Modi responds to Jaya’s letter by a phone call

Ahmedabad, 18 May, 2014

Prime Minister-elect Shri Narendra Modi today called Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and congratulated her for her party AIDMK’s victory in Tamil Nadu. Shri Modi assured cooperation between state and centre.

Backdrop:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa greeted the Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi through a letter dated May 16, saying she looked forward to ‘meaningful cooperation’ between his government at the Centre and her state.

“I congratulate you on the magnificent victory in the 16th Lok Sabha Elections. I wish you and the Government under your stewardship the very best…,” she said in a demi-official (DO) letter to Modi, adding, she looked forward “to an era of meaningful co-operation” between the Centre and the state government.

AIDMK has emerged as the third largest political party in new parliament. As no opposition party has required 10% seats in parliament to get validation to occupy the post of the leader of opposition, it is believed that two parties AIDMK and Trinamool Congress may form alliance to claim the post for 2.5 years term for each. There’s buzz that first 2.5 years period will be given to AIDMK as per this understanding. In that connection, AIDMK’s cooperation will be beneficial for the government. Leader of opposition enjoys privileges extended to Cabinet rank minister in government.