Efforts are on to break the stalemate in the Parliament on government's decision to allow foreign retailers in the country in Multi-Brand shops.

The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh met the leaders of DMK and Trinamool with an objective to explain the rationale of the government's decision of allowing 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail.

Both allies of UPA expressed reservation over the issue. Agency reports said Dr. Manmohan Singh gave no assurance of any roll back. Commerce Minister Anand Sharma was also present in the meeting to explain in greater details the benefits decision will bring about to small farmers and traders.

The stalemate in Parliament over FDI in retail and other issues led to adjournment in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha for the eighth consecutive day yesterday.

Lok Sabha was adjourned following uproar over the issue of FDI in retail, Telangana and Mullaperiyar issues. While, the Rajya Sabha adjourned after witnessing noisy scenes over FDI and other issues.

Meanwhile, Congress has challenged the opposition to move a no confidence motion against the government if they have required strength.

Party spokesman, Rashid Alvi called upon the opposition not to disrupt proceedings in Parliament.

He asserted that government's decision on allowing Foreign Direct Investment – FDI – in the multi-brand retail sector is in the interest of the country.

He said the BJP-led NDA in its 2004 election manifesto had also favoured the entry of 26 per cent FDI in the retail sector.

The BJP on the other hand charged the government of being in minority in Parliament on the issue of Foreign Direct Investment. Senior party leader S S Ahluwalia alleged that the government is shying away from debates with voting provisions in Parliament.

The CPIM has said the decision on FDI issue amounts to impropriety as the winter session of Parliament is on.

Senior party leader Sitaram Yechury said government is not interested to end the ongoing logjam on FDI issue.