With exit polls predicting a clear majority for the NDA in the lok Sabha polls, the BJP leadership on Wednesday set in motion the exercise for Government formation and deciding on the role for veteran leaders like lK Advani and MM Joshi.
As part of this, BJP’s president Rajnath Singh, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley and former BJP chief Nitin Gadkari flew down to Gandhinagar on Wednesday evening and held a marathon meeting with party’s prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi. This followed hectic consultations among top BJP leaders in Delhi. Amit Shah and Sushma Swaraj were also involved in the Delhi parleys. Speaking to reporters at Sardar Patel Airport in Ahmedabad ahead of the meeting with Modi, Rajnath Singh said: “We are absolutely confident of achieving a clear majority. Till the results are out, I can’t say more.
There is no doubt that Narendra Modi is the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate and nominee.” Replying to a question on what roles have been planned for veteran leaders, including lK Advani, MM Joshi and Sushma Swaraj, he said that all BJP leaders were being kept in the loop and the party would present a united face at the time of taking all the important decisions.
Gujarat BJP president RC Faldu and other senior State BJP leaders welcomed the top leaders of their party at the airport. Straightaway, they drove down to Gandhinagar to attend a meeting with Modi over dinner. The meeting lasted for over three hours. Sources said the top leaders discussed the BJP’s strategy over possible allies as well as internal issues related to the saffron brigade.
Though the exit polls predict a clear majority for NDA, the RSS’ internal report suggested that the NDA could fall short by 13-14 seats. Sources said they discussed Modi’s successor in Gujarat. In fact, the name of Gujarat’s Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel is believed to be finalised.
Earlier, in Delhi, BJP top brass went into a huddle to discuss the possibility of the party forming the Government at the Centre and changes in the organisation ahead of counting of votes on May 16. BJP leaders also discussed the possibility of seeking the support of some parties including the BJD and AIADMK.The party has already made it clear that it is not averse to receiving support from any party which has even a single MP and will welcome it if it supports the BJP’s agenda. Senior BJP leaders held a series of meetings in the Capital since morning with Rajnath Singh meeting Sushma Swaraj at her residence here, before she flew to Bhopal.
Gadkari also met her on Wednesday. The meeting lasted around half an hour. Gadkari is playing an active role in negotiating with groups within the party. He had on Tuesday met BJP patriarch Advani amid speculation about his role in the next Government. Jaitley and Amit Shah also held a meeting at the former’s residence to discuss the situation arising out of the exit poll results.
Speculation is also rife about some changes in the party if NDA comes to power. Sources in the party feel that there are unlikely to be any changes in the party’s leadership and Rajnath may have to continue as party chief, though Gadkari’s name is also being floated to replace him.
Gadkari on his part has ruled out his taking over the party and said Rajnath will continue to steer the party as he had ahead of the lok Sabha elections. Sources point out that RSS has also advised the BJP not to weaken the party in case it formed the Government and that the party should remain strong and vibrant even after a BJP-led Government comes to power.Gadkari told reporters that Rajnath Singh will continue to steer the party even after Government formation as he did ahead of the lok Sabha polls. He said that under the leadership of Rajnath Singh and Narendra Modi, the party will work to form a Government and there was no question about change in leadership.
Asked if lK Advani would be offered the post of Speaker, he said AB Vajpayee and Advani were the founders of the party. “They are the motivation and inspiration for all of us. Ultimately at the appropriate time, we will discuss the issue with them and it is up to the party to take a decision,” he said.Sushma Swaraj later told reporters that nothing much should be read into her meetings with Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari. “Any speculation about my meetings with Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari is totally wrong,” she said.
Meanwhile, top sources in Gujarat BJP said that Modi will visit Varanasi to attend a grand welcome party on Saturday, a day after the announcement of lok Sabha poll results. According to sources, a BJP parliamentary board meeting will be held on May 17 to decide on post poll result equations in Delhi. He will also offer prayers at the famous Kashi-Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. On his way to attend the meeting, Modi will make a point to visit his constituency in Uttar Pradesh as he is likely to win by a huge margin.