The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath has convened a meeting of all party leaders on Monday to discuss the issue of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retail sector.

The move comes in the wake of stiff opposition from the BJP and Left parties, who are demanding a discussion in Parliament under relevant rule that provides for voting. Both Houses of Parliament faced repeated adjournments over the FDI in retail and other issues and could not transact any business this week.

The BJP has alleged that the Government is going back on its promise of building consensus on the issue and has demanded a discussion in Parliament with voting on the issue.

CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury has also said that left parties will not buzz from their stand for a discussion with voting.

The Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma has, however, said that there is already a strong consensus in favour of FDI in retail among various stake holders.

He said, his Ministry has held intensive discussion with major farmer's associations, Apex Industry chambers, Consumer Federations and Medium and Small Enterprises.

He said, consultations were also held with Chief Ministers of 16 states and 10 out of them have spoken in favour of the issue.

The Minister said the Government's decision on FDI in retail is just an executive matter and does not require Parliament's approval.