Mangalore: Senior Congress leader B Janardhan Poojari has totally backed the Union Government decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail sector.

Speaking to reporters, he said the notion that the farmers would suffer due to it was wrong and added the FDI would in reality lead to development.

He strongly condemned the opposition parties for observing a strike on Thursday and said the strike has caused a nation loss of Rs 1500 crores.

Poojari said the FDI will in fact benefit farmers as they can sell their produce at a higher price. Some states which are not interested in FDI can refrain from implementing it, he said questioning why those interested are being prevented.

On the diesel price hike, he said the state governments if wished can reduce the prices by cutting down on taxes. However, the state governments are unwilling in this direction, he added.