SP to vote against FDI in Rajya Sabha

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posted on 11 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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With regard to Lok Sabha, SP leaders have been saying that the party will oppose FDI but have remained ambiguous on voting.

New Delhi: In a discomforting news to the government, the Samajwadi Party on Thursday said it will vote against FDI in the Rajya Sabha where UPA does not have majority on its own. "We will vote against FDI in Rajya Sabha if the government brings it there," SP leader in the Upper House Ramgopal Yadav told reporters in New Delhi.

The SP has nine members in the 244-member House. Asked if the party will vote against FDI in the Lok Sabha, he retorted, "Ask our leaders from Lok Sabha." When queried whether the party could have different positions in the two Houses, he said, "This happens many times. This has happened in the past also."

With regard to Lok Sabha, SP leaders have been saying that the party will oppose FDI but have remained ambiguous on voting. On whether there was a communication gap between party leaders in the two Houses, he replied, Sometimes it is deliberate."

In Rajya Sabha, UPA does not have the numbers on its own. In the effective strength of 244 in the Upper House, UPA and its allies have a strength of 94 members. The 10 nominated members may go ahead to vote with the government. Among the seven independents, three-four may support the government. BSP, which extends outside support to UPA, has 15 members and it has said that it will disclose its stand on the issue on the floor of the House.

Asked about the party's opposition to the Bill on reservation in promotion for SC/ST officials, Yadav said, "We are talking about safeguarding the interests of 80 per cent people of the country and at the same time, we are not against the interests of the rest 20 per cent also." He said the party was in favour of reservation in jobs but "we don't support reservation in promotion in government jobs. This proposal is wrong and unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has rejected it and it would be wrong to implement it by forming a law. "

Yadav said the SP has informed the government that it will oppose the Bill in Parliament. "Our strength in Rajya Sabha may be less but when it comes for discussion, we will oppose it...We will not let it to be cleared. We are committed on this issue," the SP leader said.