New Delhi, Sep 15: Congress today saw “no crisis” over the opposition of it allies like TMC to the FDI in retail and said that the party was fully behind Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue.
Ruling out a roll-back of the decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail and the hike in diesel prices, the party said that they were “not surprise decisions”.
Party spokesperson PC Chacko said that the decision to hike diesel prices was “inevitable” and that on FDI in retail was “well-thought out and thoroughly considered”. “Congress President has expressed full support to Government's decision on FDI in multi-brand retail. The Prime Minister has full support of the party on the issue,” he said.
While maintaining that Congress takes “seriously” the opinions expressed by ally Trinamool Congress on diesel hike, Chacko also said that it was not a “surprise decision” and the petroleum price hike was on the card for a long time.
“This is an issue that cannot be dismissed in one sentence. There are two opinions on this matter in all parties. Even among those opposing it, there are people, who think that it is right decision given the circumstances,” Chacko said.
“No crisis will happen. We are confident that nothing serious will happen affecting the government's stability. We have full majority...every party has to be ready for the floor test,” was his refrain while replying to a question on whether Congress will be able to prove its majority in the back drop of stiff opposition by Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party supporting it from outside.
Downplaying the opposition by Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi party to the measures, he said that “differences amid coalition partners can be sorted out. We hope that good sense will prevail on all the parties and Government will have full support from all parties for the decisions.”
“Government is not discussing revision of prices and other things at this moment,” Chacko said while replying to another question.
