Delhi Confidential: In G Kishan Reddy’s absence, questions over his likely exit from Cabinet

Kafal Tale

During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami presented him a basket of kafal, a seasonal fruit from the state which is said to have medicinal properties. In response, Modi expressed his gratitude through a letter, with a special mention that Uttarakhand is rich with its flora and fauna, especially tubers-roots and fruit-flowers with medicinal properties that are found in abundance. Kafal is one such fruit, whose medicinal properties are also mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Kafal is ingrained in the culture of Uttarakhand as well and finds mention in various folk songs.

Monsoon Politics

Ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, MPs from Kerala seem to be hyperactive, as an issue that is expected to come up big in the session has its impact on the state. Kerala politicians — both from the ruling LDF and opposition UDF — are vying with each other to oppose the Uniform Civil Code, a topic that will certainly come up during the session. Parliamentarians from the state have been taking turns to visit Manipur, mainly because of the sizeable Christian population in the state. To declare solidarity and support to Christian priests and nuns, many who have been at the receiving end of the violence in the state, all parties from Kerala are sending delegations to Manipur. The first visit was made by Congress’s Hibi Eden and Dean Kuriackose, followed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the now-disqualified MP from Wayanad. Kerala Congress-Mani group’s Jose K Mani and Thomas Chazhikadan also visited the state. Rajya Sabha MPs from Kerala, John Brittas and Binoy Viswam, are part of the Left delegation, which leaves for Manipur on Thursday.