Bad news for Congress: SP to vote against FDI in Rajya Sabha

The Samajwadi Party on Thursday said it will vote against the decision to introduce Foreign Direct Investment in retail sector in the Rajya Sabha, where the United Progressive Alliance does not have majority on its own.

"We will vote against FDI in Rajya Sabha if the government brings it there," said SP's leader in the Upper House Ramgopal Yadav.

SP has nine members in the 244-member House.

Asked if the party will vote against FDI in Lok Sabha, he retorted, "Ask our leaders from Lok Sabha."

When queried on 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 the issue of 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 ten nominated members may go ahead to vote with the government.

Among the seven independents, three-four may support the government. Bahujan Samaj Party, which extends outside support to the UPA, has 15 members and it has said that it will disclose its stand on the issue on the floor of the House.