We know that produce from the villages comes to the markets in the towns, through the middle men, known as "traders". It is also well known, that lobbyists are closely linked with political parties, and fund them in elections. One depends on the other, and when there is drama in the parliament, the citizen would do well to distinguish the motive behind their actions.
In a recent article, a reader had given his views, about the market in Chakan, 140 km away from Mumbai, where the traders paid low prices to farmers and had absolute control over what the farmers would receive. It is well known, that even after deducting transportation costs, labor costs, the trader still keeps a hefty margin, as he has to pay the politician to remain in good books.
The citizen should discriminate between the political parties, and their arguments for and against a proposal set forward by the Government. No one will tell exactly how the farmer will get a bad deal. The ones who protest are the political parties and the 'traders'.
"Most markets in Delhi closed due to bandh by traders
Neighbourhood shops were open but most of the markets in the national capital remained shut today as traders observed the all-India bandh in protest against Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail sector.
BJP also joined the traders' protest by organising marches and burnt effigies of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in at least 20 locations of the city.
Confederation of All India Traders' Delhi unit president Narender Madan said a large number of traders have kept their shops shut to participate in the all-India bandh.
Madan claimed wholesale and retail markets were closed in Sadar Bazar, Kamla Nagar, Chawri Bazar, Karol Bagh, Kashmere Gate, Tilak Nagar, Rohini, Krishna Nagar and
other markets" - this is stated by the Economic Times of December 1.
The super market chains -FDI - if they come, they will directly compete with these wholesale traders, and the political parties' funds will be affected. As for the consumers, we have seen what we get by giving full rein to these wholesalers. Every housewife, knows what the vegetables cost last year, and how much they cost this year. If the Congress party, wants to give the consumer a fair deal, whom will the consumer support ? If the consumer gets carried away with the propaganda and changes horses midway, they have to blame themselves in a few years.
We have been silent spectators for too long, and should raise our voices in a sane debate. The parliamentarians whom have chosen to take care of our affairs, have amply shown their abilities on the TV cameras of the parliament. They take cover under rules and regulations, and avoid taking responsibility. When the whole world is reeling under economic chaos, Indian politicians and deliberately playing games to score points.
Will the Indian voter realize what is happening ?
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