Lights,camera and the CM

The stage was set for Mayawati’s TV byte session. Navneet Sehgal,secretary to the UP Chief Minister,explained why the arrangements were necessary. “Mayawati doesn’t like to be surrounded by jostling reporters. So this arrangement has been made,” Sehgal said in between directing a technician to ensure that high-voltage lamps erected on poles focused directly on the podium.

“There should be sufficient light when the CM speaks,” he said. Some officials were walking around carrying large searchlights,just in case.

There was,in fact,a full team from UP — officials,policemen and commandos — at the ‘venue’,making sure all the arrangements were perfect. Most had reached hours before Mayawati’s appointment with the PM. The ‘venue’,a 10 feet by 6 feet area,was crawling with UP police personnel. The Delhi Police appeared to be present only as fringe support.

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As Mayawati’s dozen-vehicle cavalcade emerged from the PM’s residence,the media was told to maintain order. Journalists standing in front of the cameras were told to sit on the ground. Mayawati came,stood at the podium,read a three-page statement and left — her exit as swift as her entry.