Just exchange of pleasantries: BJP on Ranjan-Radia tapes

In its first public reaction to corporate lobbyist Niira Radias conversation with former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayees foster son-in-law Ranjan Bhattacharya,the BJP on Wednesday appeared uncertain about its position,describing the conversations as pleasantries first,and then leaving it to Bhattacharya to defend himself. From what I have learnt,it conversations between Radia and Bhattacharya seems to be an exchange of pleasantries8230; It appears merely an exchange of pleasantries, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javdekar told reporters at the party headquarters. Moreover,concerned people will explain themselves, he said when prodded further about BJPs stance on the said conversations. The BJP spokesperson steered clear from reacting any more on this issue. According to the transcripts of conversations between Radia and Bhattacharya,as published by Outlook magazine,they talked about the Cabinet portfolio allocation ahead of the UPA-II Cabinet formation. Radia,in the conversations,seems to be complaining to Bhattacharya that his friend Sunil Mittal of Airtel was lobbying against A Raja and was pushing for Dayanidhi Maran. Bhattacharya,on his part,seems to express surprise over this information,according to the transcriptsAchha,because he called me yesterday8230; day before8230; he actually was in London,he just met my daughter,he asked me are you also there? I said,dont be silly yaar. Achcha. So hes lobbying against Raja for Maran? Ranjan was reported to have reacted,according to the Radia tapes transcripts published by Outlook. Subsequently,both reportedly discussed various speculation floating about the induction of ministers from DMK at that time.