Bhuj, Sep 21 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lashed out at the Congress-led UPA Government for allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, saying Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has redefined the definition of Indian democracy to 'of the foreigners, by the foreigners and for the foreigners'.
"Former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln gave world famous definition of democracy 'of the people, by the people and for the people', but our Manmohan Singhji has given us a new definition 'of the foreigners, by the foreigners, for the foreigners'," said Modi, while addressing a large gathering at Vivekananda Youth Convention here.
Modi said the local traders and retailers would lose employment following this move of the ruling government.
"Now onwards pen, pencils, notebooks would not be sold by your neighbourhood shopkeeper, but some 'gora' (foreigner)," he added, while taking a jibe at the UPA regime.
Modi alleged that the decision to allow FDI in multi brand retail has been taken without the consensus of Parliament.
"This Congress-led government has overnight introduced FDI in retail, keeping Parliament in dark and have broken the promises it has given on the floor of the House," he said.
The Gujarat Chief Minister also held the Prime Minister responsible for not taking effective steps to control violence, in spite of him being elected to Rajya Sabha from Assam.
""In the Northeast itself, illegal Bangladeshis have flooded the Indian Territory and are causing problems. Bangladeshis, who are foreigners, have started asserting their rights in Assam and our Prime Minster who is also elected from Assam is silent," said Modi.
"If you put these two issues, violence in Assam by foreigners and allowing FDI in retail together it clearly shows central government's love for foreigners," he added.
BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani was also present on the occasion. (ANI)
