New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS): The Samajwadi Party (SP) said Thursday it was opposed to foreign investment in multi-brand retail and that it was for the presiding officers in parliament to decide if the issue would be discussed under rules that entail voting.

"The SP is against it (FDI in retail) from the first day. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister has said it will not be implemented in the state," party leader Ram Gopal Yadav said.

He said foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail was not the only issue before the party in the winter session that began Thursday.

He said the party wanted a discussion on FDI but the decision on rules guiding such discussion had to be taken by the presiding officers.

Asked about the party stance if there was voting, Ram Gopal said the party would decide at that stage.

The opposition, including the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Left, are demanding discussion on FDI in multi-brand retail under rules that entail voting.

The SP lends outside support to the United Progressive Alliance government.