Bhubaneswar: About 20 lakh trading establishments downed shutters in Odisha on Friday in support of the one-day nationwide bandh call given by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) protesting the decision of the Union Cabinet to allow 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail.
Talking to the media, president of Odisha Byabasayee Sangh, Sudhakar Panda, said that all small and large trading establishments across the state would remain closed. “The Malgodown in Cuttack and all godowns in the state will remain closed today. During the bandh, there will be no loading and unloading of consumer goods. We have warned the Central government to reconsider its decision. But if it ignores our demand and goes ahead with its decision, it will be responsible for the outcome,” he added.
Asked whether the bandh will have any effect on the consumers, Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister, Surya Narayan Patro said there is enough stock of consumer goods for 15-20 days. “I don’t think that the one-day bandh in the state will have any effect on the consumers,” he maintained.
The usually busy market areas in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack wore a deserted look as all the trading establishments remained closed. The situation was similar in all major cities and towns in the state.
