All-party meeting called to end parliament stalemate

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The government has called an all-party meeting on Wednesday to end the logjam in parliament over allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail following efforts over the past few days to reach out to opposition and some of its own allies on the issue.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of signals that the government has decided to hold the contentious FDI decision. It is likely to make a statement on the issue in parliament.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnath Singh said the meeting of floor leaders of political parties will be held at 9.30 a.m. Wednesday before parliament meets following a four-day break.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday spoke to BJP leaders L.K. Advani and Sushma Swaraj and Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury to convey the government's decision to put the FDI decision in abeyance and seek their cooperation in running the houses of parliament.

The opposition leaders suggested that the government call an all-party meeting to convey its viewpoint.

Sushma Swaraj also indicated that her party will keep up its pressure on the government and demand a rollback of its decision or the government should agree to debate the FDI issue under adjournment motion entailing vote.

Mukherjee had Saturday informed Trinamool chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it would put the FDI decision on hold, pending consensus.

Nearly half of the winter session has been lost due to protests and slogan-shouting by opposition members over various issues, mainly FDI in retail.

The government had decided on Nov 25 to allow 51 per cent foreign ownership of multi-brand retail stores and 100 per cent in single brand outlets.