FDI row: Govt busy in mobilising MPs; may opt for Parl vote

New Delhi, Dec 1: FDI in retail has become the bone of contention not only with the opposition but also with allies of the government. Sources said that, UPA is now mobilising its numbers before it opted for oppositions adjournment of motion with all MPs vote to end the logjam in the winter session of Parliament.

Government has sped up its efforts to get a breakthrough to break the logjam that continued for the eighth consecutive day on Thursday (today). Meanwhile, the UPA is doing its calculation to get support from its major allies. Sources also said that if adjournment motion happens as per parliament rule, then the parliament is likely to get back to work from next week.

Meanwhile, on Thursday (today), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met the Congress allies in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to discuss the issue of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail they are opposed to. UPA government's key allies, TMC and DMK are still insisting on the rollback of the cabinet decision on the new policy on FDI in retail which will allow 51% foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail segment that allows world's top retail giant like Walmart, Carrefour and Tesco to set up market in the country. Both parties at present have 18 MPs each in the Lok Sabha.

However, in a relief to the government, DMK has pledged that it will not vote against the government. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee's TMC is yet to make up its mind.

Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyaya, after the meeting with Manmohan Singh said, "Our stand remains the same. We want a discussion. But we don't want the government to fall."

Sources said that, if the Trinamool abstains from voting, and the DMK favours the government, the numbers in the Lok Sabha will be in favour of the key reforms in the Indian retail sector.

OneIndia News