Modi tightens Ministries belt, Cut 25% Expenditure

Railways to cut costs, Reduce Staff, Others follow Piyush Goyal Acts fast

Harish Gupta (National Editor, Lokmat Group)

New Delhi, June 23

Acting swiftly on the directions of the Prime Minister, the Railways and other Central ministries have started taking a slew of austerity-measures to cut expenditure.

The ministries have been directed to avoid

holding ceremonial functions physically and move over to  digital platforms. The Railways under Piyush Goyal and , Road Transport under Nitin Gadkari and others used to hold at least 6-7 functions per day on an average. Not anymore.

The Ministries have been told to cut down the use of stationary at least by 50 per cent and identify areas where costs can be cut immediately by 20%-25%.

Among the austerity measures underway, the Railway Minister Piyush Goyal plans for freezing creation of new posts, dumping outsourced work to companies to involve CSR pattern and rationalizing  manpower at its workshops. On the directions of the Minister, the financial commissioner directed GMs  on June 19 that the traffic earnings dropped by 58 per cent at the end of May. It also asked the zones to review contracts, and reduce energy consumption. There is a freeze on creation of any new post except for safety-related posts. All file work be moved to the digital sphere and advised that all correspondence must be done through secure e-mails system.

Earlier, the Modi government had put on hold all proposed foreign training stints for its officials during 2020-21. Any foreign training needed in “exceptional circumstances” will be permitted, but with the prior approval of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), said the June 15 order. The officials are sent for mid-career training programs to  foreign universities, including Harvard, Cambridge, UCLA, Berkeley, Australia and New Zealand.

Last fortnight, the Department of Expenditure had directed the ministries to suspend all new schemes with funding commitments of up to Rs 500 crore till March next year. The order exempts the Covid-related schemes.

Earlier, the Central government had also frozen increments of DA to government employees and pensioners. It was forced to resort to such drastic measures after the government’s revenue receipts hit an all-time low due to Covid-19 and other problems.

Nadda to fill 2 vacancies in Parliamentary Board

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

special report

Nadda to fill 2 vacancies in Parliamentary Board

RACE begins between Nirmala & Irani 

Piyush Goyal, Pradhan, Javadekar in the reckoning too

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Jan. 22

With Jagat Prakash Nadda taking over as the President of the BJP, intense speculation has begun for two coveted posts in the party's Parliamentary Board.

All eyes are set on two women leaders – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Women & Child Development Minister Smriti Irani – as to who will make the cut in the powerful decision making body of the party. Two vacancies have been caused due to the untimely demise of Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj last year. Currently, the board has eight members as Amit Shah did not fill these two vacancies when he headed the party. However, B L Santosh was inducted into the board as general secretary incharge of the organisation in place of Ram Lal last year. There are  eight members in the board as of now and these vacancies are be filled shortly. It is expected that one vacancy caused by the demise of Sushma Swaraj will be filled by a woman leader.

Smriti Irani is claiming her right to be member of the Parliamentary Board as she trounced stalwart like Rahul Gandhi in Amethi and has been a star campaigner of the party. But she has been surrounded with controversies as well. The supporters of Nirmala Sitharaman say her performance as BJP leader had been outstanding and got one promotion after the other due to her performance and integrity. There is also speculation that Vijaya Rahatkar, president Mahila Morcha who is member of the Central Election Committee be brought to the board and a new woman member be sent to the CEC.

There are many in the queue for the seat that fell vacant due to the death of Arun Jaitley. Among them, the names of Railways & Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Petroleum & Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, I&B and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar are being mentioned. Another suggestion is that some one from the North East or West Bengal be inducted in the board.

J P Nadda will take a call on filling these vacancies once the process of organisational polls is completed within the next 15 days and parliament's Budget session recess in February.

Ends 

Is Javadekar Filling Jaitley Void ?

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Is Javadekar Filling Jaitley Void ?

