During the G20 summit, Akshata Murthy, wife of Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, liked Basmati rice and ragi servings. But it’s hard to tell whether Sunak felt the same. He must have found it difficult to express his opinions freely. Afterall, he is ‘son-in-law’ to India. Akshata is the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. Informal conversations about this daughter and son-in-law duo were heard during the summit.
Big mistake
To everyone’s surprise, an unauthorised person took a ride in one of the cars part of US President Joe Biden’s convoy. This car had a license plate of Haryana. The driver picked up the passenger, who was an old customer, and dropped him off. However, he was caught because he had a pass to only move between ITC Maurya and the G20 venue, and he went to a different hotel instead.
The host pressure on Brazil
Brazil will take over the leadership of the G20 after India. Some journalists at the venue were heard saying that the food and other arrangements in New Delhi were world class, and now it will be challenging for Brazil to match that. In fact, India arranged for global media facilities in no time. This surprised the world media too.
Also read: Rahul Gandhi to BL Santosh—Congress, BJP leaders keep low-profile in flights. 2024 is here
Naidu’s arrest
Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, was arrested on 10 September. It happened when the G20 meeting was going on. Whether the central government was aware of this move made by Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy is not clear. But even if the Centre knew about it, what would it tell Reddy? He could very well say that he is supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fight against corruption. The situation in Andhra Pradesh seems unpredictable but the BJP is not breaking its head for now.
Party before family
Right after Naidu’s arrest, former Minister of Education Daggubati Purandeswari, whose sister is Naidu’s wife, raised questions against his apprehension. This is the first time Purandeswari has supported Naidu as the two are political rivals. It is being said that there are political reasons behind this. The BJP is trying to bring Naidu into the NDA. Purandeswari is also the president of Andhra BJP. So, whatever their personal relationship be, Purandeswari is just toeing the party line — country before party, and party before self.
Tea breaks
There was complete silence at the BJP head office in Delhi for four days. It was expected because the roads were blocked due to the G20 summit and most leaders were busy with the summit work. However, some of them did come to the office and carried out their work. They had to arrange for tea and snacks on their own. Those who couldn’t make arrangements depended on their friends.
Yediyurappa’s push
The BJP is preparing to form an alliance with the JD(S). Those in the BJP who were unaware of this were informed by BS Yediyurappa on a public forum. He also revealed that JD(S) will be given four seats in the Lok Sabha. It’s after long time that the BJP’s political strategy was revealed without collective brainstorming. South India hasn’t been the right playing field for the party. Members of the BJP doubt there is something fishy going on there.
Also read: Corruption, infighting, indiscipline—why BJP, not Congress, is bigger headache for Modi now
Fake popularity
The first meeting of the Congress Working Committee will be held on 16 and 17 September in Hyderabad. All members of the party must attend it. Some leaders who were hoping to become part of the CWC and couldn’t achieve anything in the past are now being assured that they will be given some responsibility at the state level.
What’s interesting is that these leaders were relying on a leader to carve them a place in the organization. Now that leader prioritised a spot for himself first. Now he is telling leaders, “I am there for you.” Among them, one prominent leader mentioned that many states’ party responsibilities are with those who have a significant presence in their respective states. Whether their popularity really exists or not is uncertain, but their influence is in the air and quite strong. To this, one leader then replied, “You should do that too and whenever necessary, tell everyone that no leader is bigger than you. Rest, I will handle.”
Bharat Agrawal is Executive Director, Dainik Bhaskar Group, and a columnist.
By special arrangement with Dainik Bhaskar.