Delhi Confidential: Sarbananda Sonowal’s chai session, Shivraj Chouhan’s feedback and Namo cafe

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal earlier this week chose to launch Paradip Port's new Rs 20-crore piped natural gas (PNG) network not from the stage, but from an employee's kitchen. Sonowal lit the PNG stove and, in an impromptu gesture, prepared tea while chatting with port workers. Officials had planned a formal stage launch on Friday, but Sonowal, who represents Dibrugarh, known as the tea capital of India, opted for a more personal visit. The spontaneous tea session soon became an informal conversation about how the new PNG supply, initially covering 546 quarters, could make life easier for the port employees, and reduce their expenses. The minister also heard directly from employees about life in the port town.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday addressed sadhus at a Sant Samagam in Haridwar, explaining to them the benefits of one-nation, one-election, and seeking their views on it. He said that constant elections mean distraction from governance, and imply more deployment of money and resources. They may also deepen caste and religious divisions, he said.

The 'NAMO Cafe', set up in one corner of the BJP headquarters, was among the highlights of the two-day organisational deliberations featuring leaders from across the country over the weekend. Featuring an array of published work on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and, according to party insiders, aimed at providing a breather from back-to-back meetings and workshops, the set-up also had more than just tea and coffee to offer. The menu included 'Wisdom Bowl', 'Main Character Meals', 'Zen Master Matcha', 'The Visionary Platter' and 'Brain Booster Fuel' covering, according to insiders, everything from soups and salads to quick.