GRAPEVINE

Chanakya’s August 5

August 5 and the ensuing Monsoon Session has once again triggered speculation as to what special or a major announcement may be on platter for the nation. Retrospectively, the landmark abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the historic Ram Mandir foundation-laying ceremony in 2020 were done on same date; hence grapevine has it the Modi Government is preparing to introduce a major Bill in Parliament on August 5. While details regarding the content remain a secret, speculation ranges from comprehensive governance overhauls and key socio-economic reforms to significant legal updates. The chances of one transformative One Nation One Election, which top on agenda has now been deferred to Winter Session. A tight-lipped BJP camp however, is guessing that Home Minister Amit Shah, key strategist and christened as Chanakya, must be having some surprises stored which only he would know and not even his entire concerned department, except top couple of officers.

Why doesn’t Cabinet Secretary want an extension?

Bureaucracy is abuzz with rumours why Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan avoids extension of service. For time immemorial, Cabinet Secretaries get extensions after extensions as they are close in working with Prime Ministers. Somanathan is so preferred by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and would be asked to continue, says many top officials. According to them, recently in a get-together, Swaminathan is believed to have spoke against extension culture, which spoils chance of others. Many believe PM will insist the Cabinet Secretary to continue.