Parliament logjam ends, FDI in retail on hold

New Delhi, Dec 7: The all party meeting on FDI in retail row has ended on Wednesday. The centre has decided to suspend its policy on FDI in retail till a consensus is developed. The UPA government will develop the consensus after consulting with the stakeholders.

Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee will meet the leaders of all the parties to brief them about the suspension of FDI in retail. He intends to meet the leaders before the two houses meet. The opposition, however, made it clear that they want a rollback and not a holdback of the decision.

"Decision to bring 51 per cent FDI in retail suspended till a consensus is brought among various stake holders including political parties," said Pranab Mukherjee.

Pawan Kumar Bansal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister said, "We hope that Parliament will run smoothly after the all-party meeting."

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rajiv Shukla assured that the opposition has agreed to let Parliament function smoothly for the rest of the winter session.

Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee also expressed her happiness over the current decision on FDI in retail policy. Last week, she had made it clear that she will not support the government's decision to allow 51 percent foreign ownership of multi-brand retail stores.

"We are happy that this decision has been taken. Mamata was already told about it. We are also happy that the BJP also agreed to this suspension of the decision," said Sudip Bandyopadhyay, MP, Trinamool Congress.

OneIndia News