The reform related to foreign direct investment had, just like most other reforms, turned into a political circus. In Parliament, though, it is turning into a farce, thanks to petty and opportunistic politics.

It has been almost a year since the Union Cabinet announced its decision to go ahead with FDI reform, and yet, there is no clarity as to where it is headed because federalism has raised its ugly head and those states governed by Opposition parties have already said that they will not allow foreign retail chains to set up shop.