PM gets ready to shift out of Race Course Road

A search is on for a new residence for prime minister Manmohan Singh, even as the 2009 poll results are awaited.

The move has raised eyebrows in Congress circles as it suggests that Manmohan is unsure of returning for a second term in office. The prime minister’s office’s uncertainty seems to be prompted by speculation that the Left will insist on a change of prime minister in return for supporting a Congress-led government.

A special protection group team has shortlisted four bungalows in Lutyen’s Delhi. This is the first time an incumbent PM has done this while the election process is still on.

A top prime minister’s office aide maintained the house hunt should not be read as a sign of the Congress’ impending defeat. “The PM believes in being prepared for every eventuality. He doesn’t want to stay on in his official residence for even an extra day unless he is re-elected. We are honouring his wishes and making alternative arrangements in case they become necessary,” he said.

Manmohan has told his office to clear all papers and prepare a governance agenda for his would-be successor. This is an attempt to emulate the transition process in the US, where an outgoing president leaves a document for the incoming head of state on the Oval office table in the White House. The paper lists items that require the immediate attention of the new president.

PMO aides are giving finishing touches to the agenda Manmohan wants. There will be a covering note summarising the contents. The items in the agenda include foreign policy and security concerns, defence purchases that are in the pipeline and the UPA government’s unfinished business.

The PMO’s mood resembles that of a government preparing to bow out of office, which has led to speculation in the Congress, especially since its war-room strategists are upbeat about returning to power. While Manmohan is known to be a stickler for procedure, the PMO’s exit preparations seem to be pre-empting the poll’s outcome.