Missing Face

The backdrops specially prepared for the occasion will have Indian National Congress emblazoned and depiction of the Hand symbol.

Rahul Gandhi beamed out of the Congress campaign billboards across the country over the past three months. He was the face of the Congress campaign. But on the day of the results, his picture will be missing from the backdrop of make-shift studios set up at the Congress headquarters for television channels. The backdrops specially prepared for the occasion will have Indian National Congress emblazoned and depiction of the Hand symbol. As many as 40 spokespersons will be at the Congress office from 7 am to appear on at least three dozen channels putting out the Congress viewpoint. This will a departure from the past practice when Congress leaders would disappear the moment adverse results started pouring in.

MAKING IT MEMORABLE

He may have been in the Rail Bhawan for a short period, but railway officials are planning to not let Mallikarjun Kharge forget his “memorable” moments as minister. A day before the poll results, officials in the minister’s staff along with railway employees were busy preparing footage of videos of Kharge’s speeches and at functions as minister. A CD is being made of pictures of Kharge flagging off trains, reading the Budget, chairing important conferences and cutting ribbons as minister.

CLEARING DESK

In what could be his last day in office at Krishi Bhavan, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar remained in his seat till 7 pm on Thursday, clearing routine files pending because of his electioneering. Pawar, who has been Agriculture Minister for the past 10 years, also signed ACRs of officials before leaving his office. Agricultural Attache from nine countries, including USA, China and Canada, called on the outgoing minister.

OPTING OUT

With all indications now that the BJP is coming to power, there are some who have begun to pack their bags. Anil Nauriya, member Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, is one of them. On Thursday, he submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister, saying he would not like to be associated with the new dispensation. Referring to the manner in which “a particular person with obvious responsibility for the 2002 events in Gujarat has been projected by a political party and a formation controlling it”, Nauriya said that his resignation be treated as taking effect from the moment of the PM’s demitting office. Nauriya has been a member of the body since 2005.

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