After wining it in Lok Sabha the confident UPA government is all set to win the vote on FDI in multi-brand retail in Rajya Sabha too. The government has the support of Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and most likely seven out of ten nominated members will stay on government's side.

For UPA, Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma took the lead in the debate. In his speech he criticized BJP for saying- FDI will create salesboys and salesgirls. "By saying that FDI in retail will create salesgirls and salesboys, BJP is disrespecting those who earn their living by selling products in shops not owned by them," the minister said. Mr. Sharma's another comment on JD(U) leader NK Singh invited the wrath of the opposition and the house was adjourned till 2.30 in the afternoon.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called up all the nominated members ahead of the vote on FDI in multi-brand retail in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. Of the 10 nominated members, three including cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, may not be present due to personal reasons.

The number game ahead of the vote is as follows : In the 244-member house, the halfway mark is 123. The UPA strength is 89. With the BSP's 15 members, its numbers will climb to 104. With the support of smaller parties, including RJD, it will get six more votes, taking the tally to 110. If the seven nominated members vote for government then UPA tally will be 121.

More updates to follow.

(AW-Jyotishman)