‘Sar mundate he ole pade’

True to the adage “Sar mundate he ole pade”, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had to face the first test in Seraj - his home constituency with violent protests erupting in Janjehli. The protests are still continuing. No chief minister has made such a turbulent start to his innings as Jai Ram Thakur has. Social media is abuzz with reports on agitation. The protest has also come as a shot in the arm for the Congress which has cautioned that the people are protesting against closure of the tehsil and in case the government chooses to close down schools and health institutes, worst protest will follow. 

‘Transfer preoccupation’

The new BJP regime seems to be carrying on with its celebratory mode even close to two months after its formation. The euphoria of the victory is yet to settle so as to streamline government functioning which, according to the saffron party, was a major casualty during Congress regime. However, going by the manner in which the transfers of government employees are taking place, confusion seems to be prevailing. The so-called transfer mafia during the Congress regime seems to be still very active except for the fact that the players have been replaced by BJP leaders. Notwithstanding large-scale transfers having been ordered, the process seems to be continuing despite a general ban on transfers. It is being felt that till the Chief Minister himself does not adopt a stern stand on the issue, the frequent transfers and modifications will continue and mar the image of his government. The CM Office will have to pull up its socks and ensure that the image of the government is not sullied because of the latest “transfer preoccupation” of some of the defeated BJP MLAs indulging in transfers as if there is no tomorrow.

For CM’s maiden visit

While the Chief Minister’s much -awaited maiden visit to Solan district was being finalised, the district administration was on its toes to work out the programme. Since the outgoing Congress government had inaugurated upcoming development projects, whether complete or incomplete, there was hardly any project awaiting inauguration. In a bid to make the most of the CM’s first visit, officers were working overtime to chalk out something impressive though no worthwhile project could be finalised till now. Solan, which was once a prime district given its proximity to the state’s capital, had now become a low-key area after the ruling BJP could secure just two of the five seats.

Raja’s woes multiply

The winter of 2018 came as a harbinger of miseries for “Raja”. His woes seemed to have multiplied after the CBI arrested his front man Vaikamulla Chandershekhar recently in connection with the alleged disproportionate asset case against him pending in a Delhi court. Even the power brokers and “tired, retired and hired ones”, who ruled the roost during his last term, are keeping distance from him, reveal insiders. What to talk of “these self-seekers”, even his stooge and now Leader of the Opposition, did not show an iota of courtesy to this Congress veteran when he had gone to meet the state Governor recently, reveal insiders. “He did not get up from his seat and vacate it for the former CM, a minimum that one can do for an old man”, they allege. Even his well-wishers are talking about the bad days of their “Raja Saab”. Did he make mistake by not choosing his comrades wisely or allowed himself to be surrounded by selfish yesmen, questions a party worker.