FDI: BJP asks govt to give up its adamant attitude

NEW DELHI: BJP today said it will insist on discussion on FDI in retail issue under rules which entail voting and asked the government to give up its "adamant" attitude and "allow the House to function" by agreeing to the Opposition demand.

The BJP Parliamentary Party met today for its weekly meeting to discuss its strategy in both Houses.

"Government has not kept its assurance to Parliament that the decision on FDI will be taken only after discussing the issue with all stakeholders. The sense of the House on the issue can be known only through voting. So, the government should give up its adamant attitude," BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.

He maintained that the government is responsible for Parliament not functioning as it is not agreeing to voting and discussion on the FDI issue.

"Government should not show arrogance of power and agree to the opposition demand. BJP and NDA are not ready for anything less than voting and discussion. We want a debate only under Rule 184," Hussain said.

Party leaders indicated that BJP and its allies will not allow Parliament to function till the government accedes to its demand. The Parliamentary Party also discussed the accusations of bribe being sought from Walmart for allowing it to set up shop here.

Another issue discussed was the pollution of Ganga River and the need to highlight it. As part of the "Aviral Ganga" project, BJP MPs from the regions through which the river flows have been asked to mobilise people to form a human chain on December 2.