Government has said it would reach out to its ally DMK to convince it about benefits of FDI in multi-brand retail. Speaking to reporters onboard PM’s Special air craft Commerce Minister Anand Sharma described DMK as a valuable ally.
He said Prime Minister and senior leadership of Congress will speak to the leadership of DMK on the FDI issue. Anand Sharma insisted that interests of small traders have been fully protected. Asserting that the UPA remains strong even though there could be differences of approach of parties, he said all allies understand that stability is imperative considering the prevailing situation in the country and world.
On the issue of opposition seeking to corner the government in the upcoming Parliament session, Anand Sharma said, government will effectively answer the opponents. Attacking the move to drag the FDI issue to Parliament, Anand Sharma maintained that an executive decision has never been voted upon in Parliament.
He also rejected the opposition contention that FDI has been notified under Foreign Exchange Management Act,FEMA and should be voted upon in Parliament. He asserted these are only guidelines and voting can take place only if an amendment is brought to the FEMA Act.
The minister said FDI decision was taken when Parliament was not in session and the prescribed period was yet to lapse. He accused the Opposition of having selective memory. Questioning the hue and cry over the FDI decision, he said former NDA government had decided to allow FDI in organised retail.
Earlier in his opening remarks Anand Sharma said that Prime Minister had a successful visit to Cambodia.Dr. Manmohan Singh returned back home last evening after holding bilateral discussions with US president Barak Obama, Chinese and Japanese premiers apart from other leaders of the grouping.
He articulated India’s point of view powerfully in the India-ASEAN and East Asia meeting. He was accompanied by a high level delegation including Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, National security advisor Shiv Shanker Menon.
