Delhi: The Congress perhaps had every reason to complain about the Doordarshan black-out of its president, Sonia Gandhi, at the Republic Day parade. For the nation and partymen had missed watching some endearing moments Sonia shared with her grandson Rehan. The toddling PM-in-waiting's first public appearance would have been a grand photo-op but DD played spoilsport.

Lady Sonia Smiles on Jogi

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi is finally relieved. A month after he first split the state BJP, he has managed to induct four of the 12 defectors into his cabinet. Congress President Sonia Gandhi, disapproving the politics of Ayaram-Gayaram, had initially refused to meet the defectors when Jogi brought them to Delhi. But Sonia's cold-shouldering did not deter him. Party circles say the high command changed its mind after Jogi offered to foot the expenses for the February assembly elections. The lady at 10 Janpath had to eventually relent. Now everyone in the AICC is praising Jogi. Predictable.

Amma Awards

Chennai: As AIADMK General Secretary J. Jayalalithaa prepares for the Andipatti by-election, Periyakulam MP T.T.V. Dinakaran is not taking any chances. The trusted nephew of Amma's best friend Sasikala has announced that aiadmk cadre who garner maximum votes for Jayalalithaa would be given prizes by none other than the Puratchi Thalaivi herself. Meanwhile the DMK is telling voters in those parts of Periyakulam that fall under the Andipatti constituency to vote for the DMK to ensure that O. Paneerselvam (a Periyakulam native) stays as chief minister.

Furry Logic

Bangalore: When Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna wore a fur cap at the opening of the legislature session, it left many wondering. Detractors bluntly asked why he was wearing a cap over a wig. Friends felt the nearing Kanakapura Lok Sabha bypoll were causing him headaches. Others blamed it on former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda's antics. Either way, uneasy lies poor Krishna's head that wears a fur cap.