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Sep 8

Information & Broadcasting and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar seems to have emerged as the “point’s person” in the new Modi dispensation. Be it the briefing of the BJP or the Union Cabinet or the key announcement, its Prakash Javadekar all the way. Though Telecom & IT and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Railway & Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Petroleum & Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have also been briefing the media from time to time for the past some time for party and the government.

But the way Prakash Javadekar was fielded to hold the press conference solo on the occasion of completion of successful 100 days of the Modi government left no one in doubt that he is the man to watch. Normally, press conferences on such occasions are held by senior ministers jointly. But Prakash Javadekar was given the sole responsibility to present the Modi 2.0's  100 days' report card creates an impression of his growing ratings in the Modi dispensation. Javadekar held the fort on a Sunday at a  mega press conference at the National Media Center and impressed by his handling of tricky questions with calm and finesse.

The party has been struggling to find a replacement of late Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who was a catalyst, crisis manager and spokesman of the party & government par excellence. Ever since he fell sick in earlier this year and died last month, the void was being felt. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is now the crisis manager and catalyst. But the search was on for a spokesman of party & government. Nirmala Sitharaman impressed the leadership by her strident defence on the Rafale deal in Parliament and gained in stature. Ravi Shankar Prasad is a veteran party leader too and senior in order of Precedence. Both of them have been addressing crucial press briefings too. But the party leadership fielded Prakash Javadekar to address the press conference today indicates his rising clout as a spokesman as well.

Piyush Goyal plans MMTC, STC & PEC Merger

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Exclusive story

Piyush Goyal plans MMTC, STC & PEC Merger

After banks PSUs merger on the anvil

PSUs accummulative losses cross Rs 2 lakh crores

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Aug. 31

After the merger of banks, the government is working on a war footing basis to merge loss making flagship State Trading Corporation (STC) with MMTC. Even the PEC may be brought under the mega merged PSU.

It is authoritatively learnt that Railways & Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a marathon meeting with the bankers and top officials a couple of days ago to to merge the three entities.

The MMTC, STC and PEC under the Commerce Ministry are dealing with imports and exports of goods and created in the 50s & 60s. The STC and PEC have been making huge losses year after year. However, the MMTC has been making profits.

With PM Modi telling the ministers handling economic ministries to shut down all loss making PSUs or re-structure them, Piyush Goyal has initiated move to merge the three entities. The NITI Aayog had also rang the alarm bells by telling the government that of the 300-odd PSUs of the Central government, 188 are loss making and their accummulative losses have crossed Rs 2 lakh crores. These loss making PSUs include Air India, BSNL, MTNL, STC, IIFC, Hindustan Photo etc. Ever since Modi government came to power in May 2014, it shut down only two sick units out of 188. Of course, consolidation process is on in banks. But other ministries are moving at a snail's pace and failed to take worthwhile steps.

It is in this background that Piyush Goyal has taken a major initiative to merge the three entities which have been exporting & importing goods. In a way, they are involved in same kind of business. In fact, his predecessor, Suresh Prabhu had initiated the process the process of merging of these canalizing agencies. But he couldn't move his finger.

MMTC used to work as a canalizing agency for import and export of non-ferrous metals and fertilizers. Similarly, STC was a canalizing agency for imports of essential items of mass consumption such as wheat, pulses, sugar and edible oils. The PEC deals with engineering goods

In 1989-90, these three companies were put under the one company called the Bharat Business International Ltd (BBIL), to prevent cross-competition. But the bureaucracy failed that experiment. Now it has been decided all these be merged into a single entity.

Ends

Air India Divestment process to begin next month

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Air India Divestment process to begin next month

Chairman Lohani task cut out

New GoM formed under Amit Shah

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, July 31

The Air India's divestment process will start next month and fresh bids under the new terms will be invited in October.

Ashwini Lohani, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of AI Ashwini Lohani is working overtime to off-load the huge loss making flag carrier at the earliest.

The AI's operating loss is bigger than that at all the private airlines put together during the last financial year 2018-19. The total operating loss of Air India alone losing Rs 4,330 crore during 2018-19. Despite an increase in operating revenue, Air India’s higher operating cost have resulted in losses.

