Maharaaz’s Raaz
William Shakespeare once famously quoted, ‘What is in the name’, but Uttarakhand Minister Satpal Maharaaz seems to have different thoughts about the philosophy. The religious preacher cum politician recently affected a minor change in the spelling of his name, from Satpal Maharaj, he is now Satpal Maharaaz. It is not clear whether the change is inspired by some astrological or numerological considerations but the indomitable leader with a Congress background is increasingly becoming assertive these days. Those having a hand on the political pulse of the state point out that the manoeuvres of Maharaaz in recent times clearly outline his assertiveness and reflect his political ambitions. By deciding to abstain from the Lake Festival organised by his department in Tehri as a tribute to those who lost their lives in Chamoli disaster Maharaaz sought to occupy a high moral ground compared to the Chief Minister TSR who made it a point to attend the event. The minister has also skipped some cabinet meetings in the past raising many eyebrows. The followers of Maharaaz never forget to mention that the ministerial berth which he presently adorns is something below his stature and he is destined for more. One wonders if this name change ritual is linked with this quest for more.
Brave Babu
A Babu heading a department concerned with promoting the learning of an ancient language got so perturbed by constant meddling in the affairs of the department by the Minister concerned that he has offered to relinquish the assignment. The Babu known for his upright ways and the habit of calling a spade a spade was never comfortable with the minister from the onset and the relations between the two were far from being cordial. Recently an argument with the Minister irked the Babu so much that he left the office of the former in a huff telling the personal staff of the minister that he would not work under him. The officer is said to have told the CM candidly that either he should be shifted out from the department or the assignment of the department is given to some other officer.
Forced unity?
The newfound bonhomie between Congress stalwart Harish Rawat and PCC president Pritam Singh as is being witnessed recently has gladdened the hearts of the well wishers of the faction ridden grand old party in the state. The duo visited the Tapovan- Raini area in Chamoli district together after the disaster struck its residents. They were together again in Dehradun when they met the Chief Minister with their suggestions and demands from the government on the tragedy. The camaraderie coming close to heels of the utterances of Rawat that the party should declare its chief ministerial candidate for the crucial assembly elections of 2022 with Pritam camp retaliating by stating that the party has no such tradition is surprising. In the past both these leaders were seen ploughing lonely furrows and were rarely seen together. It appears that the High Command has ordered the two to work in tandem to take on the might of the saffron party in the Himalayan state and the effects of the diktat are visible on ground.
Friday, 19 February 2021 | Gajendra Singh Negi | Dehradun
