Berths for Telugu Desam, Shiv Sena in Narendra Modi Cabinet likely

New Delhi: As Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi held a meeting for government formation, the name of Karia Munda, deputy Speaker of the 15th Lok Sabha, is now doing the rounds for Speaker.

It is now more or less certain that key allies, like the TD, SAD and Shiv Sena, will be accommodated in the Modi ministry. LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan is lobbying for a key portfolio but the BJP brass is wary of his track record.

Speculation is rife that Mr Advani could be the NDA chairman, but with limited power. For instance, no NDA meeting can be summoned without clearance from Mr Modi, who was elected BJP Parliamentary party leader as well as NDA leader.

Sources disclosed that the list of ministers to take the oath of office with Mr Modi on May 26 will be sent to President Pranab Mukherjee late on Sunday. Sources said that among other portfolios, the BJP is likely to retain the railway ministry. Venkaiah Naidu could be given railways.

Ex-Rajya Sabha member Arun Shourie could be brought in as an adviser in a ministry related to finance. Senior leader Arun Jaitley’s name is doing rounds for the finance or external affairs ministries.

TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to meet Mr Modi and other BJP leaders on Sunday to decide Union Cabinet berths for his party MPs.

Meanwhile, Jaswant Singh, who was expelled by the BJP for contesting against party’s official candidate from Barmer parliamentary seat in Rajasthan, on Friday met BJP veteran L.K. Advani and party chief Rajnath Singh.

His meeting with the BJP leaders gave rise to speculation of him rejoining the party but the BJP leaders maintained his expulsion still stands.