Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi is quite firm in his support for foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail sector in India. According to the sources, the young leader has very clearly expressed his views that he stands with the prime minister’s decision, during an important meeting of select Congress leaders involved with the UP poll strategy. The meeting was chaired by Rahul Gandhi where all union ministers from UP as well as Congress MPs from the state were present.

The Congress general secretary is learnt to have said that the UPA government should not roll back its decision to allow 51% of FDI in the Indian retail market. He added that the decision, a very matured move by the UPA government, is in the public interest.

Gandhi’s statement assumes significance amid speculation that the clamour on FDI was increasing within the Congress party also, and a few of union minister and congress MPs — especially from Uttar Pradesh — were not happy with the timing of the bill in parliament. According to the sources, Gandhi’s firm stand on the issue was prompted by the union ministers and party MPs from the state strongly condemning the PM’s decision in the meeting. However, their tone changes soon afterwards, sources said.

In view of the upcoming elections in the state, likely in April next year, all union ministers and Congress MPs, belonging to the state, are submitting their daily reports to Gandhi who is directing leading the party’s campaign in the state.