Sticking to their earlier stand, Trinamul Congress leadership stated that they will vote against government's decision to allow FDI in retail. On the other hand, even though Samajwadi patry and Bahujan Samaj Party have still not cleared their stand, they hinted to support government in the voting process.

BSP Chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav both have said that their parties will take a call on the floor of the House, indicating that they might abstain from voting.

Tuesday is a significant day for the country as the debate on FDI in retail will commence in the parliament under rule 184, which allows voting for or against the move of ruling UPA government.

The current strength of the parties regarding the vote is as follows:

Favoring FDI in retail: Congress(206) + DMK(18) + Others(30) + RJD(4) + JDS(3) = 261 Total.

Against FDI in retail : NDA(152) + Left(24)+ Trinamool(19) = 195

Abstaining from vote: SP (22) + BSP (21) = 43

(AW-Jyotishman)