Sonia meets PM; discusses DMK issue | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Sonia meets PM; discusses DMK issue

PTI | By, New Delhi
May 22, 2009 12:08 AM IST

Congress president Sonia Gandhi late tonight held discussions with PM Manmohan Singh in the wake of DMK deciding to provide outside support. The meeting took place at Prime Minister's residence that is believed to have discussed DMK's insistence on certain number of portfolios and ministries for its representatives.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi late tonight held discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the wake of DMK deciding not to join the government and provide outside support.

HT Image
HT Image

Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel was also present at the meeting at Prime Minister's residence that is believed to have discussed DMK's insistence on certain number of portfolios and ministries for its representatives.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The DMK, a major alliance partner of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, after failing to wrest seven berths, including three cabinet, said it was prepared to support the government from outside. This was announced by DMK leader T.R. Baalu, who was transport minister in the outgoing cabinet, after daylong negotiations with top Congress leaders.

"After discussions with the prime minister, we have decided to support the Congress from outside. Our leader Karunanidhi (chief minister M. Karunanidhi) will go back to Chennai tomorrow (Friday) and will hold discussions with the party," he said.

Meanwhile, a DMK MP, privy to the talks, said the party MPs were returning to Chennai on Friday morning and wouldn't attend the swearing in of the new UPA government in the evening.

The DMK MP said the party wanted three cabinet berths, two minister of state (MoS) and two MoS with independent charge. However, the Congress was willing to give two cabinet and five MoS - what it had earlier.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On