LUCKNOW: The Samajwadi Party is still playing a guessing game over the vote on FDI in Parliament. Political pundits have not ruled out the possibility of the SP voting against the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), at least in Rajya Sabha, to gain political edge over the Bahujan Samaj Party if it abstains from voting. SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will, however, take the final call on his party's stance in Lok Sabha.
Lok Sabha will debate and vote on FDI under Rule 184 while Rajya Sabha will do the same under Rule 168. Both the rules entail voting. The results may end up embarrassing the UPA ahead of 2014 general elections if it falls short of the numbers, albeit there is no threat to its survival.
Given the conflict of political interests, SP may stand against arch rival BSP in both the Houses without posing any immediate threat to the UPA. The party is trying to achieve dual goals: one, to show that it will not side with the UPA; and, second, to gain political edge over the BSP. Although SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav on Thursday stated that the party would not allow passage of FDI in Rajya Sabha, hours later Mulayam contradicted him claiming that the party was yet to decide on the issue.
The UPA is in minority in Rajya Sabha with 87 MPs and unlikely to reach 122 majority mark as it will require roping in "outside-supporters" like the BSP (15 MPs), SP (nine) and RJD (two) which totals 113 votes. The UPA can bank on nine out of the 10 nominated MPs whom it backed except Sachem Tendulkar who is playing the ongoing Test series against England. The UPA can also count on the remaining seven independent and those from smaller parties to cross the 122 mark.
A vote against FDI will help SP strengthen its ties with the Left parties, as a result of which he hopes to become third front's prime minister in 2014. Most SP leaders favour voting against FDI. The mood is a binding factor for Mulayam's new found bonhomie with veteran Congressman ND Tewari, who is believed to be depending on Mulayam to settle scores with the party. Tewari, sources said, has assured Mulayam of support from at least three of his loyalists, who are sitting Congress MPs, after 2014 elections.
SP's only concern is that voting against the FDI will see it aligning with the BJP which is set to reject FDI in multi-brand retail.
Samajwadi Party keeps UPA in suspense over FDI vote
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Samajwadi Party keeps UPA in suspense over FDI vote
