Personal agenda

Gag order

AHEAD of VHP’s 84 kosi parikrama,CM Akhilesh Yadav convened a meeting of SP legislators at his official residence. Akhilesh wanted to get a feedback on his government’s decision to ban the yatra. Several legislators said the government must avoid targeting VHP as it could lead to communalisation of the issue. One of the legislators hinted that Azam Khan’s remarks had not gone down well with the Hindus. Akhilesh got the hint and assured that no one,including Azam Khan,will speak on the issue.

Condolence trip

The Chief Minister went out of his way to extend support to Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav,whose wife Shanti Devi passed away last week. The Chief Minister cancelled all programmes and went to Bhainsa Kund to be present at the last rites. On the other hand,a senior Congress leader sent his representative to the cremation.

Room with a view

BJP national general secretary Amit Shah asked state party president Laxmikant Bajpai to vacate his office. Shah wants to have his own set-up in Bajpai’s three-room office that includes a well-furnished room with an attached toilet,a guest room and a lobby. A LCD screen is fitted in the office chamber to keep a watch on activities across the campus. Bajpai will now shift to an adjacent room that is smaller in size and was being used by vice-presidents in turn due to space crunch. Shah visited the party office on three occasions after getting charge of the state,but he decided to have Bajpai’s office as he had to meet workers at his office in his presence.

Royal welcome

WHEN Rajnath Singh visited Lucknow last week,he was welcomed by 272 garlands. The number ‘272’ is significant because that is the target set by the party to win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections..

Bizarre move

S P Singh,Principal Secretary,Industrial and Infrastructural Development,who got his posting after returning from a long leave,was relieved after a PIL challenging his appointment was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court. In a bizarre move,the Industrial Development Department issued a press release,highlighting the court’s decision. Later,the Information Department called up several newspaper offices to ensure the item be carried in print.