The DMK leadership even at that point of time had raised objections to FDI, saying it was not acceptable to them, he said.
He said it was on the demand of a number of parties, including DMK, and state governments that the Centre made an enabling provision that it will not enforce the decision on FDI in retail sector on those states which are against it, and it was left to the respective governments.
Azad said he assured the DMK leadership that the Centre “will not force the DMK or any government to implement FDI in states against their wishes.”
Noting that Karunanidhi suggested one more meeting of like-minded parties, particularly the UPA allies, Azad said he assured him that within a day or two, “we will have another meeting of alliance parties so that they can express their views.”