Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is BJP’s star campaigner. He has addressed 14 rallies in Himachal Pradesh. There is a lot of demand for him in Gujarat as well. But according to sources, the CM is not keen on campaigning in Gujarat. Is it because he refuses to engage in public display of his popularity, or because he senses some kind of political danger? It is being said that only those who understand the nuances of BJP’s internal affairs know the answer.
Tamil imposition
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been greatly troubled by the persistent narrative that the BJP wants to impose Hindi language in Tamil Nadu. There were several clarifications but the roots of the narrative run deep. Now, Shah has declared that he wants technical education in the state to be imparted in Tamil language. Pro-Dravidian politicians are perplexed. How should they respond to this ‘statement’? Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin himself is rooting for English, so opposing the Home Minister’s statement would imply opposing technical education in Tamil.
Great game in the name of Chola empire
To gain a better understanding of Dravidians, consider an incident that occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin presented a book to Modi while welcoming him at the airport. Title of this book read–Ponniyin Selvan. The title itself encompasses many great aspects – a story, history, fiction, epics, myths, and films, which are basically about the founding of the Chola empire. Yet, the basic idea behind Stalin’s gesture is believed to be dropping hints about a Tamil region that was independent from North India. Did you get the gist?
Putting ILFS under the scanner
Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (ILFS) Limited is a government-owned company that develops and finances infrastructure. The rumor mills are now buzzing that the company’s former top management will be investigated soon for their suspicious past and present activities.
An officer too big for a state
A chief minister of a northeastern state has requested for a specific officer to be released for the position of chief secretary. The catch is that the officer-in-demand is currently serving as the secretary in a central government ministry. It will be interesting if the chief minister is successful in his endeavor, because such a powerful officer is unlikely to accept the position of chief secretary of a small state.
The glory of offering a hat
During the recently concluded assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, Congress workers put in a lot of effort. A dinner was organised in Shimla, and the party in-charge was tasked with honouring Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Himachali topis (caps) were also procured in large numbers. Just before the dinner, a topi distribution programme was organised. A Congress general secretary asked another senior leader of the party, “Brother, who is offering these caps?” The second leader replied, “This is Congress. Here whoever holds the sway, puts the cap on others’ heads. If you want to last long here, keep wearing everyone’s cap and make others wear them too. Take a course in wearing and offering a cap, or else people will come and leave after duping you (an English translation of colloquial hind term topi pahanana).
The tale of two Harishs
There are two people and both of them are Harish. One of them is Nadda and the other is Khurana. Both of them are in the BJP. Harish Khurana is associated with the Delhi BJP and is the son of former Delhi CM Madan Lal Khurana. And what about Harish Nadda? He was seen campaigning for BJP in Himachal.
What after retirement? Become a motivational speaker
What does any IAS officer want? Better postings where they can make their ‘resolutions’ come true and work in close proximity to powerful positions. Also, appreciation for their deeds, and…. extension of service before retirement, along with another very important post. The present Chief Secretary of UP, DS Mishra, has received it all. His service extension ends in December. Recently, the chief secretary participated in the second phase of the lectures of a spiritual organisation’s programme – Sankalp Se Siddhi (Attainment through Resolve). Officers ranging from the post of section officer to the chief secretary were present. So, the most likely answer to the question – what is the next stop after a successful career – is that you might turn into a motivational speaker.
Bharat Agrawal is Executive Director, Dainik Bhaskar Group, and a columnist.
By special arrangement with Dainik Bhaskar and translated by Prashant from the original in Hindi.