Judicial Probe ordered into Wal-Mart Lobyying
TNI Bureau: Under the pressure from the Opposition BJP and continuous disruptions in both the Houses, the government finally ordered a probe into reports of Wal-Mart lobbying. The opposition alleged that the retail giant had paid bribe to enter into Indian market.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath announced in the Lok Sabha today that the probe will be done into the allegation. A retired judge will be appointed for a time-bound inquiry into the reports against Wal-Mart.
The report of Walmart lobbying US lawmakers to get into India had rocked the Parliament over past two days. The BJP has been demanding a judiciary probe into the report.
The uproar by the opposition forced the Speaker Meira Kumar to adjourn the Lok Sabha repeatedly. Even the government’s outside supporters SP and RJD were also demanding probe into the reports. It is alleged that Wal-Mart had spent $25 million over four years for lobbying and entering into South Asian markets.