The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has ordered the closure of all organised retail stores in the state. The order has been issued due to recent attacks on retail stores of Reliance Fresh and Spencer in Lucknow and Varanasi.

The desicion has shocked the retail chains. The government later clarified that the decision was made to improve law and order situation in the state and the stores can re open in some days. Reliance Retail spokesperson has declined to comment on the whole situation.

Chief Minister Mayawati stated that the order was made on recommendation of the local administration of both cities due to attacks from small trader groups. Chief Minister Mayawati has decided to set up an expert committee to review the situation in both cities. The committee will provide a report on the matter and then the stores will be allowed to start their operations. Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh would head the five-member committee that would look into all aspects governing such stores.

Samajwadi Party MP Banwarilal Kanchal came in support of small traders and ransacked Reliance Fresh and Spencer's stores in Lucknow on Wednesday. Reliance Fresh stores offer cheaper and fresh fruits and vegetables. The store also offers many other items of daily needs and has caused big loss to small traders and vegetable vendors. Similar protests against Reliance fresh have been suppressed in other parts of the country last month.

After protests in many parts of the state the government has decided to cancel the new agricultural policy that was adopted on August 3, 2007.

Mayawati stated that their government is concerned about the benefits of farmer community and this policy will cause harm to farmers across the state.