Nicknames by Punjab politicians
Politicians in Punjab have gone beyond the first-name politics. They are now ridiculing their political opponents by nicknaming them. If it’s not Pappu, it’s Bhondu. Both of these nick names have incidentally been used to describe the same man — Rahul Gandhi. Known for his skills to win political battles, SAD had christened party president Sukhbir Badal as “jeetu jarnail” or the winning general. Congress has, on the other hand, played upon the simile to describe him as “foka jarnail” or the hollow general. Political parties have their own symbols. Going by the trend, the politicians too may have their own symbolic nick names.
Governor’s new practice
Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Shivraj Patil seem to be giving his best shot at avoiding controversies. After receiving severe criticism from all corners for spending only few seconds to hear grievances of a complainant at his much-hyped Public Hearing Session, Patil now ensures to give five to 10 minutes to each complainant. His new practice this week at the session came as a big surprise to one and all. The session which otherwise ends in 20 minutes was stretched to over 30 minutes this time even as only six complainants had turned up for the session.
HS on inspection spree
After completing over half of his tenure of three years in UT Administration, the UT Home Secretary (HS) has all of a sudden become pro-active. Always avoiding the media spotlight during half of his tenure, the HS is now on inspection spree attracting media attention. Following in the footsteps of his predecessor Ram Niwas who was known for conducting inspections, UT HS Anil Kumar has started carrying out inspections at various sites of his departments and giving required directions to the concerned officials. Accompanied with UT senior officials and cameraman, the officer is visiting various places during his inspection spree ensuring to attract media attention. This, however, is giving sleepless nights to the officials who do not know where he would turn up next.
Red Beacon wish of independents
After the high voltage lobbying for posts of chairmen for boards and corporation of Himachal Pradesh Government, now Raja Sahib Virbhadra Singh faces a peculiar problem of wish from Independent MlAs supporting his Government. Five Independents made a wish list and requested that they should also be given important positions in the Government. Though Raja Sahib listened to their wish he very well knows that if the wish is not crushed in the bud it could open a Pandora box of problems for the government. This is what he did, disappointing the Independent MlAs
Race for credit
UPA Government at Centre brought an ordinance on food security considered as game changer for 2014-lok Sabha polls last week and two of State representatives including Chief Minister and Food and Civil Supplies Minister GS Balli met central leadership on the issue. Hours after they returned to state from Delhi and before Chief Minister could announce the date, Balli who himself has chief ministership ambitions did not waste time to announce the date of launching of scheme in the State and hurriedly called a media briefing at his home town Kangra. The Chief Minister obviously was not happy. He is looking for the next opportunity to show who the big boss is.
(Contributed by Monika Malik, Nishu Mahajan and Manohar lal)