New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high tea this evening is being keenly watched for signs of a re-union with Shiv Sena for the government formation in Maharashtra. But the guest list also indicates that the NDA will be getting ready for the Winter Session of Parliament. (Read:
For News on BJP-Sena Reunion, All Eyes on PM Modi's High Tea Today)
All the NDA parliamentarians will attend the meeting - which comes a day after the Prime Minister's Diwali Milan with the media. A contingent from Shiv Sena - which is still an ally at the Centre - will be attending the event, led by party minister Anant Geete. But Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will not be present at the meeting.
The talk will involve key governance issues, with ministers briefing the gathering on the government's schemes and initiatives.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is to brief the MPs on the Prime Minister's Jan Dhan Yojna and the recent ordinance on coal, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan will speak on the new gas pricing, which the government announced on October 18.
Rural Development Minister Nitin Gadkari will speak on the Adarsh Gram Yojna and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on the new health initiatives.
Labour minister Narendra Tomar will update the parliamentarians on the Minimum Pension Scheme and labour initiatives and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu will outline the contours of the Winter Session.
The Prime Minister is also expected to urge the MPs to actively participate in the Clean India campaign.
In Maharashtra, the BJP ended its 25-year partnership with the Sena last month, just before the assembly polls, after intense bickering over seat-sharing.
But with the BJP falling short of majority by 22 seats, a reunion with the Sena is on the cards. Sharad Pawar's NCP has complicated matters by offering unconditional support to the BJP, which has not rejected the offer.(Read:
Maharashtra Government Formation: Negotiations begin...)