BJP to Emerge Tops, NDA for Government: Rajnath

Despite most exit polls pointing towards the contrary, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Rajnath Singh on Wednesday waxed confident of his party emerging the single largest unit at the helm of an NDA government when results for the 15th Lok Sabha elections are declared on May 16.

Singh said that he expected President Pratibha Patil to go by convention and invite the one with maximum number of seats.

“BJP will emerge as the single largest party and BJP-led NDA will get a majority or will fall short by a small margin in which case I am confident that other political parties will support us,” said Singh after emerging from a meeting with NDA prime ministerial hopeful LK Advani and M Venkaiah Naidu.

Responding to queries on the role of the President, after declaration of poll results, Singh said, “Let the President use her conscience. It is my belief that the President will go by convention.”

The BJP leader, however, refused to identify prospective allies that could support an NDA government. “This is a part of our strategy. I will not say anything at all on this issue.”

“We are sure we are going to be called (by the President). It is not only question of claim but also of reality,” said Naidu while stressing that the BJP was confident of coming to power by any standards.

Naidu said that the meeting with Advani and Singh was held to discuss the possible outcome of elections.

“The party leaders will formally hold a meeting on May 16 evening. If we have to talk to other political parties, we will do so after that,” he said.

Meanwhile, top JD(U) leader and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday echoed smilar sentiments while asserting his stand favouring the BJP-led NDA.

“I was in NDA and will remain there. In this election, we will (NDA) become victorious and form the government,” said Nitish Kumar while speaking to correspondents in the national capital.