BSP stand on FDI smacks of deal with Cong: BJP

The BJP today alleged that the manner in which the BSP changed its stand on the FDI in retail issue within “one day” by announcing that it will vote with the government in the Rajya Sabha smacks of a deal between the party and the ruling Congress. The BJP also condemned the language used by BSP chief Mayawati during her speech in Rajya Sabha on the FDI issue today. "Why this metamorphosis in the BSP in one day They boycotted FDI in retail during the debate in the Lok Sabha but have declared open support to it. The BSP must explain what was the compulsion that led to the change," deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad said. Mayawati announced in the Rajya Sabha that the BSP will vote with the government on the FDI in retail issue. The party had staged a walkout yesterday in the Lok Sabha, moments before the FDI issue was put to vote. "The surrounding circumstances are too suspicious to indicate a deal between the BSP and the Congress," Prasad said. Mayawati is facing charges of possessing disproportionate assets which are being probed by CBI. She was served a notice by the Supreme Court in the case. The BJP also criticised Mayawati for the kind of vocabulary she used while attacking the main Opposition and its leaders in her speech in the Rajya Sabha. "This is the most abusive, sub-standard comments of Mayawati and was unparliamentary. We welcome criticism but this was abuse and that too against the Leader of Opposition who is an eminent leader," Prasad said. Mayawati had used some terms — ostensibly against Sushma Swaraj without naming her — during her speech in the Upper House during the FDI debate. The BJP had vehemently objected to it.