New Delhi, Nov 26 (IANS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left Friday slammed the government's move to allow FDI in multi-brand retail trade, saying it will destroy the livelihood of millions of retailers.

BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi called the decision "lopsided and anti-people" and said the party may move an adjournment motion on the issue in parliament.

His colleague Uma Bharti vowed to torch any Walmart outlet that opened anywhere in the country.

The CPI-M came out with a blistering statement, alleging that allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail was bound to "destroy the livelihood of crores of small retailers".

It will also "lead to monopolization of the retail sector by the MNCs".

"The government seems more eager to meet the demands of the US and other Western governments and serve the interests of MNCs like Walmart, Tesco and Carrefour rather than protect those of its own people," it said.

BJP's Joshi said the government decision was not in the interest of the country.

He indicated that BJP-ruled states were not likely to follow the revised government norms. "Why are you bringing the problems of Europe and the US in the country?"

He said foreign companies had an eye on India's retail trade which is likely to grow 10 times in the next 10 years.

He pointed out that retail was the biggest employer after agriculture. This "will lead to massive unemployment".

The CPI-M said India had the highest shopping density in the world, at 11 shops per 1,000 people.

"There are over 1.2 crore shops in India employing over 4 crore persons. Ninety-five percent of these shops are run by self-employed persons in less than 500 sq ft area.

"These small shopkeepers in the urban areas are going to be hit the hardest with the entry of the MNC retailers.

Party leader Sitaram Yechury alleged that such a major decision had been taken outside parliament when the house was in session.

"We will not discuss the FDI issue in Parliament unless the government revokes the decision. We will oppose it in the House and outside also," he said.

Communist Party of India's D. Raja called it a "most unwise" move that would displace millions.

Uma Bharti said in Lucknow that she would herself torch any Walmart outlet that opened in the country.

"I will set it on fire with my own hands," she told reporters.