Modi-Shah show their hand with RS names

April 23, 2016 13:51

The approach and mindset of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah are revealed by the selection of the six Presidential nominations to the Rajya Sabha, which Rediff.com had scooped a full 24 hours earlier ('Swamy, Sidhu, Mary Kom, Swapan Dasgupta among six nominated to RS'), and BJP insiders are giving various interpretations to the same.

Senior BJP leaders also speculate if the same formula will be followed while expanding both the Union Council as well the partys central team.

It is clear that Modis focus is on the five states that are currently in election mode, as each nominee comes from these regions.

Secondly, the preference seems to be for those who have been more vocal on Sonia-Rahul.

The third message Modi has sent out is that he does not consult senior colleagues, and draws his own conclusions on personalities to fill the vacancies.

While Swamy and Sidhus names may come as a shocker to a few, it should be noted that they will not be under the leadership of Arun Jaitley, leader of the Rajya Sabha. Nominated MPs have no leader in the Rajya Sabha, their respect and loyalty being to the President who has appointed them.

Incidentally, Modi has managed to enthuse a section of the BJP by bringing in columnist Swapan Dasgupta. But the point is, Swapanda will now have to quit as government nominee on the L&T board, as it would be deemed an office of profit.

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