Ashwini Lohani is struggling to bring down this operating cost of the loss making career.

The proceeds from disinvestment will go into paying off the debt of the SPV. The remaining debt of Rs 28,887 crore is going to be set off by the new buyer. When the first bid of divestment failed, the government wanted the buyers to take over Rs 33,392 crore of debt and liabilities of AI and Air India Express as part of debt reallocation. But there were no takers and the efforts failed.

Despite these plus points, the government might find it daunting to divest the Air India.

When Lohani retired as Chairman of the Railway Board, Prime Minister Modi specially chose him for the coveted post as Chairman Air India so that he takes the hard decision to divest it within the time frame that the PM re-constituted Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism (AISAM), a high-powered ministrial committee headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Civil Aviation Minister Hardip Puri and Commerce & Railway Minister Piyush Goyal are other members.

The government has modified several terms including divestment of upto 95% ownership while retaining 5 per cent for the employee stock option. The new buyer can sell the airlines to merge with anybody or reverse merge and sale to others.

If reports are to be believed, Ashwini Lohani's task is cut out to divest by February 2020 and acquire a new mission.

Ends 

Thaawar Chand, Piyush Goyal, Javadekar in Race for Leader Rajya Sabha,

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Thaawar Chand, Piyush Goyal, Javadekar in Race for Leader Rajya Sabha,

YSR Congress may be dark horse for Deputy Speaker, LS

Modi Nod awaited for two crucial posts  

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, June 10

Prime Minister Modi has to take a couple of crucial political decisions very soon including the choice of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Leader of the BJP Parliamentary group in Rajya Sabha. 

While the Shiv Sena has already expressed its desire to be the rightful claimant for the post of the Deputy Speaker which usually goes to the Opposition party, not to an ally. But these conventions have not been followed in the past and the Sena is not insisting for it. The second best choice doing the rounds is that of Brahtohari Mehtab of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). It is argued that Modi may like to bring Naveen Patnaik of Odisha closer to the BJP. Patnaik is scheduled to meet Modi today and this issue may crop up. But there are many in the BJP high command who say that Modi may like to rope in YSR Congress of Andhra Pradesh instead as Jaganmohan Reddy has slapped a humiliating defeat to Congress and Chandrababu Naidu in the state. Modi may also like to oblige YSR Congress rather than the BJD.

Another important political decision that PM Modi has to take as Leader of the BJP in Rajya Sabha after his most trusted and highly qualified person Arun Jaitley opted out due to ill health.

Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Social Justice Minister, is the senior most BJP leader in Rajya Sabha and a Dalit from Madhya Pradesh. Modi has also kept him in a couple of crucial parliamentary committees too and he is a member of the BJP's Parliamentary Board. But then there is a rising star Piyush Goyal in Railway & Commerce Minister whom the party is grooming. Another Minister in the reckoning is Prakash Javadekar who has been hand-picked for the coveted ministries of Environment & Forest and I&B. He has been brought back in I&B after several failed experiments in the first term. But by virtue of her position as Finance Minister and being a woman too, Nirmala Sitharaman is also a front runner for the top post. The way she defended the government and blasted Rahul Gandhi on Rafale in the Lok Sabha in Winter session stole the thunder.

Ends 

PMO Missive to Minister: Clear all projects by March 8

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

A Lokmat Exclusive report

PMO Missive to Minister: Clear all projects by March 8

EC may issue Poll notification on Saturday ?

New Delhi, March 4

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has directed all the ministries and departments to complete launching of all pending project by March 8.

Since the Election Commission of India is likely to issue notification for the General Elections on March 9, the PMO has said that all work to inaugurate projects be completed by March 8. With the Model Code of Conduct coming into force, the foundation stone for any project cannot be laid and no project be inaugurated or new scheme launched. Therefore, the PMO has asked the ministries to launch all projects as announced. In fact, the Prime Minister himself has a tight schedule until March 8 traveling across the country launching numerous projects. Interestingly, the PM is launching a a series of projects wherever he is going these days.For example, he launched 18 projects at Amethi yesterday at one function.

