The Hindu Business Line : Lighter moments

The joint press conference of the visiting Russian President and the Indian Prime Minister had its lighter moments, which came during signing of the 10 agreements between the two countries.

After each agreement was inked, most of the officials signing waited in front of the table where the Prime Minister and President were seated to shake hands and then return to their seats. Some Russian officials, however, felt that going behind the ta ble was an easier way to shake the hand of the Indian Prime Minister, and a few adopted this route.

It was also interesting to witness a small cameo by one of the richest Indians, who was one among those to sign an agreement. After signing the document, the first time he stood up, picked up his folder and headed purposefully to hand over the agreement to the Russian official. After taking a few steps around the table and moving some distance towards the Russian official he, perhaps, realised something was wrong as his counterpart was still seated in his chair. A quick u-turn saw him back in his seat, a spot he occupied firmly till the ceremony was completed.

The SEBI chief kept his Russian counterpart waiting as the cap of the pen with which he was to sign refused to open and, also, the Prime Minister wanted to exchange a few words with the regulator.

Raja’s problem

If sources in the Department of Telecom are to be believed the Communication and IT Minister, Mr A. Raja, may not be given a ticket to fight the elections this time around. Reason: Raja has been under fire for giving out spectrum, a public resource, practically free to new players.

The public outrage intensified after some of the new operators, who were beneficiaries of the Minister’s largesse, sold equity stake to international players at a premium. All the ensuing negative publicity is being used to the hilt by rival political parties in Tamil Nadu. Considering that general elections are just a few months away, Raja’s party, the DMK, seems to be in no mood to take a chance and could ask the Minister to be a martyr.

While the Minister’s detractors are considering it a snub and are happily waiting to watch Raja’s downfall, the reality may be something else. But the ticket may be given to a close aide of the Minister. Of course, the elections are still a few months away and things could change quickly.

Tailpiece

To be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, it is not enough to be from the State; you also have to be from Marathwada. That is why Ashok Chavan was chosen. The High Command was told that since Shivraj Patil and Vilasrao Deshmukh are both from Marathwada, the new CM too had to be from there.

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