Cong is past, BJP tops Najma’s ICCR guest list

As schoolgirls from Pakistan and Delhi scattered under the large tent, running excitedly between henna stylists and bangle-sellers, Heptullah called them together to talk of bonding across the borders and distribute gifts. ‘‘I cannot even distinguish which are the children from Pakistan, they all look the same,’’ she said.

After a short speech, the first gift Heptullah gave out were CD copies of Pratibha Advani’s film, aired on DD, on Bollywood songs for Holi.

This is not the first time Heptullah has kept out government representatives — only a fortnight ago, she invited L.K. Advani as guest of honour for an official reception, to welcome another ICCR delegation of Pakistan-origin doctors based in the US led by her Pakistani son-in-law. ‘‘First of all, I don’t agree goodwill visits from countries have to follow the song and dance routine,’’ said Heptullah. ‘‘Also, while the ICCR invited them, the delegates sponsored their own trip to India.’’

Heptullah, instead, recalled Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar’s grand dinner for the delegation while she got Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh to host an evening for them.

The four-time Rajya Sabha MP has thrown caution to the winds, say sources, as her term as ICCR president will come to an end in June. The last year has forced Heptullah into a confrontationist position with the UPA Government, after refusing to step down from the ICCR when the Congress came to power in 2004. The ICCR president has been denied permission to attend a single event abroad — ranging from cultural festivals in Central Asian Republics to Brazil to the US.