Narendra Modi's Swearing-In: Hamid Karzai, Sheikh Hasina, Mahinda Rajapaksa to Attend
New Delhi: Narendra Modi has invited the leaders of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian neighbours to his oath ceremony as prime minister next Monday, in a bold step to embark on a policy of regional engagement. (Modi to Be Sworn In As India's 15th PM on May 26)
Afghanistan premier Hamid Karzai has reportedly confirmed he will attend. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is also likely to attend as are Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, say sources. (It's New Government's prerogative, Says Congress)
The BJP's southern ally MDMK is opposed to Mr Rajapaksa's participation. MDMK chief Vaiko and many other Tamil political parties allege that civilian casualties of the Tamils peaked during the last leg of the war against LTTE with Mr Rajapaksa at the helm of affairs. (World Leaders Congratulate Narendra Modi)
Pakistan's high commission has received the invitation, which is issued formally by the foreign ministry. But sources say that instead of attending the ceremony himself, PM Nawaz Sharif will send a representative. After his own election last year, Sharif's administration had also suggested that the Indian PM be invited to attend his inauguration ceremony, but Dr Singh declined. (Rashtrapati Bhavan Rolls out the Red Carpet for Narendra Modi and His Guests)
The move by Mr Modi signals a huge shift in the BJP's position on Pakistan leaving behind much of the rhetoric of election campaign and is welcomed by Kashmiri leaders.
"Excellent move by @narendramodi to invite SAARC leaders, especially Pak PM for his swearing in. Hope this is beginning of sustained talks (sic)," Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted. Minutes later he again posted, "At the same time I can't help wonder what BJP would have said if a PM designate Rahul Gandhi had done the same thing."
The Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti echoed the praise. "It's good omen to invite Pak PM on Modi's swearing-in ceremony," she said.
Mr Modi's huge victory in the general election gives him the political capital that his predecessor Manmohan Singh, weakened by a raft of graft scandals and public discontent at home, did not have. The BJP has indicated that Mr Modi will work to a re-crafted foreign policy. (Twitter Friendship Blossoms Between Modi and Japanese PM)
Narendra Modi Asks Officials: Should We Downsize Government?
New Delhi: With days left before he and his new team are sworn in Prime Minister designate Narendra Modi is already setting the agenda.
Top bureaucrats of all key ministries have been called to make presentations to the cabinet secretary of their achievements in the past 5 years and their goals for the future. (Clearing Projects Worth 20 Lakh Crores Could Be Modi's First Task)
The third question is controversial: it asks 'what in your view should not have happened?'
Some officials NDTV spoke to off camera say they sense a political undertone to the question, and that they might opt out from answering it.
We spoke to the Secretary, Fertilisers Shantikanta Das as he was leaving to make his presentation before the Cabinet Secretary. He told us the Prime Minister's Office is also being kept in the loop.
Crucially, they are also being asked -- informally -- their view on whether government should be downsized, by clubbing ministries to ensure better coordination. For instance, should the Coal and Power Ministries be brought under a single Energy Ministry.
Sources in the Coal Ministry say they have conveyed that they are against such a move, while Power is said to be in favour of it.
This is said to be in keeping with Mr Modi's election-time mantra of maximum governance, minimum government, and is an indication that he might opt for a leaner cabinet.
