NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 22: Apprehending that fissures within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) can cause serious embarrassment to the Government, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee cancelled his plans to address a joint meeting of NDA MPs today and instead invited them over a dinner.The plan to call a meeting of 400-odd MPs belonging to 24-party NDA in both Houses of Parliament was abandoned abruptly after it became clear that some of the members could disrupt the proceedings. These members are extremely agitated over Vajpayee's decision to introduce the Women's Reservation Bill without holding a proper consultation within the NDA.Vajpayee, sensing the mood of the MPs, invited the NDA MPs over dinner at his residence. The objective, obviously, was to placate them.Though Vajpayee has set aside two hours every day exclusively for MPs in his Parliament House chamber for interaction with them, he has hosted this dinner for a close rapport. Ever since he returned to power this November, Vajpayeehas been establishing individual rapport with the MPs on the one hand and going ahead with the implementation of the NDA manifesto.
