New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday opposed foreign direct investment (FDI) in the aviation sector, saying it will lead to annihilation of the domestic industry.

"We are opposed to foreign investment in the aviation sector as it will lead to annihilation of the domestic industry, including (state owned) Air India," said BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy, a former civil avaition minister.

The government is said to be exploring options of allowing FDI in the aviation sector.

He said that as compared to the National Democratic Alliance rule, the growth of aviation sector had dropped to around 12 percent under the United Progressive Alliance.

He reiterated that BJP was opposed to government bailing out Kingfisher Airlines.

"A company reeling under losses has challenged providing connectivity to northeast. Operating in areas like northeast, Jammu and Kashmir and island areas are social obligation and it is for the company to manage its affairs. Why should government bailout a private airline?" asked Rudy.