Disclose names of recipients of Walmart lobbying money: BJP to govt

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Agencies: New Delhi, Dec 10 2012, 16:54 IST

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The Walmart lobbying issue triggered a political storm with the BJP today demanding a statement from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Parliament and the CPI-M and SP joining it in seeking an independent probe into the "serious allegations" of bribery.

BJP said the Prime Minister should make a statement on the issue in Parliament as the reports coming out today were "serious" and raised questions on the country's image.

As per the lobbying disclosure reports filed by Walmart with the US Senate, the company has spent close to USD 25 million (about Rs 125 crore) since 2008 on its various lobbying activities, including on the issues related to "enhanced market access for investment in India".

"BJP would like the PM to explain why he did not initiate inquiry and what he proposed to do now when it has become evident that multi-brand retail FDI has come on the shoulders of lobbying and bribery," BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

His party colleague Venkaiah Naidu said, "We demand that Prime Minister should come to the House and make a statement on the issue. It should also be followed up with an independent inquiry."

"The disclosure in US senate about Walmart that they had spent Rs 125 cr in lobbying including India for creating new market is official confirmation that Walmart has done lobbying in India. Lobbying is banned in India," Prasad said.

Naidu said, "Government cannot keep quiet and Parliament

cannnot remain silent into these serious allegations...It has

raised many questions. It is a question of India's image

... contd.

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Reader's Comments (3)| Post a Comment

Politicians the liars

Bodan | 11-Dec-2012Reply | Forward

This proves once again that whatever and whenever Congress wins voting or takes a decision, there is some black spot. This has reduced the credibility of UPA to a nadir. Even before any one has charged SP with this scam, their leader Mohan said 'SP members do not know English' but at the same time SP Rajyasabha member Ramgopal was answering media in English. Such is the state of affairs with these selfish politicians.

LOBYISTS

N.ASTI | 10-Dec-2012Reply | Forward

It seems Congress and its allies allies in U.P.A,in Govt as well as outside supporters might be the real Lobbyists for Walmart.Under MMS/Sonia leadership,reliability of Congress has gone below ZERO mark for scams and SP,BSP have betrayed the Nation by opposing FDI in public and settling the deal in private with Congress.DMK first opposed and then supported Congress blindly.NCP tried to stall in MH after voting in favor of FDI.All this indicate "DAAL MEIN KOOCHH KAALAA HAI for lobbying.Even it would not be a surprise if Walmart has borne all the expenses of politicians from India for their medical treatment if they have gone to US for that,as their stay might have facilitated for lobbying in person.

AA

ajit vadakayil | 10-Dec-2012Reply | Forward

Hi, Walmart will NOT declare the real amount they spent in India for bribing the UPA ministers to get the FDI in multi-brand retail rammed into our throats. Punch into google search LOBBYING BRIBING PIMPING IN INDIA - VADAKAYIL. All I can say now is these corrupt politicians should run from India as soon as they , lose the 2014 elections. Severe retribution is around the corner, as soon as the new BJP government is sworn in. Capt ajit vadakayil ..