Government formation discussions in BJP gain momentum

NEW DELHI: Discussions on formation of government gained momentum with BJP leaders, including Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, being engaged in a series of meetings here today. Modi, who will be sworn in on May 26, held a meeting with senior leaders including party chief Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and Arun Jaitley at Gujarat Bhawan.

The meeting of the BJP leaders, who have emerged as the core decision-making group within the party since the elevation of Modi, is believed to have discussed the composition of Modi's Council of Ministers.

Earlier in the day, Akali Dal chief and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy-CM son Sukhbir Badal met Rajnath Singh at his residence. Akali Dal, one of the oldest BJP allies, may land a berth in Union council of ministers. Significantly, RSS leader Ram Madhav also met Rajnath Singh at his residence amid the impression that the Sangh fountainhead will have important say in the formation of the Council of Ministers.

Modi landed in the capital yesterday evening after handing over the chief ministership of Gujarat to loyalist Anandiben Patel. BJP plans to organise a grand event for Modi's coronation but a controversy has already erupted over the invite sent out to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the ceremony. MDMK chief Vaiko, a BJP ally, met Modi as well as Singh today urging them to reconsider the decision to invite Rajapaksa for the swearing-in.