New Delhi: Warning the political parties opposing the decision of foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said that the states that don't want FDI in retail shouldn't hamper those who do.
Acknowledging that discussions are on with TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other allies on FDI in retail, Mukherjee said, "Our message is don't stand in the way of someone wanting to go ahead with FDI. All facilities required for implementation of FDI in retail is with the states, they can use their authority in their territory and not obstruct the enabling policy for those who want to implement FDI in retail."
The Finance Minister on Friday addressed the media after the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi.
The DMK and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) are still opposed to the FDI decision and want a discussion in Parliament.
While ally DMK has shown signs of coming around, it is Mamata, thriving on support of small time shopkeepers in West Bengal, who is playing hardball.
Showing the party's distress on the issue, TMC member and Railways Minister Dinesh Trivedi skipped Thursday's Cabinet meet.
It is crucial for the Government to get TMC on board and sources say, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may directly speak to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee to find a way out.
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