NCP leaves Maharashtra question open

In what looked more like yet another Congress-NCP coordination problem in Maharashtra, the latter said it is yet to take a call whether the policy allowing FDI in multi-brand retail will be implemented in the state.

During the debate, NCP minsiter Praful Patel referred to Kapil Sibal's speech on Tuesday noting that the latter had mentioned that the Maharashtra government had given its nod to the policy. "I would like to say it on behalf of my party that there is a coordination committee in the state, which will sit, discuss and after assessing the merits and demerits, our party will give its opinion on whether it has to be done there or not," said Patel.

Yet Patel, in his speech, lambasted the Opposition for its stand against FDI.

"We, as the NCP, have not yet decided on this issue. We will talk to the people in Maharashtra and then take a call," Patel told The Indian Express.

NCP sources said the party may have "some reservations" about some aspects of the policy, and a call will be taken only after analysis and consultation. The fact that Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had taken a call on FDI in multi-brand retail without consulting the NCP might not have gone down well with the partner. NCP sources, however, maintainedthe party will vote for the government in the Rajya Sabha.

Motion to block FDI

AGAINST

"We don't need a certificate to tell us whether we understand this country and the problems faced by small traders"

Anand Sharma, Commerce Minister

"I have no watch, I have no cell phone; they (BJP leaders) have them close to their hearts and when the phone rings, you see them running a 100-metre dash... Nescafe peene walon, poochho Advaniji se Twitter ka istemal kyon kartein hain. Woh videshi nahi hain kya?"

... contd.

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