Backstage, junior ministers sulk

The acrimony started when ministers of state Narayan Bhai Ratwa of Congress and R Velu of PMK, who were kept in the dark for the first time during deliberations on this year8217;s budget, were made to wait for over an hour to get the customary briefcase that usually contains the Rail Minister8217;s speech and the Rail Budget. However, when the briefcases came after numerous requests it infuriated them as it contained only a writing pad, no speech, no pink file. When the deputies tried to get the relevant documents from Railway Board Chairman and its Financial Controller, both expressed their inability.

It was only after Lalu scolded his officials and directed that the Rail Budget, not his speech, be handed to the ministers that they agreed to join him.

When contacted, Velu declined to comment. Asked about his role in the Budget, he said: 8220;That8217;s immaterial, let8217;s not talk about such matters. It will only create bad blood.8221;