Modi meets president, swearing-in May 26 evening

Narendra Modi Tuesday met President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan here and was invited to be sworn-in May 26 as India's 14th prime minister.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Modi said: "The president has given me a letter...the oath taking ceremony will take place here (Rashtrapati Bhavan) on May 26 at 6 p.m."

"I thank all of you," he told hundreds of media persons. He also showed them the letter that he received from the president.

During their meeting, both Modi and Mukherjee shook hands and exchanged bouquets.

The president congratulated Modi on his victory.

His meeting with the president came after the NDA leaders staked claim to form the next government. They also requested the president that Modi be sworn-in as the next prime minister May 26.

According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan official: "The President has appointed Modi as the prime minister of India and requested him to advise other names for the cabinet." - IANS