New Delhi: The Congress-led UPA government faces acid test in two Houses of Parliament on Tuesday with “friendly parties” like BSP and SP not clearing their stand and a united opposition appearing firm to corner the ruling coalition on the issue of allowing FDI in multi-brand retail.

The debate on FDI will finally take place after the UPA government agreed to hold a debate in Lok Sabha on the issue under rule 184 and under Rule 168 in Rajya Sabha, both entailing vote.

Though, the UPA government is confident of sailing through in the lower house, it does not have the required numbers in the Rajya Sabha.

While Congress is making all out efforts to bring its constituents and outside supports on board, the entire BJP-led NDA is united in opposing the FDI decision. The Left parties, AIADMK, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and some other parties are also against the decision.

The Prime Minister has, meanwhile, urged the AIADMK to reconsider its opposition to the policy in national interest. This may, however, upset the UPA’s southern ally DMK, which has eventually come around to vote for the government despite their opposition.

UPA’s crisis managers have also worked overtime to garner crucial support from regional parties like SP and BSP.

The role of the SP and the BSP, which support the Congress-led UPA government from outside, would be crucial in the Rajya Sabha.

SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav surprised everyone by saying, “If there is a vote on FDI in Rajya Sabha, we will vote against it. We will not let it pass.”

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla said,” We are in touch with both the SP and the BSP. We hope they will vote in favour of FDI in retail.”

BSP chief Mayawati said that her party does not support FDI and would decide how to vote on the “floor of house” Dec 5.

“Inviting FDI in retail without clauses for the use of local produce would mean an invitation to foreigners to earn maximum profits here. FDI in retail will affect farmers and small traders,” she told reporters.

The SP led by Mulayam Singh Yadav is irked over what it feels is the UPA’s support for reservation for Dalits and tribals in job promotions, an idea backed by its archrival, the BSP.

The Congress had earlier issued a whip to all its members asking them to be present in the Lok Sabha on December 4 and 5 for the crucial debate and vote on FDI in retail.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath yesterday said that the government would get the amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), required to facilitate FDI in multi-brand retail, passed in both houses, if needed.

Of the total 245 members in the Rajya Sabha, the UPA has a strength of 90. With 27 outside supporters from the BSP, SP, Lok Janshakti Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the government tally stands at 117 as against the magical 123 figure for majority.

The opposition claims the support of 110 members. Besides, there are seven independents, five from smaller parties and 10 nominated.

The BJP and CPI-M had submitted separate notices for a debate with a voting provision.

The CPI-M also wants a vote on amendments to FEMA, tabled in the Lok Sabha on Friday. Both houses of Parliament have seen repeated disruptions on the issue since the Winter Session began Nov 22.

CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury recently said that amendments to the FEMA need to be passed in both houses and the government’s failure to do so will be challenged in court.