Electoral politics obstructing FDI in retail: Pranab

New Delhi: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday claimed that foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail sector will significantly reduce post harvest losses and targeted the Opposition parties for obstructing the implementation of the FDI policy. "Narrow political considerations are coming in the way of decisions like FDI in retail," said Pranab Mukherjee while addressing the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi. Reiterating that the Government will ultimately be able to persuade everyone on FDI in retail, Mukherjee said, "Discussions are on with Mamata (TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee) and other allies on FDI in retail." "Our message is don't stand in the way of someone wanting to go ahead with FDI. All facilities required for implementation of FDI in retail is with the states, they can use their authority in their territory and not obstruct the enabling policy for those who want to implement FDI in retail," he added. Flaying the Opposition for obstructing winter session of Parliament over the FDI issue, Mukherjee said, "Executive decisions don't need discussion in Parliament. It's very worrying, important legislations are pending."