FDI row: Mulayam threatens to burn retail outlets

In a stiff opposition against FDI in retail, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, on Monday, said they will burn any such shop in UP, echoing the threat held out by BJP leader Uma Bharti a few days ago.

"We congratulate Mamata Banerjee for opposing the FDI decision. We are totally opposed to it because the government decision will adversely affect thousands of retail traders," Yadav told reporters outside Parliament House here.

When pointed out that his arch rival UP Chief Minister Mayawati has also opposed the FDI decision, Yadav said, "This is a good thing that she is also opposing. But our stand is that we will burn any such shop in the state and we will not allow it."

Asked about the party's future course of action on the issue, Yadav said, "We have requested Soniaji to withdraw it. We will continue our protest unless it is withdrawn." Speaking in Lucknow, Bharti had on November 25 threatened to burn down Walmart stores if they were opened in India.