With the Taj Mahal now officially finding space on French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s itinerary, there is speculation that his girlfriend Carla Bruni may be accompanying him after all. There is a possibility that the supermodel will travel to India on a private visit and reach separately on January 25 night while Sarkozy arrives in the morning.Sarkozy is scheduled to visit the monument on the afternoon of January 26, after he attends the Republic Day parade as the chief guest, and is expected to be there for about 40 minutes. There is no word so far from the Ministry of External Affairs and the French side on who will accompany him and whether Bruni will be travelling with Sarkozy.But there is a likelihood of Bruni joining him when he goes to see the 17th century monument. Indian security agencies had expressed reservations about organiing a visit to Agra at such a short notice but the French insisted.On Tuesday, the 40-year-old supermodel had said she would not be coming to India. French daily Liberation had quoted Bruni as saying that they were “not yet married and so she could not take part in an official trip with the President”.Sarkozy’s itinerary, however, indicates that the last word on this is yet to be said. Sarkozy is scheduled to leave on January 26 night. But if she comes, Bruni may decide to stay on for an international French film festival being held in Mumbai on January 27. The festival is likely to honour superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Indian officials had been awaiting word on whether Bruni would be part of the official delegation so that they could decide on where to put her in official banquets. Her status, and possible presence with Sarkozy, has led to protocol jitters among those handling the state visit. After the Republic Day celebrations that will continue till noon, Sarkozy will accompany President Pratibha Patil to Rashtrapati Bhavan before leaving for Palam Air Force Station. He is scheduled to reach Agra at 1.40 pm and is expected to return to Rashtrapati Bhawan by 3.47 pm, in time to attend the At Home function hosted by Patil.On January 25, Sarkozy has a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh preceding delegation-level talks and signing of agreements. Those scheduled to call on him include UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition L K Advani and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. He will attend a banquet hosted by the President in the evening.
