Modi hosts Jayalalithaa, talks possible Rajya Sabha cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed his “good friend”, and potential ally, Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa for a discussion that covered issues of state and national politics over a cup of tea.

Meeting at a “politically advantageous” juncture for the CM, with her party boasting a strength of 50 MPs in Parliament, the meeting, which was keenly noticed in political circles, especially by Congress, is said to have ended on a cordial note with the Prime Minister reportedly assuring Ms Jayalalithaa that the demands made by her would be looked into.

As Ms Jayalalithaa presented a shawl and bouquet to Mr Modi, with whom she has excellent relations dating back to his tenure as the chief minister of Gujarat, he accepted them with a broad smile and both posed for photographs as shutterbugs went agog.

Mr Modi is believed to have sought “greater cooperation” in the Rajya Sabha from Ms Jayalalithaa, who has 13 MPs in the Upper House. However, the chief minister stuck to her stand on GST, maintaining that the Centre should accept amendments proposed by the Tamil Nadu government.