SP to vote against FDI in Rajya Sabha

The Samajwadi Party (SP) Thursday said it would vote against foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail in the Rajya Sabha even as it continues to support the government on the issue in the Lok Sabha.

"If there is a vote on FDI in Rajya Sabha we will vote against it… we will not let it pass," party leader Ram Gopal Yadav said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar allowed a debate with voting rights under rule 184 in the upper house. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla announced that a debate with voting rights would also take place in Rajya Sabha.

Earlier in the day, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the fifth day following a ruckus by SP MPs over a proposal to introduce quota in job promotions while BJP members demanded a debate on FDI in multi-brand retail.

Both houses of parliament have been seeing disruptions since the winter session began Nov 22.

The SP lends outside support to the United Progressive Alliance government.