Cold vibes

The only time Sonia unbent with Advani was at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan some years back. Sonia, then leader of the Opposition, explained to Advani, who was deputy prime minister, that she had forgotten her spectacles and could not read the programme. Advani offered his glasses, and Sonia smiled but remarked that she would be grateful if he could simply read out the programme to her.

Future unclear

No one is quite sure just what is happening in the much-hyped, newly formed Congress committee to discuss future challenges. First, there was a press release announcing the formation of the committee, giving the names of members and mentioning Jairam Ramesh as convener. At the first meeting, Ramesh acted as major domo, asking for everyone to furnish telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. A range of issues was raised — from inflation to agriculture, and industry to the party organisation. Somebody put a spoke in the proceedings by pointing out that most of the topics suggested were ongoing problems and not future challenges. Two days later, Veerappa Moily sent a formal notice to members, informing them of their appointment and stating that he was chairperson of the committee. Ramesh disappeared from the scene without any explanation and has been incommunicado to the media ever since.

At the second meeting, a peon entered the room and asked members to return the list of e-mail addresses had just been handed over to them. At the third meeting, members found the door of the conference room locked and Moily missing. Moily was initially reluctant to convene the meeting since Rahul Gandhi was not attending, but it was held belatedly in another room in the Congress office. The fate of the committee will really be known after the fourth meeting, depending on whether or not Rahul shows up.

Giving themselves heirs

Two ageing chief ministers are keen to install their sons as their successors, but their coronations may have to wait. The brat-pack arrogance of the heirs in question has offended senior party leaders. In Tamil Nadu, a youth rally arranged for mid-December in Tirunelveli is being viewed as a first step to M.K. Stalin’s installation. In Punjab, however, Sukhveer Singh Badal may have to wait a while longer before he formally takes charge. Nevertheless, he seems to be calling most of the shots from behind the scenes.

Right approach

Unlike many of his Left colleagues, Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee shares a warm personal equation with L.K. Advani. Meeting the BJP leader in Delhi last week, he remarked that he had a bone to pick with him. Advani had not bothered to call him when he was in Kolkata on his way to Nandigarm. Advani explained he had not telephoned to avoid Bhattacharjee embarrassment, as his own party men would have pounced on him for entertaining the CPM’s bitter opponent. The chief minister remarked that this did not bother him, for ideology and friendships should be kept apart.