We represent 'outdated' common man: Mamata's swipe at PM

New Delhi, Dec 15 (PTI) : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday countered Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's criticism of those opposing FDI in retail, saying she was with the common man who was “outdated”.

“What can we do? We are grass root-level people, we are the representative of the people. And the common man is always backdated (outdated). I am proud to say we are with the people,” she told reporters here after addressing the 85th annual general meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Prime Minister made the remarks at the same venue.

Mamata, whose party has vehemently opposed FDI in multi- brand retail and has quit the ruling UPA alliance on this issue, was responding to Singh's remarks terming those opposing to FDI as being outdated.

Referring to opposition to opening of the retail sector to global supermarkets, Singh said: “I am afraid that those who oppose these moves are either ignorant of global realities or are constrained by outdated ideologies.

Making a spirited appeal to India Inc to invest in West Bengal, Mamata said her government has recently approved a land allotment policy to introduce transparency and it was for the investors to “nurture the potential available in the state”.

“Our (people from Bengal) talent is very good. Our talent work everywhere from NASA to bhasa...from computer to compounder. If you want to nurture it, invest in the state, don't worry,” she said.

“Labour is very cheap (in Bengal). We don't allow factory to close down and strike as they earlier used to,” she said, referring to the previous government’s resorting to strikes and lockouts.

The chief minister stated that forceful acquisition of land was not conducive for the state or for setting up of industries.

“Sometime people say acquire the land, fire the people and then build industry. Industry cannot be set up if there is disturbance...if there is goons and guns, but industry can only be set up in a peaceful manner in peaceful areas and co-exist with the common people,” she said.

I agree with Dr. Manmohan Singh, the common man is outdated.

Now he is called the mango people that is why Kejriwal has been forced to form the Aam Aadmi Party since all the other parties say they represent the Aam Aadmi but are actually parties composed of Crorepatis.

Mamta herself is honest and can be said to be actually a representative of the Aam Aadmi.

But are her lieutenants in the party honest?

No!

Are her foot soldiers honest?

No!

They are same rabble rousers and criminals who were earlier in the CPM.

Has the work culture improved in India after her coming to power?

Haldia is a true to life example.

No!

She is not able to control the auto rickshaw drivers who are always threatening and beating up people and the police lodge FIRs against the beaten people.

She cannot give India a good government.

Kejriwal is the only solution for India.