There will be no shopping today!

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday justified the union cabinet's decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail sector, saying it will help stakeholders like farmers and consumers, besides helping contain inflation. "We welcome the decision of the union cabinet. It will help both farmers and consumers besides bringing new technology. Opening up of retail stores (by MNCs) will also ensure uniform prices for various agricultural produces," she said, adding vegetables prices vary from areas-to-areas across the city.u00a0"If we can prevent the perishable items from rotting, then it will also reflect on the prices. The price will definitely come down," she said, adding, "no small trader has been affected because of opening of the malls."u00a0

The BJP on Wednesday extended its support to the all-India strike called by trade unions and other organisations against FDI in multi-brand retail and appealed to the people to join the shutdown. "BJP reiterates its whole hearted support to this expression of popular unrest on this issue. The government at the Centre has shown utter disregard to the concerns expressed by small traders, farmers and consumers at large, who would be facing the adverse impact of this decision," party president Nitin Gadkari said in a statement. The principal opposition, along with Left and other parties, has opposed the government's decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in retail.u00a0