Pe charcha

Surjewalla said that at a time when the government is not allowing Parliament to function, it is obvious that leaders of various parties, who want to raise issues in national interest, would get together to discuss the current political situation.

“This dinner was not hosted for politics, but for amity and friendship. The intention is not political, but to hold discussions in family- like setting at a time when the nation is confronted with a number of issues and thousands of crores being taken out of the country,” Mr Surjewala told the media after the dinner.

He said Opposition leaders got together to discuss issues, exchange views and create bonhomie in the Opposition.

CPI leader D. Raja said only pleasantries were exchanged at the meeting.

CPI( M) leader M Salim, who represented his party, said “There were only informal discussions. Only pleasantries were exchanged”.

RSP’s N. K. Premachandran too expressed similar views. “No specific discussions took place,” he said.

Interestingly, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who attended the dinner, is also likely to meet West Bengal chief minister Ms Banerjee on March 28 in the Capital. His party is also organising a student convention in Delhi at the end of this month.

Both Ms Banerjee and Mr Pawar are seen as potential contenders to lead an alliance to take on the BJP in 2019.