He isn't saying much after his latest interaction with the BJP top brass last week, but former Karnataka chief minister, B. S. Yeddyurappa, looks more subdued and mellower now than when he left for Delhi, party insiders say.

During the meeting, apparently, a few home-truths came out in the open: that he might have 70-odd legislators on his side as long as he sticks with the party, but if he rebels, the number might dwindle to almost 20.

Therefore, he is now biding his time, unless the High Command decides to placate him to take care of his nuisance value.

Powerless in AP

There is power shortage in AP — both political and electrical. The recent drubbing received by the ruling Congress Government, led by Kiran Kumar Reddy, clearly weakens him. The party, along with the TDP, drew a blank in all the seven seats (six in Telangana), where elections were held recently. The Government will have a tough time when by-elections are held to the 16 seats vacated by loyalists of Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy of the YSR Congress.

With party infighting already out in the open, the Government needs strong signals from the High Command to control and keep the party fit to fight the next round.

On the electricity front, the huge shortage has led to a couple of hours of shutdowns and the industry is crying for help. With the situation not likely to change dramatically soon, people have to sweat it out this summer.

Bombay ducks

Well-known politicians and IAS officers from Maharashtra have found a new home. No, it is not a new housing society in South Mumbai.

In local parlance, it is called ‘sasural', and IPC refers to it as jail.

The latest one to join check in is Pradeep Vyas, the now suspended Finance Secretary (Expenditure) of Maharashtra. Vyas had given important clearances to the scandal-hit Adarsh Housing Society.

In the last two years, more than a dozen party bosses and government babus have been either arrested or charged with serious offences in the State.

Bengal blues

Already under pressure from its dominant coalition partner, the Trinamool Congress, the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee suffered another round of setbacks in relation to the Rajya Sabha polls. Having been denied a chance by the TMC, the PCC decided to contest the election. The nomination, though officially supported by the AICC General-Secretary in charge of the State, was withdrawn sooner than later.

It is heard that party bosses in Delhi were more worried regarding winning a Rajya Sabha seat in Bengal, riding on possible cross-voting. It could have ruined the Congress's prospects in the forthcoming Presidential election.

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