BJP's National Executive meet begins in Odisha

Swaraj's presence and guidance would be felt at the meet, Pradhan told reporters while inaugurating the media centre, set up for the conclave.

Bhubaneswar, April 14: BJP's two-day national executive meeting has begun at Bhubaneshwar in Odisha. The meeting is expected to discuss a host of issues including the elections in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.

The BJP's national executive is also likely to discuss the next Presidential candidate. The BJP will chose its candidate as President of India, Pranab Mukherjee is set to step down in July.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP's national president Amit Shah and several other leaders are part of the meet.

However, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will not attend the meet on health grounds, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said.
"Sushmaji will not be able to attend the national executive meeting on health grounds. She has been advised rest by doctors," he said.

Swaraj's presence and guidance would be felt at the meet, Pradhan told reporters while inaugurating the media centre, set up for the conclave. Union ministers, chief ministers of 13 BJP-ruled states and three deputy chief ministers will attend the meet, he added.

Party veterans LK Advani and MM Joshi are also at the meet. BJP president Amit Shah, who arrived on Friday, garlanded the statue of BR Ambedkar at AG Chhak, near the Secretariat.

PTI