CPI-M wants parliament debate, voting on FDI

The CPI-M said Wednesday it has given notices for debate on FDI in in both houses under rules that entail voting, and asked the government to take parliament approval for its executive decision allow FDI in multi-brand retail.

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters that party members have served notices in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha seeking discussion on the issue during the winter session of parliament, starting Nov 22.

"We wish to take it up for a proper discussion under rules that entail voting," Yechury said.
He said the government should consider taking parliament approval for foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail and "not go behind cover".

Yechury hoped other parties will join the CPI-M in opposing the government move. Party leader Basudeb Acharia told IANS Tuesday that opposing FDI in multi-brand retail was his party's "top priority" in the winter session.

The CPI-M will talk to other parties supporting the government on the issue, he said. Acharia indicated that the Left parties also intended to raise the issues of price rise, controversy surrounding coal blocks allocation and alleged favours to Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in land deals by the Haryana government.