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Private Diplomacy
Delhi: While the entire political establishment of the country was preoccupied with
government formation to avert a mid-term poll, one man's thoughts were elsewhere. To be
precise, in the Balkans. Using his "Former Prime Minister of India" letterhead,
I.K. Gujral shot off letters to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, South African President
Nelson Mandela, Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov and French President Jacques
Chirac expressing the need for "statesmanship" in Kosovo and "of a vision
that goes beyond immediate gain". That seems harmless. What has, however, riled South
Block is Gujral's private diplomacy that wants to commit troops from non-aligned countries
in a peace-keeping force. Mandarins speak with amusement of Gujral's frenzied lobbying for
the setting up of an Eminent Persons Group which "through its impartial and
impeccable credentials" could resolve the crisis. Divided Lot
Delhi: Political flip-flop was again
in evidence at Nirvachan Sadan where Chief Election Commissioner M.S. Gill was holding a
meeting to decide the election schedule. As the BJP argued for early polls and the
Congress for elections in September, the BSP and SP engaged in a verbal duel of their own.
Even during the break, when partymen mingled with each other, Mayawati and Mulayam Singh
Yadav stood apart like sore thumbs. Congress leader Sharad Pawar had to finally request
them to join in for tea. But once the meeting resumed, and Gill pointed out that as a
courtesy the prime minister should be allowed to give his Independence Day speech --
hinting at polls after August 15 -- Mayawati changed tack and started demanding early
polls. Amidst the squabbling, an exasperated Gill was heard saying that he could ensure
discipline among the voters but politicians were beyond him. The task, as he must be
aware, has only just begun.
'Acting' Tough
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister
Digvijay Singh is trying hard to wear a stern look -- tired as he is of accusations that
he runs a soft government. On at least three occasions in recent weeks, the chief minister
was seen openly chiding cabinet colleagues who had called on him at his residence without
appointment. A far cry from the "open house" days, Digvijay's tough posture has
dampened the spirits of the chamchas (hangers-on) who hovered around the chief minister's
bungalow till 2 in the morning. Digvijay is also learning the art of saying no. Even as
his advisers appreciate this "attitude change", the mask often slips away. As
Singh would confide, he is trying to change but it is difficult for a leopard to shed its
spots.
Still in Transit
Bhubaneswar: Even two months after
becoming chief minister and almost a month after his predecessor J.B. Patnaik vacated the
official residence, Giridhar Gamang is still living out of a cramped suite in the state
guest house. The reason: not some austerity drive but Vastu. Some gates are being walled
up and the furniture relaid and even the flooring is being redone with stones that could
fetch good fortune. Gamang has told his aides that he will not move in until the house is
totally in accordance with Vastu principles. For that extra luck, Gamang is certainly not
losing any sleep over temporary discomforts. |
