Keeping distance

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi travelled in separate aircraft to Ahmedabad, although they arrived and departed only 20 minutes apart. They even moved around the city in different vehicles on the same route. The reason for staying apart was that the PM, as per protocol, was accompanied by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, while both Gandhi and Modi wanted to keep a distance from each other. At the Civil Hospital, Manmohan Singh came up to Gandhi and asked if she was ready to leave. The party president indicated that the PM should go ahead and she would follow later.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil was Sonia Gandhi’s travelling companion. The fact that he managed to keep his attire a spotless white despite moving through rain and slush was a matter of comment. Those who know Patil well say he always carries at least one change of identical clothes on all journeys.

Poll dates

The Congress is consulting the UPA allies to decide just when to dissolve Parliament. The question is whether elections should be held in November or February. While earlier the general view was that it would be advisable to postpone the polls, now many feel that even if the polls are held later issues like rising prices and terrorism will not go away. Which is why it might be advantageous to call the elections at a time when the victory in Parliament and the nuclear deal clearance is still fresh in people’s minds. Also, with time it is feared the SP will become more and more demanding.

... contd.