Socialist Party to go on hunger strike against FDI in retail trade

22 September, 2012

The Socialist Party will start an indefinite relay hunger strike against UPA government's decision of allowing 51% FDI in retail sector. The hunger strike will be held at Jantar Mantar from 22 September.

EVERY DAY 5 members of the party will observe fast for 24 hours in the leadership of party’s national general secretary Dr. Prem Singh and Delhi state president Renu Gambhir. Party’s national president Bhai Vaidya will visit the venue on 27 September and observe fast for one day.

The party appeals, particularly to the associations of retail traders, to strength the protest by joining the hunger strike. Party also appeals to the political parties, social organisations and individuals opposed to the decision to extend their support. The Socialist Party appreciates the stand of Trinmool Congress for its strait forward opposition to the decision.

Hunger strike is a next step Socialist Party has taken in its struggle against the FDI in retail. The party held a day-long dharna at Jantar Mantar on 28 May 2012 against the government’s decision and submitted a memorandum to the President requesting her to advise the government to scrap the decision conclusively.

After that the party sent a letter to the office bearers and chief ministers of all non-Congress political parties requesting them to say no to this anti-people and anti-national decision. Further, the Socialist Party observed Quit India day as ‘No to FDI’ day in Delhi and other cities. The party also participated in the Bharat Bandh of 20 September.