BJP to be single largest party, NDA to form govt: Rajnath

 Expressing confidence that BJP will emerge as the single largest party and NDA will form the next government, BJP chief Rajnath Singh today said he expected the President to go by convention and invite the one with maximum number of seats.    

"BJP will emerge as the single largest party and BJP-led NDA will get a majority or will fall short by a small margin in which case I am confident that other political parties will support us," Singh told reporters after holding a meeting with senior party leaders L K Advani and M Venkaiah Naidu.     

When asked about the expected role of the President after the election results are announced on May 16, Singh said, "Let the President use her conscience. It is my belief that the President will go by the convention."     

Singh refused to name the political parties which are likely to extend support if NDA falls short of a majority. "This is a part of our strategy. I will not say anything at all on this issue."   

Naidu said, "We are sure we are going to be called (by the President). It is not only question of claim but also of reality. By any standard BJP is confident of coming to power."      

Naidu said that today's meeting with Advani and Singh was held to compare notes on the possible outcome of elections. "The party leaders will formally hold a meeting on May 16 evening. If we have to talk to other political parties, we will do so after that," Naidu said.