Opposition continues to create stir over FDI in retail

FDI in retail faces major opposition today in parliament

as opposing parties say the decision to implement FDI will only help companies like Walmart which were being “pushed out” of the US market, and render lakhs of Indians jobless.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had to adjourn the proceedings till 12pm today, after the opposition firmly insisted that a debate on the investment in retail be held under Rule 184. Chaotic scenes were witnessed after the opposition party moved the privilege motion against ruling party Congress for announcing the FDI in retail outside of the parliament.

Earlier, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee handed over the no-confidence motion to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on the first day of the winter session. Also, TMC members of Parliament led a protest in front of the Gandhi statue outside the Parliament.

A discussion on the FDI can be forced under Rule 184, if it has the support of 50 plus MPs, which Mamata’s move lacks. Banerjee, who moved the motion despite lack of assured support from other opposition parties, said on Wednesday, that she has no hesitation in supporting even a no-trust motion moved by Left parties.

DMK, the second largest party in UPA with 18 MPs, has also kept the government on tenterhooks declaring its opposition to FDI policy but it was not known how the party would vote in the event of a voting either on a no-confidence motion or a resolution under Rule 184. Meanwhile, both the Left and the BJP has requested the suspension of the question hour.