How Kesri spoilt Gujral’s supper

Having kept the country on tenterhooks for nearly a week, Kesri sat in his white Ambassador after the meeting and sped off. Hundreds of media persons who had been patiently maintaining an eagle-eyed vigil only got a glimpse of Kesri’s Gandhi cap and a cryptic wave of his hand from the partially open window. Till then, they had no inkling of what had transpired during the 35 minutes that Kesri spent with the President.

“He is going to the AICC office where he will address a press conference,” the word spread, shifting the scene of activity to the Congress headquarters. But the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan was to witness more history in the making. Soon after the Prime Minister made his way to meet Narayanan. However, his presence there at the crucial juncture had nothing to do with the political crisis, sources were quick to point out.

“To discuss the political scenario, Gujral will again meet him at 9:45 pm. I am sure he would like to eat his last meal as Prime Minister in peace,” a Rashtrapati Bhawan official quipped. Even the presence of Chief Justice J S Verma on the occasion was said to be a coincidence. He, along with other senior judges had been invited by the President for dinner. This had been decided some days ago, Rashtrapati Bhawan sources said.

It was another matter altogether that the Chief Justice could be handy if the President required any legal opinion from him. The judges had to wait a little for dinner as Narayanan was preoccupied with sorting out the crisis.

Journalists and cameramen had been camping outside the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan , their hopes soaring at the sight of any vehicle, more so if it is a white Ambassador. It could be Chacha Kesri, coming to inform the President that the Congress has finally decided to withdraw support.