Sumitra Mahajan created a little record of sorts, attending office today for the first time after taking charge as Minister of State for Petroleum on May 27.The buzz is she’s unhappy with her new assignment and has made it known to the Prime Minister.Although she claims she’s not peeved at the work allocated by her superior Ram Naik, sources said she kept away from office until today.The official version is that she was on tour throughout this period, but Ministry officials claim that she flitted in and out of the Capital without visiting her Shastri Bhawan office.The change of heart has come about after Tuesday when she flew with the PM aboard his special aircraft from Mandla to Mumbai. Sources said she brought up the issue of her elevation as Minister of State with Independent Charge since she is a five-time parliamentarian.When she was asked if she had discussed it with the PM, Mahajan simply retorted: ‘‘Why should I tell you? I have not sent a requisition or an application.’’She also maintained she wasn’t unhappy over the work allocation. ‘‘I have always had work whether in Mahila Bal Vikas or telecommunication. Whatever has been allocated, I will work for it.’’But her personal staff has been openly complaining of getting shortchanged after the shift. The perks they had expected out of cash-rich petroleum sector is not forthcoming. Used to the free mobiles in the telecom ministry, Mahajan’s retinue’s first demand was for cellphones. In a letter to Indian Oil Corporation, her Personal Secretary asked for five mobiles for ‘‘effective communication between MoS and her personal staff.’’ They have been given two handsets and four connections.They have also managed to get a car each from four oil PSUs — IOC, GAIL, Hindustan Petroleum and ONGC — one short of their requirement. Recently, they have asked that the minister’s existing car be replaced by a new one. Another of their demand was for soft drinks — mango of Noga brand and apple, pineapple and lichi drinks of Rio company. However, the ministry turned it down as Government rules do not allow expenses beyond Rs five per person. What is pending is their request for monthly supply of 5 kg of assorted toffees, 3 kg of cashew nuts, 2 kg of kishmish and 2 kg of aamla candies as ‘‘she offers the following items for entertaining them.’’
