Third Eye: Political movements from the entire nation

Eye on CMship Before Polls

BJP leader Satpal Maharaj, a former Congress hand, getting precedence over ex-Uttarakhand CM RP Nishank at a press meet gave rise to a curious speculation. Maharaj was asked whether his repeat of Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat’s oath of office during the meet was his way of rehearsing for a future role. Nishank said he will tender his opinion to party whether an old BJP hand should be preferred for CMship.

Not Outside Danapur Cantt

With Bihar going on overdrive on enforcing prohibition, also on the receiving end are armed forces personnel, several of whom transit through the state on the way home. The defence ministry has now issued a special advisory asking all personnel not to carry liquor even while transiting through Bihar, citing cases of arrest. The only 'safe place' to drink in Bihar, according to the advisory is the Danapur cantonment area.

Not Without Reason

Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj holding a Cabinet briefing took many by surprise. While several members of the Council of Ministers have addressed the media after Cabinet meetings, this was Swaraj’s maiden appearance in two-and-a-half years. The reason for her talking to the press was explained later: She heads the group of ministers on the Surrogacy Regulation Bill that was cleared by the Cabinet.

CPWD in a Fix Over Sinha

CPWD has been foxed by a new problem. Its officials have been getting directives from a mystery caller who poses as the agency’s new director-general Abhai Sinha. Unable to nip the menace, CPWD has now circulated the mobile number of the caller and directed all the officials to follow orders given from Sinha’s landline or registered mobile numbers.