Losing frequent flier miles

Tourism Minister Ambika Sonia is finding it difficult to travel abroad these days, with events conspiring to scuttle her plans. She was supposed to go to New York in September to attend the Incredible India at 60 function but had to cancel it because of the controversy generated by the now-withdrawn Archaeological Survey of India’s affidavit in the Sethusamudram case. Earlier this month, Soni was to attend a trade expo in China but the Indian Embassy in Beijing advised against her presence. Now, her proposed trip to Colombia to attend the general assembly of the World Tourism Organisation from November 24 is under threat. Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee has, on many occasions, spoken out against Union ministers going overseas when Parliament is in session. Soni has sought the clearance of the PMO for the visit but the PMO is said to be sitting on it.