Chandy seeks time from Modi

Kochi, May 26 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Monday said he has sought an appointment with Narendra Modi who is set to be sworn-in prime minister.

"I had got an invite to be present at the swearing-in ceremony in Delhi today (Monday), but I am not going as I am held up with other programmes. But I have sought an appointment with him on June 2 and if he is free, I will meet him," Chandy told reporters here Monday.

Chandy came under fire from BJP veteran O. Rajagopal for not attending the swearing-in ceremony. Rajagopal castigared him by pointing out that even world leaders are coming.

The 84-year-old veteran lost in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency.

Chandy has a private function at his home here as his eldest daughter, a divorcee, got remarried at a closed door church ceremony Sunday evening.

He is holding a very small reception at 5 p.m. Monday due to which he is not going for Modi's swearing-in ceremony.