This Week Madhya Pradesh: Cheeky description

There are politicians of a certain age who refer to Hema Malinis cheeks whenever they need a metaphor for the smoothness of roads

Cheeky description

There are politicians of a certain age who refer to Hema Malinis cheeks whenever they need a metaphor for the smoothness of roads. Former Union Minister and PCC chief Kantilal Bhuria Lalu was the latest to draw the comparison to the actress,first made by Lalu Prasad Yadav. Bhuria,however,extended the description with BJP veteran Babulal Gaur finding himself at the receiving end. The Congress leader referred to Gaurs cheeks to describe the present condition of roads,which he said would have resembled the former Dream Girls cheeks had all the Central money received been actually spent on them.

Complaints box

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has installed a box outside his residence to allow people to drop complaints about corruption in government departments. Not missing a trick,the Congress too has installed one outside its party headquarters in Bhopal to receive complaints against the chief minister and his ministers. The Opposition said a drop-box for corruption in departments was out of place because most complaints these days involve the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues. The party also wanted to know the outcome of a similar experiment by Umashanker Gupta after becoming the home minister three years ago.

Dhoni academy

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is interested in setting up a cricket academy and a sports school in the state and sought land from the state government in a letter he wrote recently. The Team India captain will have to satisfy the government that local players will be given preference. The state recently announced that 90 per cent seats in its academies will be reserved for local players because its often slammed for promoting talent from other states. While MP has obviously relished the ace cricketers attention,the government will soon send a letter to Dhoni asking the exact role the state government would play if and when the plan comes to fruition.

Across the boundary

Cooperatives Minister Gaurishanker Bisen has embarrassed the BJP and the government too frequently in recent months for anyone to keep count. Bisens latest salvo against his colleagues has been the suggestion that his home district,Balaghat,be made a part of neighbouring Chhattisgarh because of cultural and geographical similarities. While those in Chhattisgarh,including BJP CM Raman Singh and the Opposition,welcomed the idea,those in Madhya Pradesh were indignant. The ruling BJP has kept silent but the Congress has sought his head,questioning his ability and wondering if he would remain faithful to the state where he took oath as minister.

Infosys eyes Indore

Infosys plans to set up a software development centre in Indore,the states commercial capital. The software company could substantially raise the profile of the states largest town,which already boasts an IIM and an IIT. The companys talks with the government for a suitable plot of land are nearing their final stages. MP has always struggled to get investment despite offering cheap land and labour. Not for nothing did Industries Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya seek the blessings of Narayana Murthy he was photographed touching his feet when the Infosys founder visited Indore last week to attend a function.