Won't back FDI in retail: Mamata to PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's attempt to win over ally Trinamool Congress on government's decision to allow FDI in retail was today rebuffed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who bluntly told him her party cannot back the move.

However, Banerjee also made it clear that her party was not not in favour of the UPA government being toppled even as Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee asked the allies and Opposition not to stand in the way of other states implementing the policy.

The jostling over FDI in retail continued to paralyse Parliament for the ninth successive as both the Houses adjourned for a long week-end to reconvene only next Wednesday.

The  message of Banerjee, whose party Trinamool Congress is the second largest constituent of the UPA along with DMK having 18 MPs each, was made clear when Singh spoke to her and sought her party's support to the government's decision.

The Trinamool Congress chief told reporters in Dankuni in Hooghly district that the Prime Minister spoke to her on telephone and sought her party's support.

"I told him respectfully that we don't want the government to be toppled on this issue.  This is a very sensitive issue.  But at the same time, it is not not possible for us to FDI entry into retail sector.  I am sorry," she said.

"Since you are requesting me, we can discuss this in the party.  But our party's stand is clear," Banerjee said adding she urged the prime minister to reconsider the decision.