Speaker Meira Kumar rejects BJP, Left demand for separate debates on FDI, FEMA

However, Nath opposed the demand saying the two issues were related and because of this they have been clubbed.

"One subject cannot be discussed in three-four forms … Amendments can be moved even today if any member wants ... I don't know why there is confusion, I don't know why there is hesitation ... This (FEMA) also will be voted upon ... I don't know why they are running away from vote," he said.

He said opposition should "welcome" the vote as it was demanded by them. "Why are you hiding behind a rule to avoid a vote," he asked.

Murli Manohar Joshi (BJP) said clubbing the two issues was violation of the rights of a member to move amendments.

Dasgupta hit out Nath saying a minister should not shout.

"Parliamentary (Affairs) Minister should have wisdom that nobody is running away (from vote)...We are firm...I am sure you have been able to manoeuvre majority with your technology ... If you have manoeuvred majority here, we will fight you elsewhere," Gupta said.

Sinha too said that no one is running away from vote.

Referring to members' concerns about their right to move amendments to FEMA in 30 days, the Speaker said "the 30-day period is intact...it has not been taken away".

Noting that last one week of Parliament was lost in fight over Rule 184, Shinde said the House should go ahead with common debate and vote on the two related subjects. Sinha sought separation of the two issues citing a precedence of 1957 when discussion and debate were clubbed on mines and mineral bill but the Speaker ruled that the two situations were different and that example was not applicable in the present case.

Oppn attacks govt on FDI, wants rollback

Slamming the government for allowing FDI in retail, Opposition today asked it to withdraw the decision in national interest fearing it would render retailers jobless, impoverish farmers and hurt consumers.

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