NDA floor leaders met today on the eve of Parliament session for the first time without its long time ally JD(U) which saw Leader of the Opposition making a demand that the coalition appoint a new convenor.
Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad said Swaraj raised the issue of JD(U) not being a part of the meeting.
"We missed JD(U) in the meeting today. But we hope that when it comes to floor coordination in the House during the Monsoon Session, JD(U) will support the opposition if it still believes in its long-held anti-Congress stand," Prasad said.
JD(U) President Sharad Yadav, who was the NDA convenor till the party walked out of the coalition in protest against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's elevation as head of BJP Election Campaign Committee, used to be present in the meetings of the floor leaders.
Yadav also used to brief the media after the NDA meetings.
Swaraj pointed out in the meeting that there is need to appoint a new convenor as the post is vacant. NDA is looking for new allies ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and a convenor would play a crucial role.
BJP is keen on giving the post to Shiromani Akali Dal head Parkash Singh Badal as the Punjab Chief Minister enjoys a lot of goodwill among other parties. But a decision is yet to be taken on the matter.
The post of NDA convenor was always held by JD(U) which was a part of the coalition for 17 years. George Fernandes was the first NDA Convenor, who was replaced by Yadav due to his failing health.
