The BJP’s attempts to reach out to non-NDA parties to get them to back the government in the Rajya Sabha for passage of crucial Bills in the coming months got a big boost on Friday with the AIADMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa deciding to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on June 3.
The decision comes barely four days after she skipped the swearing-in of Mr. Modi as Prime Minister citing the presence of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the event.
While an official statement here made it clear that Ms. Jayalalithaa’s visit was to take “very crucial issues relating to Tamil Nadu” to the Prime Minister’s attention through a memorandum, BJP sources were upbeat about the possibilities of a larger cooperation with the AIADMK.
“Mr. Modi would certainly discuss the political situation post-elections with Ms. Jayalalithaa, given her high stature. The issue of cooperation in the Rajya Sabha where the NDA is way short of majority will likely be on the agenda,” said a BJP leader.