As the stalemate in Parliament over Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail persisted for eighth consecutive day on Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah mocked at the Parliamentarians for getting new iPads and asked them to play 'angry birds' for spending free time.
“Good to hear MPs have got iPads. Now other than all the work they can spend their free time playing "Angry Birds" in Central Hall,” Omar wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter.
The chief minister, who has openly supported the UPA government’s decision to introduce foreign equity in single-brand and multi-retail sectors, had criticised the opposition lobby for stalling Parliamentary proceedings on allowing FDI in retail.
“No one is forcing FDI in retail down anyone's throat. States not interested have the right of first refusal. What could be more fair?” Omar had said.
“I see no reason to hold the nation to ransom now,” the chief minister further said apparently taking a dig at opposition parties.
Omar had even said the time has come for ‘no work, no pay’ for MPs if minimum hours of business were not transacted.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has stayed firm on FDI decision and has refused to withdraw its cabinet decision to allow 51% FDI in multi-brand retail and 100% in single-brand retail. United and vociferous opposition had been demanding withdrawal of the FDI policy.
{{/usCountry}}Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has stayed firm on FDI decision and has refused to withdraw its cabinet decision to allow 51% FDI in multi-brand retail and 100% in single-brand retail. United and vociferous opposition had been demanding withdrawal of the FDI policy.
{{/usCountry}}The 21-day-long winter session of Parliament- eight days of which have already been wasted due to repeated disruptions and adjournments-- was scheduled to consider and pass 31 important bills, including the anti-graft Lokpal Bill.