States free to oppose FDI in retail: Anand Sharma

New Delhi: States opposing foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail have the constitutional right to do so and it should be respected, commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma has said.

However, those who favour it should be allowed to go ahead, the minister added, indicating the government may push for opening the sector even if it does not manage to build a consensus on the issue.

"We recognise those states who are in favour of it. It is their right. They are democratically elected governments of the provinces. Similarly, there are states that have reservations. Under the Constitution, we have to respect their wishes too," Sharma said talking to the media on Friday in New Delhi.

Though the Union Cabinet had approved up to 51% FDI in November last year, the Centre has not yet introduced the policy change as the decision was met with strong opposition from a number of states, including West Bengal, Bihar and Kerala.