Chandigarh confidential

Second thoughts

Another list, in addition to the newly-released list of Punjab law officers, is on the cards. Sources say the second list will have the names of over 10 lawyers — most affiliated to the BJP — who will join the Advocate General office. Rumour has it that the list has been put on hold after SAD leaders, whose kin and acquaintances stand removed due to this, protested. After the first list was announced, BJP leaders had teamed up with SAD leaders to protest the fresh army of law officers appointed by the government. Labelling the new faces in the AG office as Congress representatives and accusing Advocate General Ashok Aggarwal of being instrumental in downsizing the BJP's representation in the office, the leaders had registered their protest with the party high command.

Congress rules

While the ruling Congress in Haryana does not consider either of the opposition parties a potential threat in the 2014 Assembly polls, both HJC and INLD have entered into a "war of words", accusing each other of siding with the Congress. While INLD legislator Ajay Chautala accused HJC chief Kuldeep Bishnoi of enjoying the support of the Congress, Bishnoi accused Chautala of having an under-cover alliance with the ruling party. A senior Congress leader said, "It does not make a difference to us. Both these parties know their existence in the state is miniscule. Congress is not bothered if both keep accusing each other of having our support. We are open to everybody. Whoever wants to join Congress, we welcome them — be it HJC or INLD."

Hooda's rehab camp

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has always stood by his loyalists even post their superannuation. In the last seven years of Hooda's tenure, over 27 bureaucrats and police officers have been rehabilitated on various posts. The recent addition in Hooda's loyalists' rehabilitation camp was former state DGP Ranjiv Singh Dalal, who was rehabilitated the same day he relinquished charge. Be it the coveted positions of information commissioners, chairpersons of regulatory bodies or enquiry commissions, there is no dearth of postings for retired bureaucrats and IPS officers provided they are loyal to Hooda.

... contd.

ALSO READ

'Shootout At Wadala' producer Ekta Kapoor apologises, Valmiki Samaj unperturbed

Theatres in Punjab cancel 'Shootout at Wadala' shows

Rail traffic hit due to protests over Sajjan's acquittal

Family of 1971 POW awaits his return from Pak, fears for his life