M A I N   N E W S

Hectic talks on for govt formation
PM-elect hears out seniors, while allies maintain contact with BJP leaders
KV Prasad
Tribune News Service

Jaswant meets Advani Expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh today met LK Advani at his residence here, raising speculation over the move Sources said the former Union Minister, who had unsuccessfully contested against the official BJP nominee from Barmer, spent about 30 minutes with the BJP patriarch. Sources close to Advani termed it merely a "courtesy" meeting

NEW DELHI, MAY 23
Countdown for the installation of Narendra Modi government at the Centre has begun. Top BJP leaders continued with the process of consultations ahead of the formal swearing-in ceremony on Monday evening.

Modi had his hands full as the chief political leader holding confabulations with party chief Rajnath Singh, senior leaders Nitin Gadkari and Arun Jatiley, and trusted political aide Amit Shah while performing the task of a Prime Minister-designate and speaking to the Indian Mission after it was attacked in Afghanistan.

Gujarat Bhawan, a building on the lane adjacent to the 7, Race Course, official residence of the Prime Minister, remained the hub of all political activities with Modi preferring to hold his sessions behind closed doors. He went about the task of Ministry-making amid indications that the allies were seeking a fair share in it.

There are conflicting reports that a limited number of members will be part of the new team to be sworn-in and that it could be an exercise limited to the BJP. On the other hand, the contrary view is that considering that Modi is keen to demonstrate the strength of the coalition, representatives of the allies would find a place.

Modi, known to keep his counsel, is hearing out views of the senior leaders, while allies, including SAD patron and Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal and MDMK chief Vaiko, maintained contact with BJP leaders, including president Rajnath Singh.

Vaiko, whose party is a constituent of the rainbow-coalition the BJP built in Tamil Nadu, is upset with the decision of the PM-designate to invite Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa. However, a senior BJP office-bearer told The Tribune that an ally could have a view, but the eventual decision would be taken by the person who was getting ready to lead the country and its government.

The decision of Rajapaksa to attend the ceremony triggered controversy in Tamil Nadu with CM J Jayalalithaa declining the invitation to be at the swearing-in ceremony.