Calm in state Cong before Sonia’s visit

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh suggesting the name of his senior Cabinet colleague and loyalist Sat Mahajan for the post of Governorship may just pacify those crying themselves hoarse over the discrimination against Kangra in the state ministry. While much of the plan is yet to fall in place, sources say once it materialises, Singh could then contemplate accommodating a Rajput leader from Kangra into his ministry. Congress leaders, however, argue that despite this move, the ‘‘upsurge’’ from the Kangra side may not be entirely put to rest. They say the number of Kangra leaders in the ministry would still be inadequate even if there is a replacement for Sat Mahajan who is himself a leader from Kangra, though not a Rajput. For now, wait and watch seems the best strategy.

Cricket favourites come calling

Sonia Gandhi’s November 10 visit to Shimla may have spelt an end to the charity match scheduled to be played between the Chief Minister’s XI and Governor’s XI on November 7, but there’s enough reason to cheer. Top favourite cricket players will soon be in Himachal Pradesh for the North Zone Ranji Trophy cricket matches to be played at 15 venues across the state. Those to watch out for — Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Ashish Nehra, Aakash Chopra and Gautam Gambhir. The fun on the pitch begins January 9.

Teen addiction panic

It’s an alarming trend in Himachal Pradesh. Teenage boys are increasingly getting addicted to tobacco and tobacco products, a health survey team has pointed out. The report says nearly 17 per cent of boys above 12 years in cities are addicted to tobacco while in villages, the addiction is at nine per cent. Nearly 27 per cent of boys in villages above 15 years are tobacco addicts while in cities, it dips to 20 per cent. The survey also points out that three per cent of women in villages are addicted to tobacco.