Minister’s dare, CM’s test
A Cabinet Minister giving a full- page advertisement in some Hindi dailies sans the picture of the Chief Minister has created a flutter in the state BJP roost. Insiders say that this is unprecedented in the state, nay in the country. However, the wily Minister while throwing a challenge to the CM sought to please the RSS as the ad contained a picture of the BJP ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay- whose centenary the saffron constellation is now celebrating with much pomp and show- along with the picture of the Minister himself. With the minister being at loggerheads with another minister, the top State BJP brass is choosing to steer clear of the matter. But they appear sure that no action is forthcoming as he has taken care of the RSS sentiment by having the picture of the saffron ideologue displayed. But the question is- with the Minister having thrown a gauntlet to the CM, how the latter would take on it to assert himself with a brute majority standing in his support.
Slash backlash
In a move that has sent the State Government employees into rage, the State Cabinet has decided to slash the salaries of a section of the employees, including the diploma engineers, draftsmen, pharmacists and junior engineers. The cabinet claims that it has been done in line with the recommendations of the salary anomalies committee. However, the explanation is most unlikely to douse the anger heaving within the bosom of the aggrieved employees. They are unlikely to take things lying down. They claim that the salary cut goes against the service rule with two promotions being nullified by it. They also repent their support to BJP during the election held in February this year while hoping for better days. Earlier, the officials made then Government to declare increment for the employees of their respective departments. This resulted in other departments raising the issue of pay disparity. This is what has been addressed by the committee formed to redress the disparity. Now, the anomalies being rectified, it might invite a backlash from those who are at the receiving end of the slash move.