The emphasis is particularly on the infrastructure ministries like Road Transport, Railways, Coal, Power, Communication & IT, Petroleum, Science & Technology, Steel, Mines, Textiles, Food processing, Health and Defence. The ministries under Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, R K Singh (Power) are in particular focus. It is largely because of this very reason that all the ministers are concerned are traveling state after state launching projects. In fact, the PM has also said that the minister concerned need not be present for the inauguration of a project with him and devote time to launch projects in other states. For example, Piyush Goyal is launching another project in Tamil Nadu today while the PM is launching a project in Gujrat relating to his ministry.

The PM's Project Monitoring Group (PMG) which monitors all pending infrastructure projects has resolved 3100 projects involving investment of Rs 10.76 lakh crores. The PMG was set up in September 2015.

The ministries have also been directed to ensure that all the promises laid down in the BJP's 2014 Lok Sabha poll manifesto are implemented. These ministries have been told to send a point-wise performance report as listed in the manifesto. The non-infrastructure ministries such as HRD, Commerce, Social Justice & Empowerment, Women & Child Development, Environment and others have been told to send the completion report of aims and objects by March 8.

For example, the HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar has completed the process of appointments of all the chancellors and vice chancellors of universities and cleared his desk. Even the New Education Policy as promised in the party manifesto is ready for release. But it is being vetted again and may be deferred until the next Lok Sabha poll process is complete.

Modi is launching perhaps the last scheme of his government - Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) on his two-day visit to Gujarat giving minimum wages to workers.

Ends 

Gadkari ministries get drubbing in funds

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

A Lokmat special report

Gadkari ministries get drubbing in funds 

Namami Gange budget cut drastically 

"Har Khet Ko Pani" gets Rs 1178 crore shocker  

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Feb 9

Road Transport, Shipping, Water Resources and Namami Gange Minister Nitin Gadkari may have earned applause across party lines for his performance. But his wings have been clipped by none other than the Prime Minister Narendra Modi when it came to granting funds for  Namami Gange project and Irrigation.

In 2017-18 when Gadkari took charge of the ministry from Uma Bharti, the Namami Gange project was granted Rs 700 crores. Next year i.e. 2018-19, government allocated a whopping Rs 2300 crores to the ministry so that Ganga can be cleaned before the Lok Sabha polls. However, the ministry could spend only Rs 750 crores only as most BJP ruled states were lukewarm to clear sewage projects.

Even during 2019-20 Budget presented by Piyush Goyal, Namami Gange project was granted Rs 750 crores only. Interestingly, the PM's most ambitious irrigation scheme “Har Khet Ko Pani” saw a drastic cut in funds. While Rs 2018-19, the government had granted Rs 2181 crores to the Gadkari's ministry which spent it too, this year (2019-20) only Rs 903.92 crores were given.

While the government blamed Gadkari for the slow implementation of the projects, Gadkari said that most of the sewage projects fall under the BJP ruled state governments of UP, Uttrakhand, Himachal, Jharkhand, Haryana etc. The worst performer is UP itself where only 11 of the 43 projects could be completed. The pace has not picked up even after Yogi Adityanath government came to power in early 2017. In Bihar, not a single project out of 26 could be completed though Nitish Kumar is an ally. The  Arvind Kejriwal government of Delhi did not complete any of the 11 sewage projects. However, things have started moving after Gadkari personally requested him to do so.

Even as an estimated 5 crores pilgrims took a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, about 2,782 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage continues to flow into the Ganga. Of the 136 sewage projects planned across eight States to create 3,252.28 MLD sewage treatment capacity at a cost of Rs 20,623 crore, only 31 projects with a capacity of 468.19 MLD have been completed.

Of the total treatment capacity created, the share of new projects is just 0.06 MLD, while that of old projects is 468.19 MLD. About 887 MLD capacity has been created through ‘rehabilitation’ of old STPs.

