The United Progressive Alliance government has the requisite numbers to prevail in the House if there is a vote over the issue of foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad told reporters here on Wednesday.
“The UPA’s coordination committee has decided to either hold a discussion under rule 184 [entails voting] or 193 [no voting]. Therefore, the NDA has no reason to stall Parliament. Whatever be the decision, the UPA has enough numbers,” Mr. Prasad said.
The RJD had taken a stand in favour of the UPA’s decision to bring in FDI.
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Commenting on the arrest of Zee executives, Mr. Prasad said, “Naveen Jindal is a businessman and he should do his business. He should not mess with the media. They should find an amicable solution.”
Asked about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar featuring in the Foreign Policy magazine’s list of global thinkers, he said, “In the U.S., this goes on. Once an American journal said Patna was the best city. Now the same city saw the Chhath puja tragedy. So you think for yourself.”