New Delhi: Sushma Swaraj won her election today from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh but was circumspect about what role she will play in the new government that will be headed by
Narendra Modi. "It will be the Prime Minister's prerogative to choose who will be in his Cabinet," she said. (
India Decides 2014: Track Live Results Here)
The results have shown that the BJP swept away 272 plus seats and can comfortably form a government. With its allies, it is set to hit more than 340 of the 543 parliamentary seats. (
NDTV Exit Poll: 279 for BJP and Allies, Congress in Double Digits)
This is the strongest performance by a political party since 1984 and it is being credited to a high-octane presidential-style campaign constructed around Mr Modi.
Like party veteran
LK Advani, Ms Swaraj is not among the BJP leaders seen as close to Mr Modi. She has reportedly conveyed that she will not join Mr Modi's government unless she is offered one of the top four ministries- Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance or Home.
Ms Swaraj, sources say, has made it clear that she expects a post commensurate with her seniority in the BJP. (
BJP Initiates Moves to Decide Roles for Sushma Swaraj, LK Advani)
Mr Advani has reportedly been urged to mediate between her and Mr Modi's core group.
Mr Advani, 86, is keen on being made Speaker, said sources. He had stridently opposed the ascension within the BJP of Mr Modi, first as its campaign-in-charge, and then as its presumptive prime minister. (
Advani Could be Speaker, Sushma Wants a Top-4 Ministry: BJP Sources)
However, after he was over-ruled, he endorsed Mr Modi repeatedly at rallies as a capable administrator and the best man for the country's top job.
The BJP and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh or RSS, want to check any potential dissent that could mar the formation of Mr Modi's new government.
Ms Swaraj had publicly contested her party's decision to affiliate with some politicians accused of corruption.