For a Change, LK Advani Was Late to BJP Meeting, Most MPs Were Punctual

New Delhi: The ruling BJP's most punctual leader LK Advani was late to a party meeting today, and was embarrassed to find himself in a minority.

The 86-year-old party patriarch was caught in a traffic jam and arrived a few minutes late to the weekly parliamentary party meeting where most MPs made it on time following an informal "whip".

Last week, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu had asked all members to be at the Central Hall at 9.25 am sharp, five minutes before the meeting usually starts.

Since it came to power in May with a massive mandate, the party has virtually bombarded its members, including 160 first timers, with rules on best behavior and performing in the house.

Sources say the party plans to give its 320-odd MPs a monthly report of their performance, signaling that they are constantly under scrutiny in Parliament. The MPs will be assessed for attendance, the questions they ask in the house and their participation in discussions.

They will be watched even when Parliament is not in session. Their attendance and seriousness in participating in parliamentary committees will be recorded, say sources.

Their report card will decide whether they can be included in the cabinet or be asked to lead important debates in Parliament.

Sources said the "non-performers" will get pointed reminders.

Sources said the party had earlier warned its spokespersons against skipping a weekly Monday meeting with Arun Jaitley, the Finance Minister, after some of them gave it a miss. They were told that a report on the meetings would be sent to the PM. The party believes these meetings are vital in order to project a common, considered party stand.