The meeting is being seen as a move to pave the way for her Prime Ministerial aspirations. After sending an emissary for the launch of the third front, the UP Chief Minister had reportedly conveyed her ambition to lead a non-UPA, non-NDA govt at the centre to the other parties in the alliance.

While the leaders of four Left parties, TDP, TRS, JD(S) and AIADMK among others have consented to be present at the dinner meeting, the BJD, which recently snapped ties with BJP but kept away from Tumkur, is also expected to join the dinner meeting.

BSP national general secretary S C Mishra while addressing a rally of the Third Front in Dobespet on March 12, Karnataka, had said that “it is the aim of BSP to make Mayawati the Prime Minister”.

Even JD(S), which is a constituent of the Third Front, has said that Mayawati was acceptable to it as Prime Ministerial candidate, if others agree. 

JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda had told reporters after the March 12 rally that “the Front will decide on the PM candidate when the right time comes.” He, however, on being asked about Mayawati’s chances said had that “we have no problems with her if others agree”.

The meeting is also take up the Front’s National Policy Document, which Gowda said is supposed to be finalised by this month end. The Third Front consists of four Left parties, JD(S), TDP, TRS, AIADMK, BSP and Haryana Janhit Congress.