The party this weekend

There is much anticipation in political circles about the wedding reception of Pulok Chatterji's daughter this weekend.

There is much anticipation in political circles about the wedding reception of Pulok Chatterji8217;s daughter this weekend. Chatterji,who is known for his proximity to the Gandhi family and is now the principal secretary to the Prime Minister,has always kept aloof and avoided publicity. But he may not be able to keep the wedding of his daughter a quiet affair. There is speculation about who have been invited to the reception 8212; being hosted at an Ashoka Road bungalow on Sunday evening 8212; especially as members of the Gandhi family are expected to be there. A few years ago,when he hosted a reception for his son8217;s wedding at the IIC,Chatterji had kept the guest list to a minimum,calling only close friends and colleagues from the bureaucracy.

Xinjiang calling Bollywood

Visiting governor of the Chinese province of Xinjiang,Nur Bekri,is learnt to be extremely keen to meet Bollywood stars and filmmakers. Efforts are said to be underway in Mumbai to fix a meeting for him with important people in the industry. Bekri,apparently,wants to pitch Xinjiang,which is known to have picturesque landscapes,as an attractive shooting location. He has told MEA officials that shooting in Xinjiang would cost half of what Bollywood crews spend in New Zealand or Europe. Bekri also wants to see the Taj Mahal,not just during the day but also in moonlight,and arrangements are being made.

Feeling jobless

Justice Dharam Vir Sharma,one of the three judges who gave the verdict in Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit and who retired shortly thereafter,is facing post-retirement woes. His complaint to the Supreme Court that the government had rejected his candidature to the National Green Tribunal without giving any reason has failed to impress the court. The apex court dismissed his case saying he cannot claim appointment as a 8220;right8221;,and selection depended wholly on the government8217;s discretion.

Offence at Defence

Despite the bleak,dark evening,the mood in South Block was electric on Friday evening as commercial proposals for the largest defence deal to procure new fighters for the Air Force were finally opened. While it will take time to identify the winner,it seems that the ministry is already preparing itself for the dirt that is set to fly once a vendor has been selected. Officials of EADS and Dassault were greeted by large-size banners that have come up across South Block,all carrying anti-corruption messages. 8220;Integrity is not for sale8221;,read one while another reminded that 8220;He who assists is as guilty as the culprit8221;

Rahul discusses land Bill

As the Parliamentary Standing Committee deliberates on the land acquisition Bill,Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi recently summoned all party MPs on the panel for a brainstorming meeting. The Standing Committee has already discussed the Bill at two meetings and the MPs present are believed to have given their feedback to Rahul,who has been following this Bill very keenly. The meeting was held at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies,which is part of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.