FDI decision on hold, says Mamata Banerjee

New Delhi, Dec 3: The central government has decided to keep on hold its decision to allow foreign equity in retail till Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee agrees to it.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee talked with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday. She told the media that "I had telephonic conversations with him twice today (Saturday). He has told me that the centre has decided to suspend implementation of the decision to allow FDI in retail. He has told me that the decision will not be implemented unless there was consensus on the issue."

"In a coalition government, a policy is formalised after discussions among all partners. So, after I spoke to Pranabda, a decision has been taken. The cabinet decision which had earlier been taken on this issue has been suspended. The issue is now over. The issue is settled. It's a pro-people decision."

Mamata asked Pranab Mukherjee whether there was any possibility that government can implement FDI in retail later. "I have been told that there are no ifs and buts, unless there is a consensus, the decision will not be implemented."

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