NDA to keep up heat on Oppn in Ambedkar row

Managing the fallout of the controversy surrounding home minister Amit Shah's speech in Parliament and better coordination between allies through structured meetings between Union ministers and lawmakers dominated a meeting of parties that are part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) that was held at the residence of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and Union minister JP Nadda.

- Sunetra Choudhury

Nadda and Shah led the discussions, people aware of what transpired during the meeting said on condition of anonymity. Expectedly, they added, one of the issues discussed was the debate on the Constitution in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament, specifically, the controversy over Shah's speech during which, the Opposition alleged, he insulted BR Ambedkar. The Congress and other opposition parties plan to launch a nationwide agitation demanding Shah's resignation. The Congress is expected to firm up its strategy over the weekend at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee in Belgaum, Karnataka. "The message to alliance partners was clear - please listen to the entire speech and make up your mind. We won't tell you how to respond to the Opposition but there isn't any need to be defensive," said an NDA leader.

Shah and Nadda also reiterated the need to adhere to the plan of having Union ministers (both Cabinet ministers and ministers of state) meet with 10 lawmakers informally attached to each ministry every month to discuss government policies, schemes, and projects.