The BJP on Saturday chose to play it safe at the swearing-in ceremony of AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa as Chief Minister, with only Union Minister Pon Randhakrishnan representing the Centre at the event.
The move was likely the result of pressure from its Tamil Nadu unit on the national leadership, which felt a strong representation at the ceremony, could affect its political campaign against the AIADMK in the State.
In the run-up to Saturday, speculation was rife that the BJP may depute a senior Cabinet Minister to strengthen its ties with the Dravidian party since its support might be crucial to pass Bills in Parliament. To the contrary, Mr. Radhakrishnan, who is the only Union Minister from Tamil Nadu, attended the meeting.
Others from the party included senior Tamil Nadu BJP leaders L. Ganesan and H. Raja. Sources in the BJP said the decision to depute Mr. Radhakrishnan was taken late on Friday night after clearance from the party leadership in New Delhi.
