Wednesday, August 24 2005 14:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Opposition today (August 24, 2005) walked out of the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour expressing dissatisfaction over Commerce Minister Kamal Nath's reply on permitting FDI in the retail sector.

The Opposition members, supported by United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) outside supporters, including Left parties and Samajwadi Party (SP), repeatedly demanded a categorical assurance from the Government that FDI in retail sector would not be allowed without taking Parliament into confidence.

When the Minister said he had taken note of the sentiments of the House and informed them that a discussion was being held with all stake holders in this regard, members belonging to BJP and its NDA allies once again stood up to demand a categorical answer. They were supported by some Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and SP members.

A senior Congress member P J Kurien also said that FDI in the retail sector should not be allowed without a discussion in Parliament on such an important matter, giving added strength to the Opposition.

Sensing the mood of the House, Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat put a specific query to the Minister if he could give some assurance.

To this, the Commerce Minister said, "If the issue requires discussion, you may allow it."

But, the NDA members were unhappy with the Minister's stand and staged a walkout.

Earlier, responding to supplementaries, Nath said that no detailed proposal had been finalised as yet on allowing FDI in the retail sector.