The Akali Dal (L), which, after its resounding poll victory in Punjab, had sprung a pleasant surprise by the unanimous election of Surjit Singh Barnala as leader of the party legislative wing, was embroiled in ministry-making following problems over the choice of prospective ministers. The party leadership was at an impasse primarily because Parkash Singh Badal, former CNM was disinclined to join the ministry.
UP Flood Toll Rises
With reports of 40 more deaths, the flood toll in Uttar Pradesh has gone up to 292 and the scene of death and devastation caused by the floods has shifted to eastern districts from the central region. Ballia district is now facing a grim situation, with the turbulent Ghaghra roaring in the north and mighty Ganga rampaging in the south.
Governors’ Protocol
Are all state governors observing the conventions and protocol laid down for their visits to the Capital? According to convention, any governor going on tour and spending the night outside the state should seek the President’s approval, unless he or she visits the Capital and returns to the state the same day. It would appear that Punjab Governor Arjun Singh has visited the Capital overnight on numerous occasions but sought the President’s approval only on three occasions.
Bhutan on Aid
Bhutan is not interested in seeking aid from the two big superpowers as it does not want to get involved in superpower rivalry. Making this categorical assertion in a chat with visiting Indian journalists, Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo Dawa Tsering said his country would not, as a matter of principle, like to accept aid with political undertones.
