But Shinde was quick to add that Modi had sent a minister to represent him and he was informed that Modi had not attended as he was busy.
Sources close to Modi said he was busy with the Gujarat Scheduled Caste Commission meeting was pre-scheduled for today.
"This was an important meeting which was to be attended by several senior leaders, including from the opposition. Had Modi gone to Delhi, there would have been criticism that since he became BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, he is spending more time there," a senior party leader said.
Raman Singh had sent his Home Minister while Parrikar sent Goa DGP Kishen Kumar as he was "preoccupied".
