Shah, Akalis to talk coordination today

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 8

With allies pointing towards “lack of coordination and consultation” on issues in the NDA coalition, the BJP has decided to hold one-on-one meetings with partners, beginning with the Akali Dal and the TDP tomorrow.

Expecting Opposition attack on various issues during the Budget session, that begins on February 23, BJP chief Amit Shah today held a meeting with NDA constituents for better floor coordination.

Union ministers Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and Akali leader Sukhbir Badal were present at the 90-minute meeting at the residence of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu. Though the deliberations concentrated on national agenda and formulation of the strategy for better floor management to thwart Opposition attack, allies Shiv Sena and Akali Dal are believed to have pointed towards “lack of coordination” in the ruling coalition.

The Shiv Sena in specific made a reference to better cohesion among partners during the Vajpayee-led NDA government. Today, it was joined by the Akali Dal, which too stressed the need for better coordination.