NDA to discuss poll preparations today

New Delhi, Jan 22: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will meet here today to chalk out their strategy for the next year's Lok Sabha election.

All nine Chief Ministers of the States ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies are expected to attend the meet at Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani's residence. BJP President Rajnath Singh, General Secretary Arun Jaitley, and other senior leaders, including Murli Manohar Joshi, Venkaiah Naidu, Sushma Swaraj and V.K. Malhotra will attend the meeting.

From the Janata Dal (United), its President Sharad Yadav, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and its former president George Fernandes and from the Shiv Sena, its President Udhav Thackeray and the former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi are expected to participate.

The Akali Dal and the Biju Janata Dal will be led by the Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

A 19-member central election management committee has been set up with Rajnath Singh in the chair.

ANI