Delhi confidential: Walking Distance

Chidambaram, who returned to Parliament after a two-year break, took oath as a Rajya Sabha member.

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P Chidambaram at Parliament Monday.

Congress leader P Chidambaram had to walk out of Parliament Monday — not just the House but the entire Parliament complex. Chidambaram, who returned to Parliament after a two-year break, took oath as a Rajya Sabha member Monday. When he came out of the House, he called his driver, who told him that he could not get the vehicle inside because of some pass-related issue. The former finance minister — who did not contest the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and entered Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra in the recently held biennial elections — then had to walk till the main gate.

Prompt Response

Newly inducted MoS for Parliamentary Affairs S S Ahluwalia Monday indicated that he would be a tough nut to crack in the House. When his ministerial colleague Babul Supriyo asked the 65-year-old how he could handle “affairs” at this age, referring to his portfolio, Ahluwalia replied that he “not only handles affairs” but also “looks after welfare”. Ahluwalia has the additional charge of agriculture and farmers welfare as well.

Dressed For Success

Ramdas Athavale’s colourful jackets have become a talking point among MPs and in Parliament corridors. Athavale, who was to be introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday as a new member in his council of ministers, donned a jazzy jacket with navy blue design. This prompted the PM to remark: “Aap toh chamak rahe hain (You are shining).” An excited Athavale replied: “Aap ne mujhe chamka diya (you have made me shine).”

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