Jaitley woos allies after favourable pre-poll surveys

Huge task for officials recommending redistribution of assets after state’s birth

NEW DELHI: Excited with the predictions of some pre-poll surveys, the BJP on Monday tried to send a message to prospective allies in suggesting that the Modi–BJP momentum would benefit any ally. The party also claimed it could possibly be the only party whose tally will be in three digits and may even cross 200.

“Amongst various players in the traditionally non-BJP states, the Modi–BJP momentum could benefit any ally; even without an ally the party could pick up some stray seats,” BJP leader Arun Jaitley wrote in his blog. The BJP considers the AGP of Assam and TDP of Andhra Pradesh as prospective pre-poll allies. It is also in talks with the LJP for a poll pact in Bihar.

Jaitley appeared dismissive of the Federal Front idea and said the Congress cannot be the nucleus of an alliance if it was reduced to double digits.

Jaitley said it was for smaller groups in several states to decide which way they want to move. “There are smaller groups in several states which can marginally add to the collective vote of the BJP and allies. There are larger state groups which have traditionally pursued non-Congress politics in the states,” he wrote.

Jaitley insisted that surveys were indication of the fact that BJP would have a high strike rate in states in the northern, central and western parts of India. In Bihar and Karnataka he said BJP would reconsolidate its gains.

ARUN JAITLEY SAID THE CONGRESS CANNOT BE THE NUCLEUS OF AN ALLIANCE IF IT WAS REDUCED TO

DOUBLE DIGITS