Grappling with the logjam in Parliament over the decision on FDI in retail, the Congress Core Group today discussed the issue but could not not take any decision.

“No decision,” an informed source said after the hour-long meeting that took place at the residence of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, which was also attended by Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi.

Senior ministers Mr Pranab Mukherjee, Mr A.K. Antony, Mr P. Chidambaram and Congress General-Secretary Mr Ahmed Patel also attended the meeting.

The Commerce Minister, Mr Anand Sharma, was also called in to explain the decision on allowing 51 per cent in FDI in retail over which allies Trinamool Congress and DMK have strong objections while the entire opposition barring Akali Dal is opposed to it.

The meeting is understood to have discussed various options including accepting a debate through an adjournment on the FDI which could end with a voting. In that case, the efforts should be made to persuade the protesting allies to oppose the adjournment motion which would also be suitably toned down in its criticism of the government.

As of now, the Government is sticking to its stand that FDI decision was not taken in haste and would benefit various sections including farmers and consumers alike apart from several other benefits.

Both Houses of Parliament lay paralysed for the seventh successive day without transaction of any business.

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