Union Food Minister K V Thomas is sending out Christmas wishes with a unique message. The minister is sending Christmas cakes to everyone,including CMs,MPs,other politicians and some journalists. The wrapping of the 1 kg cake mentions the usual wishes from him and his wife,but also says Food Security: Ensuring prosperity for all. It gives details of the various benefits under the Food Security Act,which Thomas has been promoting since it was passed earlier this year. GOOFING UP The Union Corporate Affairs Ministry may have goofed up while issuing advertisements calling for applications from,among others,sitting and retired HC judges,for the posts of Members of the National Company Law Tribunal. As per the advertisement,the post would be equivalent to an Additional Secretary,which is lower than that of a HC judge. The discrepancy has been brought to the notice of the Ministry. ALLIANCE TALK As Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi held interactions with leaders from Bihar,they were unanimous about the need for a pre-poll alliance with Lalu Prasads RJD. Days before being convicted and jailed,Lalu had spoken to and sent feelers to senior Bihar Congressmen promising them safe seats if they were to persuade high command for an alliance. Given that both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi themselves are said to be interested in Congress-RJD-LJP alliance,it is to be seen whether Lalu keeps his promise to Congressmen. Incidentally,one of the ticket aspirants is Bihar PCC chief Ashok Choudhury. OUT OF LOOP Even as PM Manmohan Singh lamented the fact that the UPA governments achievements were not being highlighted effectively (by the party),the partys Communications department seems to be getting out of loop. Last Friday,a Congress spokesman denied any possibility of a change of guard in Uttarakhand,even as the high command was planning to send observers to the state to look for a suitable successor to Vijay Bahuguna. While MLAs Pritam Singh and Harak Singh Rawat are said to be the contenders,Union Minister Harish Rawat has also put his foot down. Incidentally,on Sunday,an AICC communique informed about Rahul Gandhis interaction in Muzaffarnagar several minutes after it was supposed to have taken place.
