The Lok Sabha will take up discussion on the FDI in multi-brand retail today under Rule 184 which intails voting. Both Congress and BJP have issued whips to their MPs to be present in the House and vote according to instructions of their Party. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj is likely to initiate the debate on the issue on the BJP's behalf. BJP Parliamentary Party will formulate the strategy to be adopted in both Houses at a meeting this morning before the session begins. Left Parties, AIADMK, Trinamool Congress, Biju Janata Dal, Assam Gana Parishad and some other parties are also against the government's decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail. Samajwadi Party is yet to clear its stand on the issue. The BSP Chief Mayawati yesterday indicated that she will support the Government in Parliament on the issue saying the Centre has not thrust the policy on the States. Ms. Mayawati said, her aim to keep communal forces at bay will also determine her party's stand in Parliament.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had on Thursday allowed a discussion in the Lower House on the FDI in multi-brand retail under Rule 184, which entails voting.

The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh yesterday sought the support of the AIADMK on FDI in multi-brand retail, urging it to re-consider its opposition in national interest. Dr Singh made the appeal when a delegation of AIADMK MPs called on him to seek the Centre’s help on various demands. The MPs agreed to convey his appeal to their leader, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. The AIADMK has nine MPs in Lok Sabha and five in the Rajya Sabha.