Reception for PM to be held on schedule

Sharma had earlier demanded that the civic reception for the PM scheduled for March 10 be cancelled. Miffed at not being informed about the programme, Sharma had said that according to the traditions of the MCD, the Opposition should have been taken into confidence. He had also said that under the norms, the leader of the Opposition and the leader of the House, both issued the invitation together, which was not done in this case.

Sharma had written to the Mayor demanding that an emergency meeting of the house be convened to discuss the matter and to issue a fresh invitation to the PM.

Ahuja said today that the one-hour programme will include a classical Kathak dance recital and cultural programmes by school children.

Giving details about the function, Municipal Commissioner V.K. Duggal said that the function will be held in the Diwan-i-Am at the Red Fort. He said that entrance would be through Lahori Gate and the approach road and the MCD would put up signs giving directions.

The invitees include Home Minister L.K. Advani, Union Minister for Urban Affairs Ram Jethmalani, Lt Governor Vijai Kapoor, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and all the former MLAs. The MCD is spending Rs 7 lakh on the function.