In order to discuss the deal with UPA, they should have been able to discuss the deal with UPA.... ;-)
If UPA didn't even discuss it with their own allies the Left, citing "secrecy" reasons, how do you think BJP could have discussed it with UPA?
Obviously Congress needs to learn the tact of "taking along everyone" on issues requiring broad consensus...... having ruled the country with brute majority for most part of the last 60 years, it obviously doesn't know how to do that.... :-)
It demands support, and does not know how to command it... that's the real problem...