New Delhi:
In what could signal a softening of stance, the Trinamool Congress says that they have no objection to Foreign DIrect Investment or FDI in multi-brand retail, if the government manages to achieve consensus.
In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Trinamool leader and Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi says that if the maximum number of people want something, who are they to oppose it?
Here are the excerpts of the interview:
NDTV: So you are saying that you are not opposed to bring FDI into multi-brand retail that if you build consensus over it. And if there is consensus you are willing to accept it.
Dinesh Trivedi: Because at the end of the day we are in politics of the people, by the people, for the people. If larger section of population wants a particular thing. Why are we in a democracy? Because people want democracy.
NDTV: You know that's a very important clarification. Because the perception is that if you are opposed to it across the board it's kind of a blanket operation. If you are not saying that's the case. You are saying you should develop consensus you are fine with it.
Dinesh Trivedi: That's what Mamta Benerjee has said, that please talk to people. If you have listened to me anywhere in the media, I have always maintained one thing - that you have spoken to people who are perceived to be gaining out of it right.
NDTV: Yes.
Dinesh Trivedi: People in the Bombay club or FICCI or CII perceive to be gaining. But have you spoken to the people who are perceived to be losing? Be it farmers, be it kirana shops, be it a small little guy selling grocery. So you need to speak to a larger section of society in a democracy. My question and Mamta
ji's...
NDTV (interrupting): Mr Trivedi, the government says they have done it. In fact, they have written letters to you, to all the state governments, saying that they have engaged in an lengthy consultation of all stakeholders which include farmers, traders and so on and it's only after that, that they have come with that proposal. Which is why my earlier point that is it a political opposition or is it an opposition on genuine facts and concerns?
Dinesh Trivedi: I cannot teach skills of communication to the government. They are too big for me. Right. Just talking doesn't mean concurrence, talking doesn't mean agreement. Whatever is there in the public domain remains in public domain. And that's what I said that as far as Trinamool Congress is concerned, we do not take two views - one inside Parliament, another in the Cabinet and third for the people. Our use of philosophy has been one and I will repeat it - talk to people, understand, if the farmers say that this is a very good idea who are we to stop it.