FDI debate with voting to end parliament logjam

New Delhi, Nov 29 (IANS) The debate on allowing foreign investment in multi−brand retail would be discussed with voting in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, signalling an end to the logjam in parliament over the issue.

While the debate in the Lok Sabha would be held under rule 184, which entails voting, in the Rajya Sabha it would be held under rules 167 and 168.

The Lok Sabha debate is likely to be held on Dec 4 and 5, said sources. Speaker Meira Kumar is to announce the dates later Thursday.

In the Rajya Sabha, members were upset after the Lok Sabha allowed debate with voting. The upper house was adjourned after members created ruckus over a proposal to allow quota in job promotions and over FDI in retail.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath met Leader of Opposition in the upper house Arun Jaitley separately. Later, Rajya Sabha chairperson Hamid Ansari called a meeting of leaders of political parties.

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar allowed the debate in response to notices submitted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Communist Party of India−Marxist (CPI−M) for a debate under rule 184.

“I have allowed a debate on FDI retail under rule 184,” the speaker said.

Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj assured that the house would run smoothly after the debate.

“I thank you for allowing the motion and I assure you that now the house will run smoothly,” she said.

Both houses of parliament have been witnessing disruptions since the winter session began Nov 22, with the opposition adamant on a debate on the issue under rules that entail voting.

IANS 2012-11-29 14:08:04