Date:15/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/15/stories/2008121554241300.htm

National

Sharad Yadav made NDA acting convener

Special Correspondent

He is chosen for his “ experience in handling political coalitions”

Sharad Yadav

NEW DELHI: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday decided to appoint Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav as acting convener of the nine-year-old coalition in view of the failing health of incumbent George Fernandes.

This was announced here in a statement by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L. K. Advani.

According to Mr. Advani’s statement, he took the decision in consultation with all the other constituents of the NDA. Mr. Yadav was picked for the task in view of his “wide experience in handling political coalitions.” With this appointment, the convenership of the NDA remains with the JD (U).

While Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jaswant Singh was the first convener of the NDA — formed after the collapse of the 13-month-long coalition government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 — the baton was soon handed over to Mr. Fernandes, who has held the post since.

Stating that Mr. Fernandes had discharged his task as the NDA convener with “great distinction,” Mr. Advani added: “I am sure with his [Mr. Yadav’s] profound experience, the NDA would get added strength after his appointment as acting convener.”

Mr. Yadav’s parliamentary experience spans nearly 35 years. He was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1974 from Jabalpur. During the NDA regime, he held several Ministerial portfolios, including Civil Aviation, Labour, and Food & Public Distribution.