The government today asserted that all the stakeholders including Chief Ministers have been consulted before allowing 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the multi-brand retail sector. Replying to the resumed discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma refuted opposition allegations that they were not consulted. He said most of the Chief Ministers replied in response to his communication. Outlining the benefits to the farming community and the common man, the Minister cited examples of foreign countries, which have allowed FDI in the multi-brand retail sector.

The Minister is continuing with his reply. The voting will take place later in the day.
The Rajya Sabha resumed discussion on FDI today after suspending the question hour. As soon as the House met for the day, Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari said the reply by the minister will take place at 1430 hours. Mr Ansari said 23 speakers had participated in the discussion on FDI in the House yesterday. Eleven more members wanted to take part in the discussion today. He said the question hour has been dispensed with on the request of those members who could not participate in the discussion yesterday. The Chairman said he has acceded to their request.
Resuming the discussion, Balvinder Singh Bhunder of the Shiromani Akali Dal opposed the government's decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in retail sector saying that the foreign investors will be of no use to the Indian farming community.
Shanta Kumar of the BJP said the
government should allow FDI in important sectors like Railway expansion and tourism. Shivanand Tewari of the JD(U) criticizing the economic policies of the World Bank, IMF, ADB, called for a full-fledged discussion in the House on the adverse impact of the world economic policies on the Indian culture and life style of the people.
Dr Prabha Thakur of the Congress said the FDI will bring greater opportunities to the farmers to market their produce. She said it will create more jobs.

Shanta Kumar of the BJP said the government should allow FDI in important sectors like Railway expansion and tourism projects.
CPI leader D Raja disapproved FDI in retail saying India is drifting from the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution.
Kumar Deepak Das of the Asom Gana Parishad said his party is not against economic reforms but not at the cost of poor farmers and unemployed youth.
Biswajeet Daimary of the Bodoland People's Front supported the government on FDI.

Devender Singh Prajapati of the Indian National Lok Dal, Ram Vilas Paswan of the Lok Jana Shakti Party and Amar Singh, Indpendent, also participated in the discussion.