Date:22/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/22/stories/2008032254631300.htm

National

Shatrughan-Rahul meet triggers speculation

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: A recent meeting between the BJP’s retiring Rajya Sabha MP, Shatrughan Sinha, and Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi has triggered speculation about the former joining the Congress.

If admitted, Mr. Sinha may be fielded from a constituency in Mumbai to counter the anti-Bihari campaign of Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, sources said.

Mr. Sinha, who retires in April after a second six-year term, was denied a third innings in the Upper House by his party. According to sources, it was largely felt that Mr. Sinha being a “good candidate” was in a position to contest the Lok Sabha election next year and need not be given a third term in the Rajya Sabha.

Mr. Sinha was only the second BJP member (the other being Keshubhai Patel) to be singled out for a mention — when Rajya Sabha bid farewell to its retiring members — by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who said the actor-MP from Bihar had been a “voice of reason and moderation” on the Opposition benches.