New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday called for a discussion in parliament on the coal allocation row that has crippled the house for three days.

"Parliament and assembly is a democratic process, it is a freedom of democracy... if there is anything which is raised, any scandal or corruption, there must be a discussion. In a democratic system an all-party meeting is very much needed," Banerjee told reporters here.

"Let them (opposition) decide what format they want for the discussion. We must consult the opposition parties. I believe there are so many big issues which can be sorted out through discussion and negotiation," she said.

"The opposition is demanding the resignation of the prime minister. It is up to the prime minister to decide," she said.

Asked about her meeting with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, the Trinamool Congress chief said: "I have some state issues, like the hike in fertilizer prices... I met him to discuss the matter."

Banerjee added that the TMC was not in favour of FDI in retail, and will stick to its election manifesto.

"We are in favour of common people. In our election manifesto we said this and we will stick to it. We will not deviate," she said.