Usually, most people think they are stepping in to end a crisis. But the self-effacing outgoing RBI Governor D. Subbarao hopes the end of his tenure will make a difference to the state of economy. Speaking about the macroeconomic environment at a public meeting in Hyderabad recently, Subbarao said: “Many people ask me when the economic crisis will end. Actually, the latest round of crisis began when I took over. Hence, it should end when I demit office in September.’’ But, then, economics works in mysterious ways. Subbarao is all set to move from the hot seat, but is the economy ready to change tack? Doesn’t seem so.
Saturday special
The announcement by Speaker Meira Kumar that the Lok Sabha will sit on Saturday (August 24) caught Mulayam Singh Yadav by surprise. The septuagenarian supremo of the Samajwadi Party had lined up other plans. He had convened a meeting of top party functionaries and ministers in Lucknow to deal with the chaurasi-kosi parikrama yatra by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. He had not expected a session on Saturday and feared that important Bills would be taken up in his absence. He rushed to the Speaker’s chamber and requested her to declare Saturday a holiday. But Meira Kumar told him that would be difficult as she had already made the announcement. However, she said she could ensure, after discussions with the Government, that only “non-controversial” Bills were taken up. She kept her word and the food security, land acquisition and pension Bills were not taken up.
As the Lok Sabha re-assembled last Tuesday after much shouting and gesticulating over the “missing” Coalgate files, Telangana, and rising onion prices, the mood was sombre. The atmosphere turned grave as the crucial food Bill was to be taken up. Suddenly, a sudden roar of laughter took everyone by surprise, especially those in the media gallery. The source of amusement? Congress leader Jagdambika Pal sporting a bright red jacket, chairing the session for the first time. Even the vociferous Telugu Desam members couldn’t help taking a breather from their slogan-shouting to break into smiles. When Pal pleaded, “Since this is my first day, and as you all have reposed faith in me, I appeal to you to co-operate and help in running the House”, there was more laughter. He then went on to refer to the food law as “our Bill”. A din followed and the House was adjourned. Everyone was amused, including the normally taciturn Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who was beaming.
Didi on warpath
For Bengal’s mercurial Chief Minister Mamata Banerji, friend or foe does not matter if she decides to open fire. At a recent review meeting, at least eight senior ministers had to dive for cover as Didi went ballistic. Obvoiusly unhappy with the ministers for the slow pace at which their projects were moving and the lack of development work, Mamata warned: “Perform and show results. Or quit. I will run the ministry myself.”
Tongue tied
Recently, a TV channel was supposed to interview a bank head honcho. The “recorded live” interview was to be in English. Yet, a reporter from the media group's regional language daily started asking questions in Bengali. And to the chagrin of the TV crew, the CMD started responding in Bengali. “Sir, English please,” someone pleaded. Confused but, not without reason, he came back: “But the questions are in Bengali!”
Sorry, no apologies
Recently, NMDC and IL&FS were to sign an agreement for setting up a power plant in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The MoU was to be initialled in the presence of Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma and Power Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. Scindia arrived on time for the 15-minute event scheduled to start at 12.15 pm. But Verma, the senior minister, arrived a good half hour late; Scindia and others had no option but to wait. Vermadid not think it necessary to apologise to anybody; after all, the plant was to be set up in his constituency!
Stonewalling parties
Party spokespersons become garrulous only when talking about larger issues or their opponents. Try getting information about the party and you will walk into a wall. This past week, the Government’s floor managers were in a tizzy trying to get the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2013, passed without it being referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee. The Bill seeks to keep political parties out of the purview of the Right to Information Act. But an erstwhile UPA ally from eastern India was keen to ensure that this does not happen that easily. Apparently, a member of this party demanded that the Bill be sent to the Standing Committee. The decision is now with the Chair. For further information, watch this space.
Women on board
A woman shareholder asked the grand old man of Cipla, Y. K. Hamied, when the company’s board would have a woman, as required by law. Hamied charmed the shareholder asking her if she would like to be that person. To which she replied she would, if asked. Then, Cipla’s Chairman revealed: “I did ask a lady to be on the board, but she turned me down.” He did not say who, and journalists were left wondering who could have turned down the offer.
Is that so?
Ever heard of a restaurant cutting prices? The Saravana Bhavan chain of vegetarian restaurants, with a large presence in Chennai, and a couple of eateries in the national capital have done exactly that. A few weeks back, Saravana Bhavan cut prices of coffee, tea and some combo meals. Now, it has cut the price of limited meals, special limited meals, mini-tiffin and quick lunch by 11-15 per cent. The reason: the prices of all vegetables barring onions have fallen. Any takers for that explanation?
‘Modi’-fied view
With the general elections just a few months away, conversations tends to veer to politics and the possible outcome of the hustings. At a press conference where a large conglomerate was announcing its expansion plans, a journalist asked if the company was looking at a facility in ‘Modi-land’.
The chief executive, who had earlier declined to divulge the location of the new project, quipped with a knowing smile: “In a year or two any State can be described as ‘Modi-land’. So, sure, the project could come up in Modi-land.”