Preacher’s Ritual
P. Chidambaram found himself in a spot after saying that the Hindutva-driven BJP cannot take root in Tamil Nadu as the state has rid itself of Brahmin domination. “For over 70 years, Tamil Nadu has followed Periyar’s rationalist path by eschewing all shastras and rituals. Even the Congress government under Kamaraj ensured such Brahmin-inspired religious practices didn’t raise their head,” the Rajya Sabha MP had said at a Congress meeting. Soon a video went viral, accompanied by a photo of Chidambaram seated piously inside a temple with mantra-chanting Brahmin priests honouring him the traditional way.
The Missing Plate
An interpreter’s job in the government is mostly unappreciated. As India’s engagement with the world increases, demand for interpreters is also on the rise. But this hasn’t changed their status in the government. Recently, when foreign minister Sushma Swaraj met her Turkman counterpart, Rasit Owezgeldiyewic Meredow in Delhi, the banquet in honour of the guests had plates for everyone but the interpreter. Nobody noticed until a guest realised there was no food for the interpreter. A reluctant course-correction brought the interpreter some food, but not before the organiser’s indifference had raised a few eyebrows. Known as a compassionate minister who responds to people’s plight, it was surprising Sushma missed her interpreter’s misery at the table.
Enigma Of Absence
Congressmen are still trying to figure out the enigma that is Rahul Gandhi. The party vice-president gave a miss to the bhog ceremony and antim ardaas for Captain Amarinder Singh’s mother. Senior leaders tut-tutted about Rahul skipping the solemn ceremony. They say he should have gone at least for reasons of political sagacity as the Captain had won a state for the party. Even opponent Sukhbir Badal had made it a point to be there. Rahul, though, did attend the funeral of his party veteran Santosh Mohan Deb, whose daughter Sushmita is in his core team. But he is said to have been mostly on the phone.
Overheard “We believe in condemning the sin, not the sinner!” said a BJP leader to justify recruiting former CPI(M) strongman and alleged Nandigram mastermind Laksman Seth.
