| Published on 22-01-2008 In National |
| Viewed 1795 times |
| Corridor Whisper - Jan 22 Part - 2 |
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Written by
Insider |
Unemployed Shekhawat
Former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat is out of work these days. Shekhawat, who fancies himself as a politician among politicians, is keen to return to active politics. But in L.K. Advani led BJP, he does not have a suitable post to justify his stature. Shekhawat camp wants the former vice president to be appointed NDA convener to replace an ailing George Fernandes. But BJP leaders say Shekhawat cannot get the job, which is meant, for non-BJP constituent of the NDA. Moreover, there are several aspirants for the job namely Prakash Singh Badal (Akali Dal) Biju Patnaik (BJD) and Nitish Kumar (JD (U). So far, the old man has succeeded in getting support from Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia. The maharani's support for Shekhawat is not without a consideration. In an election year, she wants Shekhawat out of the state.
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Cong CMs, BJP CMs
It has been over a year since Congress abandoned its six-monthly chief ministers' conclave. The last conclave was held in November 2006 at Nainital but in the subsequent assembly polls, host Narain Dutt Tiwari did little to save his chair and Congress handed over power to the BJP.
Congress insiders said Sonia is disillusioned with chief ministers namely Vilasrao Deshmukh and Sheila Dixit therefore she is reluctant to hold an appraisal session. Secondly, Sonia's disenchantment has a bit to do with depleting number of Congress-ruled states on the map of India.
Interestingly, the BJP is toying with the idea of following in Sonia's footsteps in holding chief minister's conclave. BJP president Rajnath Singh intends to call regular gathering of the chief ministers of party ruled states to share their experiences. Indications are that Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi will play a double role of a participant and a tutor.
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Nano buying Rules
BJP's Vijay Goel has shot off a letter to Ratan Tata expressing concern about peoples' car being purchased by wealthy people for their kids, mistresses and attendants.
Goyal wants Tatas to make some "ground rules" for Nano-buyers. Ideally they should be first time car owners, hailing from lower middle class with annual income of less than Rs.3-4 lakhs per annum. Tatas should avail services of a surveillance agency to ascertain if buyers are "genuine," Goyal suggests. But would the cost of surveillance, scrutiny be also borne by the customer? Goyal is silent on it.
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Masseur problems
Some American university doyens were checkmated by Lalu Prasad Yadav when they toyed with the idea of inviting him to give some valuable inputs to management students. Lalu's staff told them that the universities would have to get visa for minister's masseur and bear his expenses too. Laloo, they were told, needs his masseur to keep himself fit. The university authorities have said they will get to Laloo after checking provision of such funds. The visit has been shelved till presentation of union railway budget.
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Lal Blood thicker than water?
Bhajan Lal and his son have been shown the door in the Congress but the grand old man of Haryana politics cannot help smiling. Lal says Congress cannot get rid of him even if he is expelled from the party. Haryana Congressmen see a grain of truth in Lal's remark. Lal's other son Chandra Mohan continues to occupy office of the Deputy Chief Minister in Bhoopinder Singh Hooda ministry. Chandra Mohan was given coveted post to placate Lal. These days Chandra Mohan has publicly distanced himself from father and brother Kuldeep Bishnoi. Chandra Mohan's public stand has restricted Congress options against him though Congressmen swear that in the heart of heart, Lal and his sons are one. |
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