Allies will be consulted on 'tough' decisions: Manmohan Singh

Against the backdrop of stiff opposition by UPA constituent Trinamool Congress to FDI in retail and rail fare hike, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the government will consult allies and take them on board whenever "tough" decisions are taken.

In his reaction to the General Budget presented in Parliament, he acknowledged that coalition "compulsions" would pose difficulties but made it clear that the government was committed to ensuring faster, sustainable and equitable growth at the rate of 8-9 per cent.

When asked in an interview to Doordarshan whether allies like Mamata Banerjee were on board in the government's reforms process, Singh said, "I think these are compulsions of managing the coalition.

"There will be difficulties. There have been difficulties but ultimately if the government is to govern, it must have a sustainable strategy of managing the economy. I sincerely hope when the time comes to take relevant decisions which are tough, we will consult all our allies and take them on board," he said.

The statement assumes significance as it comes against the backdrop of stiff opposition by major UPA constituent Trinamool Congress to reform measures like allowing FDI in retail and raising railway passenger fares.

In view of Trinamool opposition, the proposal to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail has been put on hold.