Arun Jaitley’s letter asking to be excused from responsibilities in the new government “for the present” appeared to lend credence to recent speculation that he might be politely edged out to make way for a new finance minister.

However, Narendra Modi drove to Jaitley’s residence in the evening, fuelling speculation that the Prime Minister-designate would urge him to reconsider his decision.

Not only did Jaitley’s letter come just a day ahead of the swearing-in, it followed a marathon meeting on Tuesday between Modi and BJP president Amit Shah to finalise the shape and size of the ministry.

“I would obviously have a lot of time at my disposal to undertake any work informally to support the government or the party,” Jaitley underlined in his letter, stressing he was a loyal party man.

He also wrote that he had “orally informed” Modi after the campaign that he would “for some time, like to keep away from any responsibility” to “concentrate on my treatment and health”, implying it was not a last-minute decision.

Jaitley’s recusal has led to murmurs in the BJP headquarters, with many viewing it as a signal that Shah would be sworn in as finance minister on Thursday.

None, however, could say anything with certainty, all acknowledging that Modi and Shah alone knew who would make the council of ministers and who would not.

A sense of fear has gripped many in the BJP after Modi, in his speech at the Central Hall of Parliament on Saturday, accused the media of publishing “fake and baseless” reports about the constitution of the ministry and forbade party leaders from talking to journalists.

A party source said: “Even the MPs who have officially been informed they will be sworn in as minister on Thursday will not reveal anything. They are afraid that if their names get published in the media, their selection could be cancelled.”

Modi and Shah were closeted on Wednesday too, apparently lending the final touches to the list of ministers. The subject of the meeting could also be the number of berths — and the nature of the portfolios — to be given to the allies, party sources said.

Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal United boss Nitish Kumar had called on Shah at his home on Wednesday.