. "Soon after coming to power, the government allowed a multi-national firm to restart controversial project Himalayan Ski Village near Manali and it is now hell bent to allow the big food chains to ruin marginal traders," Satti said.