'Diplomats from 36 embassies expected at Modi's rally'

Representatives from 36 foreign missions are likely to attend BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's rally here Sunday, a party leader said.

Vijay Jolly, convenor of BJP's overseas cell, said he had sent invitations to about 45 foreign missions out of which 36, including of Italy, Germany, China and Japan had responded positively.

"This shows volumes of acceptability of Modi mantra of governance," he said.

Jolly said the US embassy had informed that Ambassador Nancy Powell was in Washington in view of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit. He added that party had also received information from British High Commission that the high commissioner will also not be here on the day of the rally.

BJP had invited the US envoy to the rally despite the denial of visa to theGujaratChief Minister.

He said invitations had been sent to embassies of various European and African countries apart from those in the neighbourhood. He added that invitation had not been sent to Pakistan High Commission over "recent incidents" on the border and Line of Control.