A much awaited end to the logjam in the Lower House on the issue of FDI in multi-brand retail has been announced by the Speaker Meira Kumar on Thursday as per the stipulated Rule 184 that implied a voting on the same following a debate.

Meira Kumar made the decision after the House had convoked at today at 11 am. However, the date and the time of the debate and the voting that would follow were not announced yet. She mentioned that they would be decided soon.

Sushma Swaraj, the leader of Opposition, expressed her satisfaction with the decision by thanking the speaker for the discussion while promising smooth functioning of the House for the winter sessions.

A few sources indicate that the meeting and discussion would be wrapped up on Monday and the vote would most likely be held on Tuesday or Wednesday. It has been clear that the vote would be non-binding to the government.

However, it would only be a political embarrassment to UPA if it loses the vote though the loss would not pose any threat to the government.

The Rajya Sabha would remain adjourned till noon after the uproar on the issue of FDI in retail. There was no mention of a debate over the issue yet.

Parliamentary Affairs Minster, Kamal Nath has been hoping that the impasse in the parliament would end today when he met with Lok Sabha Speaker along with Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj of the BJP. The latter has appealed to the speaker that a debate entailing a vote should be held while threatening that their party wouldn't let the parliament function otherwise.

(AW- Anil)