Formal induction of AGP in NDA called off

The joint press conference planned to be addressed by BJP chief Rajnath Singh, senior leader L K Advani and the AGP leadership at BJP headquarters in New Delhi was cancelled citing the demise of a relative of a state BJP leader.

Meanwhile, the AGP leadership was "taken" to the residence of party chief Rajnath Singh on Wednesday where they held a meeting for almost an hour, sources said.

Commenting on the development, party leader Arun Jaitely said, "I am not sure about the reason of the cancellation."

"One or two minor issues "still needs to sorted out for the alliance. A announcement is not likely to take place before the tenth of this month. The state leadership have been asked to co-ordinate in the matter," BJP sources said.

Earlier, the AGP and the BJP had held a joint press conference to announce a seat-sharing formula between the two parties, but failed to declare an alliance.