FDI in retail: PM hopes for smooth functioning of Parl

New Delhgi: Two days to go before Parliament resumes and the Prime Minister has expressed hope that Parliament will function smoothly after Friday's adjournment brought on by pandemonium in both Houses on the FDI in retail issue.

This even as the opposition in no uncertain terms serves the government an ultimatum to rollback the decision or face more adjournments. The government seems to be blinking due to sustained pressure from its own allies and opposition.

This has prompted Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh to launch another attack on the Opposition. He says the BJP is trying to destabilize the UPA government.

Speaking on the sidelines of a naval function, the Prime Minister said he was hopeful of parliament resuming normalcy as it resumes from Wednesday.

But it could well turn out to be wishful thinking, the BJP and JD(U), two of the most vociferous critics of government handling of FDI in retail are still unwilling to move from their position.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "Government must rollback FDI in retail or face adjournment motion in Parliament."

JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav said, “Either the government should withdraw FDI in retail or face adjournment motion in the house.”

The Prime Minister will also face the embarrassing situation of explaining why he chose to put FDI in retail on the backburner after showing so much of enthusiasm and why didn't he make the announcement himself after all the only person who has spoken out in clear terms so far is Mamata herself.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamtaa Banerjee said, "Pranab Mukherjee has assured me that FDI in retail will not be brought out in this session."

Either way MPs will be hoping that there will be some meaningful work in Parliament when they meet after a break of four days.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)