Delhi Confidential: United front

Indian Express

2 days ago

In Jakarta, Congress leader and outreach delegation member Salman Khurshid eloquently praised the ruling BJP's 'graciousness' in including members of Opposition parties in the initiative. His statement, however, didn't sit well with some of the Opposition MPs. Addressing the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur, CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who is a part of the same delegation, said Khurshid had forgotten to complete his statement and mention the Opposition's 'equally gracious response' to the gesture of the ruling party. Keen to play the non-partisan role, JD(U)'s Sanjay Kumar Jha, the delegation head, in his own stride declared that the mission's success was a result of exemplary mutual courtesy of both sides.
Past Connection
A grand event organised in Agra on Sunday to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered queen of Malwa kingdom, drew a large crowd from Pal, Baghel and Dhangar communities across multiple states. The event was orgainsed by Union Minister S P Singh Baghel, who, it is learnt, had been involved in its preparations for the last one month. Addressing the gathering, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said he shared a personal connection with one of the communities present at the event. 'I remember in my childhood, the Rebari of our village played a big role in raising me,' he said, referring to the traditionally nomadic pastoralist community found primarily in Rajasthan.
Late To The Party
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu's address at CII annual summit in Delhi recently went smooth but for one small mishap affecting his team. A senior IAS officer in the CM's team who arrived a bit late at the venue and sought entry through the VIP entrance was stopped by security personnel. The officer then refused to attend the programme and stayed out through the night. He joined Naidu after the event was over and left in a huff from the venue, sources said.