FDI: Mamata says Centre deviated from its own statement

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee cited a statement by former Union Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in the Lok Sabha on December 7, 2011, alleging that the Centre had deviated from its own statement.

"For the knowledge of general public and common people, I am posting the statement given by the Ex-Union Finance Minister on December 7, 2011, in Lok Sabha regarding the decision to permit FDI in retail," Banerjee said in a post on her Facebook page.

"Ex-Union finance minister was that time also the hon'ble leader of the Lok Sabha. Now tell us who has deviated from this statement of the Central government?" she asked.

The Trinamool Congress supremo quoted from the House proceedings to say that the then finance minister stated "...I would just like to make a small statement. Madam Speaker, the decision to permit 51 per cent FDI in multi brand retail trade is suspended till a consensus is developed through consultation amongst various stakeholders.

"I convened a meeting of Leaders of all political parties this morning. Earlier also, I had a meeting with them to discuss on how to resolve this impasse due to which Parliament was not functioning properly.

"I am glad that all the Leaders have agreed to this formulation but they wanted to have some clarifications. I am seeking your permission to provide that clarification that stakeholders include the Chief Ministers of the State governments and political parties because without the involvement of the State Chief Ministers, this can never be implemented.

"Therefore, the government will take a decision after a consensus is developed through the process of consultations amongst all stakeholders."