DMK chief M Karunanidhi has said that his party, which is a constituent of the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition at the Centre, would keep small & medium retail traders' interests in mind while taking a decision on foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail.

By refusing to clarify its final position on FDI in multi-brand retail, DMK added to the anxiety of coalition at the centre, which is already facing tough resistance on the issue from the Opposition.

Maintaining the suspense, Karunanidhi said, "Small and medium retail traders in Tamil Nadu are apprehensive that foreign direct investment will greatly affect them. We will discuss and take a decision on this (FDI) keeping their interest in mind."

Karunanidhi added that a movie would be successful only if it maintains suspense. DMK has been maintaining suspense on the issue as the winter session of Parliament is just around a week away.

Although the government's policy decision doesn't need Parliament's ratification, yet wider opposition to the decision will definitely make it harder for the government to continue pursuing its economic reforms.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi recently said that the government would allow discussion on any issue under the rule in Parliament, but critics are of the view that the government would try to avoid a voting on the issue to keep away from any confrontation.