Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath has convened a meeting of all party leaders on Monday to discuss the issue of Foreign Direct Investment in the retail sector. The move comes in the wake of stiff opposition from BJP and Left parties, who are demanding a discussion under relevant rule that provides for voting in Parliament.

Demanding a debate on FDI in multi-brand retail Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley yesterday said that Parliament is above the government and a voting on the issue is a must. Briefing the media BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said the government is afraid of the voting clause because it does not have a majority in the Lok Sabha.

CPIM leader Sitaram Yechury said that the Parliamentary Affairs Minister should talk to all party leaders in the Lok Sabha separately. He also said that Left parties will not budge from their stand for a discussion with voting.

Meanwhile, the Janata Dal (United) President Sharad Yadav said, the discussion on FDI is under Rule 184 or 193 and there should be a debate on this issue. He appealed to all political parties including BSP and Samajwadi Party to allow Parliament to function.

On the FDI issue, BSP chief Ms Mayawati said, first government has to decide, then her party will make its stand clear on the floor of the House.

Over the issue of reservation to SCs and STs in promotions, Ms Mayawati said, her party has struggled a lot for bringing amendment to the SC/ST promotion Bill.

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma has ruled out building political consensus on the issue of FDI in Retail. Addressing a news conference in New Delhi yesterday, he said there was already a strong consensus in favour of FDI among various stakeholders and that does not necessarily should imply political parties.

He said consulations on the issue were held with many Chief Ministers, including agrarian and representing half of the country who have spoken in favour of the issue.

The Minister said that FDI in Retail is only an enabling policy. The states can decide whether or not to roll out the policy as ultimately it is the state government will issue licenses to retail shops. Mr. Sharma also clarified that FDI in retail will be initially allowed only in cities with a population of more than ten lakhs.