FDI row: Congress puts up brave face on FDI in retail issue

NEW DELHI: Amid growing impression that its government had failed to get its act on the issue of FDI in retail sector, Congress on Monday put up a brave face on putting on hold the decision.

"The decision to allow FDI in retail is right. In democracy, sometimes you have to rework your steps....You have to take everyone along...", was the response of Party spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury.

She was responding to a volley of questions from mediapersons including whether putting FDI in retail on hold was a capitulation before UPA allies, a mismanagement by the government and a setback for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Denying that putting on hold the decision on FDI was bowing before allies like Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, she said it was "wrong to project that the move should be seen as a loss of face for the Prime Minister".

"We respect Mamataji. She is our valuable ally. We have an open mind for discussions in Parliament," said Chowdhury in to a number of questions including the opposition within UPA as also within Congress over the decision and the opposition demand for a roll back.

She steered clear of the question whether FDI in retail will be an issue in assembly elections in five states including Uttar Pradesh. "FDI is good for the country and the decision was a well-thought out one", she added.

A Congress leader, who declined to be identified, conceded the party-led coalition has been the victim of "perceptional failure" on FDI in retail issue. In what appeared to be a criticism of some of the allies, the leader also claimed "not everyone is being honest" on the issue.