Tewari takes a dig at Trinamool Congress

As Trinamool's bid to bring a no-confidence motion over FDI fizzled out in Lok Sabha, Union Minister Manish Tewari on Thursday took a dig at the former ally saying it was a 'peculiar' situation as a 19-member party was trying to decide the 'course of action' in the house.

"We have said this earlier also. Indeed it is very peculiar that a party of 19 members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha is proposing such a course of action. It would be appropriate if they reflect upon the implication of their action," the information and broadcasting minister told reporters outside Parliament.

Defending government's stand on the FDI issue, Tewari said, "After all the government has put in place an enabling frame work. If a state government does not want FDI in multi-brand retail, then they are free to do so. But then they should not interfere in other states for the larger public interest and consumer interest."

Asked whether government favours voting on FDI, he said presiding officers have to decide on it.