NEW DELHI: The UPA can easily clear the voting test on its decision to allow FDI in retail, but is keen to avoid a contest in order to escape criticism from the very same allies who will help it best the opposition.
The government's edge in the numbers game was evident at the all-party meeting called by parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath on Monday to discuss a resolution of the standoff in Parliament, with UPA partner DMK as well as outside supporters SP and BSP making it plain yet again that they won't ditch the government in any tussle with the opposition.
However, the government was not spoiling for a vote yet because of the recognition that the satisfaction of yet another triumph over the opposition may be undercut by a display of the sharp rift in the ruling coalition over a measure that the government has showcased as proof of its just-found resolve to rev up reforms.
The Monday meeting of political parties saw finance minister P Chidambaram appealing to the opposition to drop their demand for a vote on the ground that the perception of division over reforms would interfere with his objective to mobilize $70 billion through the triad of FDI, FII and ECB.
SP, BSP and DMK, which will help the government sail through the contest on FDI, have been critical of the decision. The all-party meeting saw DMK's T R Baalu regretting that "the issue could have been handled better".
Although they are certain not to side with the opposition in a vote on the desirability of letting in global supermarket chains, the three parties are likely to use aggressive rhetoric to counter the perception of dilution of their opposition: a situation that the government wants to dodge.
A meeting of UPA partners has been called on Tuesday to formulate a common stand on the tussle which ensured that the two Houses conducted no business on Monday either.
The BJP, the Left and allies stuck to their guns that discussion on FDI in multi-brand retail be followed by voting, a demand the government is loath to accept. They were supported by JD(U), Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, BJD, AIADMK and TDP.
Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhyaya's comment that the party was not really bothered about the rule under which the debate may happen led to some speculation that Mamata Banerjee, whose no-confidence motion failed to find support from either NDA or the Left, may retaliate by staying neutral.
However, TMC's chief whip in Rajya Sabha Derek O'Brien, one of the attendees, disputed the interpretation which had led to some celebration in Congress circles. "The speculation is laughable, considering that we left the government on the issue of FDI. Sudip merely wanted to say that Trinamool was focused on the government's ouster, and would not like to join the quibble over rules," he said.
The government and the opposition camps were neatly cleaved on the controversial issue but Congress managers appeared more comfortable than in the past after "outside supporters" SP and BSP told the all-party meeting that the chair of the respective Houses should decide the section under which the discussion is held.
Lalu Prasad's RJD stayed firmly with the government, saying the BJP should he hauled up for advocating 100% FDI during the Vajpayee government.
On the other side, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj was insistent on a discussion under a voting clause. "There will be no compromise on (Rule) 184 (which entails voting)." Asked if BJP would not allow Parliament to function, she replied, "No compromise at all... When I said no compromise, it means something."
The uncompromising attitude of the main opposition party could threaten another session of Parliament and UPA managers are assessing if BJP could go all the way. The ruling party wants early resumption of proceedings to convey it is in charge.
UPA has the numbers, but keen to avoid vote on FDI
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UPA has the numbers, but keen to avoid vote on FDI
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UPA has the numbers, but keen to avoid vote on FDI
