Opposition plans swift response in case of split verdict

NEW DELHI: If the Lok Sabha results throw up an unclear mandate on Thursday, a joint opposition would petition the President that it be invited to form the government.
On the eve of the counting day, activities picked up to cobble together a coalition of opposition parties, with the decision that they move in quickly if the ruling alliance fails to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha.
Led by NCP chief Sharad Pawar and TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu, senior members have been contacting the regional satraps to convince them to join the front being attempted.
Sources said the opposition would wait to see the results by afternoon on the counting day. If the ruling alliance led by PM Narendra Modi falls short, the opposition will move in with its petition to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
A letter is being readied in which the prospective coalition would mention the names of member-parties and their strength, while urging the President to extend it the prized invite.
The move started when Congress president Rahul Gandhi last week called senior colleagues to discuss the road ahead. It was suggested that the letter be drafted. However, it did not fructify as many regional parties said they would like to wait for the results. However, telephonic meetings between the opposition leaders have happened over last few days and a consensus of sort on the need to form a coalition has been reached.