Date:22/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/22/stories/2008032259701300.htm

National

Shatrughan-Rahul meet triggers speculation

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: A recent meeting between the BJP’s retiring Rajya Sabha member, Shatrughan Sinha, and Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi has triggered speculation of 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 the sources, it is largely felt that Mr. Sinha being a “good candidate” is 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) singled out for a mention — when the Rajya Sabha bade farewell to its retiring members — by the Prime Minister. He said the actor-MP from Bihar had been a “voice of reason and moderation” on the Opposition benches.