Government talks to allies, hopeful of FDI resolution

As the government called for an all-party meeting to break the logjam in parliament over foreign investment in retail, union minister Ashwani Kumar Monday said talks were on with supporters and allies towards a "satisfactory resolution".

"Talks are being held with allies and supporting parties. Some satisfactory resolution will emerge," Law Minister Ashwani Kumar told IANS.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left are insisting on a discussion on the government's decision to allow foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail under rules that entail voting.

The government, which has not agreed to the opposition demand, called for an all-party meeting to be headed by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath in parliament.

Congress sources added that party leaders had held talks with allies and supporting parties, including the DMK, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, to know their stance in case of discussion under voting rules.

They said the ruling United Progressive Alliance along with its supporting parties was in a minority in the Rajya Sabha and the government would not like a situation where an opposition motion is carried by majority.