The decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail, which was announced in September, does not require Parliamentary approval because it is an executive action but if the opposition comes together and have their motions adopted in Parliament, it will be a moral defeat and an embarrassment for the UPA.
To add to government's discomfiture, sulking ally DMK declined to disclose its stand on how it would vote either on such motions or a no-confidence motion, which is likely to be moved by erstwhile UPA constituent Trinamool Congress.
At present, the government enjoys the support of about 265 MPs, including 18 of DMK, in a house of 545. With the support of Samajwadi Party (22) and BSP (21), the backing for the ruling coalition goes a little over 300, which is comfortable over the required 273 in Lok Sabha.
BSP and SP together or individually have not shown signs of withdrawing support so far. MORE