PM Manmohan Singh woos allies to muster support for retail FDI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday formally stepped in to mobilise support from within the ruling alliance for his government’s decision to allow 51% foreign investment in multi-brand retail.

In a meeting with leaders of the Trinamool Congress, DMK and NCP, Singh explained the rationale and benefits of the government decision. In Parliament, though, the leaders of the coalition parties, along with the Opposition, continued to press for their demand for rollback of FDI in retail.

For the eighth consecutive day, Parliament could not function and Friday isn’t likely to be different. In their meeting with Singh, Trinamool Congress and DMK leaders expressed their inability to support the government on this issue.

Parliament will go into a four-day recess after Friday. Negotiations will continue through the holiday and a compromise could emerge by Wednesday.