Clear indications from JD (U) it is not for Mamata Banerjee's plan

NEW DELHI: Mamata Banerjee's plans for a no-confidence motion against the UPA government on FDI and other issue today appeared to be running out of steam with clear indications from opposition JD (U) that it is not inclined to the idea.

NDA convener and Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav today insisted on "Opposition unity", saying what is important for him is a consensus among the Opposition parties and not the Rule under which a discussion on FDI issue should take place in Lok Sabha.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamalnath today met Yadav at his residence here and held consultations for over an hour.

The consultations came ahead of NDA's crucial meeting to decide the strategy in Parliament at a time when Trinamool Congress has announced that it planned to move a no-confidence motion against the government on the first day of the Winter Session beginning Thursday.

Addressing a press conference later, Yadav said that he is in favour of all Opposition parties showing a unity of purpose as was witnessed during the two previous Bharat Bandhs against fuel hike and that he had been meeting them for this.

"They should show their strength and support on the floor of the House under appropriate rule for discussion. I urged them that instead of each party evolving a different strategy for raising the FDI issue in Parliament, it would be in the interest of the Opposition parties to make the strategy jointly so that the debate is fruitful and the strength is shown to the government," Yadav said.

Asked specifically whether he is in favour of Banerjee bringing a no-confidence motion on the issue or a discussion under a rule that entails voting, Yadav said, "What matters to me is a debate with consensus among the Opposition parties and not any rule under which it takes place."