Once the presidential polls of July 19 are done with, with the change of guard at the Finance Ministry, we can expect some fast-tracking on the reforms front.

The government plans to give a big push to foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail after the presidential polls this month.

The move will enable players such as Walmart and Carrefour to make an entry into the country.

Last year, the Cabinet had approved 51% FDI in multi-brand retail with riders and raised the cap to 100% FDI from the 51% earlier in single-brand retail.

However, the Centre had to take a U-turn on its decision in the face of stiff opposition from the Opposition and allies such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

While TMC president Mamata Banerjee has been sidelined because of her stand on the presidential polls, the government has found an ally in the Samajwadi Party and hopes to move ahead with its retail reform with the support of the latter.

The government has managed to get the support of the chief ministers of Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Assam for the move.

However, the move is being met with strong opposition from several states, including Bengal, Bihar and Kerala.

Officials said the Centre would be only a facilitator in opening up the sector. States have a larger role to play as they will have to grant permission to the retailers under local laws, such as Shops and Establishments Act and Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act.

The move is expected to bring large-scale technological reforms and would also check wastage. Nearly 35-40% of fruits and vegetables and about 10% of foodgrains are wasted in India.