DMK Seeks Fresh Round of UPA Discussion on FDI

Chennai: The DMK, a constituent of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, wants another round of discussion within the coalition on allowing FDI in retail, union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

Azad met DMK president M. Karunanidhi here, seeking his party's support for the central government's move to allow FDI in retail.

Soon after his meeting, Azad told reporters here that the DMK president suggested another round of discussion with the alliance partners on the issue.

According to Azad, such a meeting of alliance partners will be held in a day or two where the parties could express their views.

The DMK, which has 18 members in the Lok Sabha, had earlier expressed its opposition to FDI in retail.

The DMK president was assured that the central government would not force any state government to allow FDI in retail.

The Congress is seeking the support of its allies on the government's move to allow FDI.

The opposition parties have demanded discussion with voting in parliament on FDI in retail and the government is taking a stock of the views of its allies on the matter.