UAE-based multinational company Lulu Group has established a hypermarket in Coimbatore, the first ever in Tamil Nadu, months after the DMK government signed an MoU with the conglomerate.
The hypermarket located in Pappanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore, occupies an expansive retail area of approximately 1.1 lakh sq. ft., making it the largest of its kind in the state.
The inauguration ceremony was presided by Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Raja, Lulu Group Chairman MA Yusuff Ali, and other esteemed guests.
The establishment of the hypermarket has raised concerns about livelihoods of small businesses and vendors in and around the area. The DMK and it allies are also faced with allegations of hypocrisy as the parties had opposed the farmer empower laws saying that it would benefit corporates and not farmers. Many
Meanwhile, the Hindu Munnani has questioned the double standards of trade unions like Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangakalin Peramaippu headed by Vikrama Raja which had opposed such initiatives.
In a call to action, the Hindu Traders’ Welfare Association has appealed to the traders of Tamil Nadu to remain vigilant and discern the hidden motives of trade union leaders and political parties.
The concerns are further amplified as the Lulu company, known for its potential to disrupt local markets, prepares to expand its presence not only in Coimbatore but also across the entire state. It has sparked widespread debate and raised questions about the role of political leaders and trade unions in safeguarding the interests of Tamil Nadu’s traders.
The statement of Hindu Munnani reads, “Lulu is the newest and most unconventional entrepreneur who capitalizes on people’s desires by showcasing foreign products for profit. It is rumored that they will offer all the products available in Dubai at their store. The company operates on the understanding that our population is highly intrigued by imported goods, given the limited availability of local products and their marketing strategies.”
He further added that, “Furthermore, while numerous companies such as Amazon and Reliance were contemplating establishing a presence in Tamil Nadu, several business associations vehemently protested. They incited the traders, putting up a facade of fighting to prevent these companies from entering the market. However, now leaders of these traders’ associations, including AM Vikramaraja and Vellaiyan, have fallen silent. The Communist party, which proclaimed its intention to dismantle corporate entities, seems to be absent. The DMK, known for its staunch opposition to corporate influence, remains surprisingly silent. It is unclear where the supportive factions that once propelled them forward have disappeared to. It is evident that those with left-wing ideologies in Tamil Nadu are reluctant to voice their concerns against the Lulu company, which is associated with Dayanidhi Maran and Kalanithi Maran. The reasons behind the current silence of these individuals remain unknown.”
He raised questions about the CM MK Stalin’s recent Dubai visit, he said, “Is it possible that the visit of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin to Dubai, which coincided with the establishment of Lulu Market, is the reason behind this? People have started speculating about it. The expansion of Lulu company, which has the potential to impact traders, is not limited to Coimbatore but extends throughout Tamil Nadu. It is crucial for both traders and the general public to unite and boycott the company in response.”
He called for the unity of traders of Tamil Nadu, “Tamil Nadu’s traders must comprehend the dual stance of trade union leaders and political parties. The Hindu Traders’ Welfare Association has also urged all traders to unite and jointly oppose the promotion and sale of foreign goods by such companies in Tamil Nadu.”
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