Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Indian government works to shore up coalition after coalition ally withdraws support

CP20165009
Local trade union members march with rotis, or Indian bread, during a protest against Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012. A key ally of India\'s ruling coalition withdrew its support from the government Tuesday to protest recent economic reforms, including a move to open the country\'s huge retail sector. Banner reads: "Foreign investment in retail will not be tolerated." (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

NEW DELHI – India’s ruling Congress Party is working to shore up its governing coalition after a crucial ally withdrew support in protest over a raft of new economic reforms.

Top Congress leaders were meeting Wednesday to hammer out a new strategy for maintaining a parliamentary majority until the next scheduled national elections in 2014.

Leaders from the Trinamool Congress announced late Tuesday they would pull out of the government later this week because of government moves to reduce fuel subsidies and to open the country’s huge retail sector to foreign companies.

Without Trinamool, the government would have less than the 272 lawmakers it needs to stay in power. However, several parties outside the government have been supporting the coalition and the government appears to be counting on them to stay in power.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles