The firebrand Banga leader did not attend the coordination committee meetings, not even the meeting announcing formal formation of the NDA or the gala function at Pramod Mahajan's residence for releasing the NDA manifesto. Throughout though, the lady stood by Vajpayee.

It was therefore a surprise to find a Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyay attending the NDA coordination panel meeting today. More so because she was reportedly unhappy with the Prime Minister for deputing one more Minister of State to her department, Railways.