After the marathon poll campaigning now concluded, the focus is shifting towards Rashtrapati Bhavan with President Pranab Mukherjee anticipating hectic days ahead.

If the Lok Sabha results throw up a fractured mandate, Mukherjee will play a crucial role. The President is already holding consultations with legal luminaries like Fali S Nariman, Soli Sorabjee and Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran.

He is also in constant touch with his legal adviser and former law secretary T K Vishwanathan on the Constitutional provisions in case of a divided house.

Rashtrapati Bhavan officials are bracing up for a hectic three week schedule, even if a party or a coalition gets majority, as senior politicians are likely to call on the President to put up their cases.

If there is a clear mandate, the President’s role is limited to formally inviting the single-largest party or alliance to form the government.

However, subsequent to this, Cabinet formation, swearing-in and convening of Parliament session would stretch the workload of the President’s staff.

Media rush

Rashtrapati Bhavan is also gearing up for the media rush expected after the announcement of results on Friday.

In a special gesture, Rashtrapati Bhavan is erecting a shamiana outside the forecourt of the President’s Estate to help media persons brave the scorching summer heat. This shamiana will remain intact till the swearing-in ceremony.

Water filters, air coolers and pedestal fans are other attractions, officials said, adding that seating arrangements have also been made.

Media persons can quench their thirst with soft drinks provided by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
As usual, security is also being spruced up to avoid any untoward incident. Dry runs were also conducted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in preparations to handle the extra rush of political leaders.