In loyal vein

Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar’s recent address at the international conference on federalism was a throwback to another era. His speech was peppered with references to the “Prime Minister”. But it wasn’t Manmohan Singh he was referring to. It was Rajiv Gandhi. His theme was the constitutional amendment that paved the way for Panchayati Raj. The many references were not lost on those present, including Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil. The speech of loyalty seems to have inspired Patil. The very next day, speaking at a function where UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was present, the Union Home Minister, with much veneration, addressed her as Soniaji Gandhi. Saffron inspiration or slip of the tongue?