Sukhbir stands with father, BJP on FDI, but leaves the door ajar

Also, in statement that was more of a clarification over his stand differing from that of his father and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, deputy CM Sukhbir Badal said, “ Istand by my father. I have no differences at all with him (on FDI in retail).”

The SAD had two days ago maintained that “if a consensus (on FDI in retail) can be built now, no one will have an objection. But a consensus over the issue in the entire country is a must”, setting off perception that the party’s stand was at variance with that of BJP.

But on Thursday, Sukhbir and his father Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal sought to present a united face on the issue while speaking to reporters at Mour Mandi in Bathinda district after addressing a public rally here.

Sukhbir said that he had been consistently saying that all stakeholders, including traders, farmers, unemployed youth and opposition parties besides alliance partners of UPA, should have been taken into confidence by the ruling party before taking a crucial decision that would have long-term impact on economic scenario of the country.

Without naming anyone, the Chief Minister said “two persons” at the Centre “have no right to decide the fate of the country”.

“Even the British rulers,

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