Rajnath-Sharad meeting triggers alignment buzz

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 14

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met former Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav on Saturday, sparking speculation about fresh alignments ahead of the Assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh. The meeting, which lasted about an hour, took place at Yadav’s residence.

Terming it a courtesy call, Yadav said, “I was happy to meet my good friend and colleague Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of Defence.” Yadav was a pivotal member of the NDA and Cabinet Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led over 20-party coalition government at the Centre.

A leader of the older generation, Yadav was close to Vajpayee and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani.

The meeting assumes significance even though Yadav has played down the development. It is learnt that Rajnath would not have met Yadav without the PM’s go-ahead. Also, the timing of the meeting is crucial. The government is battling perception war with the Opposition on several fronts, including farm-related issues.