Deep Throat

No Confidence

No one really expected Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal to vote for the no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, but the party’s decision to skip the parliamentary debate surprised many. Was the Odisha chief minister sending out a message that he would follow a policy of equidistance from both the BJP and Congress? Or, was there a hidden reason? Sources say Patnaik ordered his MPs to abstain since he wasn’t sure of their loyalty. At least some party MPs, it was suspected, could embarrass him by making speeches contrary to the party line.

Ram Rules For Now

The railways’ recent announcement to run a special tourist train, Shri Ramayana Express, to retrace the journey of god Ram, triggred mumbles in the tourism ministry over its similar part-pilgrimage, part-touristy plan dedicated to another god—Krishna. Like the Ramayana tour, the ministry had been working on 12 more thematic circuits to promote tourism under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. As part of the Krishna tour, a dozen destinations—including Dwarka and Mathura­—were identified for development. Officials say the foundation for the Rs 100-crore first phase of the project was laid in Kurukshetra two years ago. There has been no progress since. The focus seems to be on Ram as of now. Krishna may wait awhile.

Phew! That’s Reassuring

With several leaders of the PDP leaving its fold, party president Mehbooba Mufti is holding regular meetings with party members to keep the flock together. At one such meeting recently, convened for party leaders from north Kashmir, Mehbooba got the jitters when the MP from the region, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, didn’t show up. More so, since Baig’s nephew, Javid Baig, the MLA for Baramulla, had joined the rebel group. As speculation swirled, frenetic calls were made. Finally, Muzaffer Baig’s wife Safina came to the meeting to assure that all is well. Mehbooba was visibly relieved to see Safina.