Ends

Modi's imprint on Full “Interim” Budget

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Modi's imprint on Full “Interim” Budget

Rs one lakh crore to benefit 55 crores in Poll year

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Feb 1

The imprint of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Union Budget 2019-20 was clearly visible. The Modi government has done what no previous government dared do in the past – presented a full budget and yet called it an Interim Budget. Insiders say during one of the interactions with the Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, it was the PM who suggested that “big Bonanza” is needed for the salaried middle class tax-payers to win back the lost ground in urban areas. “Why not double the Exemption limit from Rs 2.50 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs?” was the poser and Goyal did it exactly the same today.

So what the cost to the exchequer will be Rs 18500 crores plus Rs 4700 crores in other benefits. But it will help BJP win three crores tax payers. It was Prime Minister Modi's big ticket relief to 3 crore Income-Tax payers that stumped the Opposition completely.

Earlier, the dole to farmers was to be to the tune of Rs 10000 per year to farmers owning 5 acres of land. But Modi scaled it down to Rs 6000 per year as he wanted the total relief under Rs one lakh crores to maintain fiscal deficit targets. Thus the 12 crores farmers will get a direct bank transfer cash subsidy to the tune of Rs 75000 crores. Then, 40 crore workers in un-organised sector will benefit from the pension scheme which has been introduced first time. The amount, however, for 40 crores work force, is a mere Rs 500 crores. Its a scheme where every worker will have to chip in Rs 55 per month and centre will match it by paying Rs 55. The government should have allocated Rs 2200 crores. But only Rs 500 crores as government knows such pension accounts can't be opned. Modi also kept in mind his core constituency by setting up Kamdhenu commission for the welfare of cow and allocated Rs 750 crores.

Modi may have tried to woo the distressed farmer, middle class groups and un-organised sector workers and the cow by doling out Rs one lakh crores approximately. The farmers will get the first installment of Rs 2000 cash in their bank account before March 2019 – i.e. merely a month before the polling begins. The huge tax exemption limit will bring down the number of income tax payees from 6 crores to three crores. But riders may be attached when the Full Budget is presented by the government in July.

Any way, its a win win for Modi before the polls.

Ends 

Govt buckles under Pressure

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Govt buckles under Pressure

It will be Interim Budget now on February 1 

No tinkering with Income-tax code 

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Jan 30 

Stung by wide-spread criticism of government's intentions to present a full budget on February 1, the Union Finance ministry today clarified that it will present an “interim budget” . 

Finance ministry officials denied reports in the media that it will be a full budget for the year 2019-20 by Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal.  

The Ministry official asserted that it will be a vote-on-account, as the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be held in April and May. “The Budget will be called Interim Budget 2019-’20,” Ministry of Finance Official Spokesperson DK Joshi said today. 

The official asserted that there was no confusion in the ministry. However, if there is any policy announcement, it is not a budgetary exercise.

Obviously, the government wants to douse the fire on the issue after shouting from the roof-tops that it had every right to take into account the needs of the people and incorporate the same in the proposed Budget. In fact, Arun Jaitley asserted this in a statement before leaving for the USA for treatment. Some of the Cabinet Ministers of the Modi government have also been saying that several new schemes are at works. 

These assertions sparked condemnation by the Opposition and the Congress even threatened to stage protests if the government presents a full budget instead of a vote-on-account, which is a convention followed by outgoing administrations for decades. Congress leader in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma had said that such a step would be a “blatant violation of Constitutional propriety”.

Insiders in North Block, however, say that the Interim Budget may not propose any Income-tax related slab changes. But offering relief to targeted section will not fall in the full budget category. 

While several governments have tinkered with indirect taxes, most finance ministers have kept income tax rates unchanged in the interim budget.

In 1977-78, the then finance minister H M Patel  proposed to enable companies to make deposits with the industrial development bank  of india in lieu of payment of surcharge of income tax. The bill proposed the discontinuance of the duty on salt for the year.

In 1980-81, Finance Minister R Venkataram proposed income tax exemption for residents of Ladakh those assesses engaged in poverty alleviation, corporations or other bodies promoting the interests of the Scs/STs.  The Bills proposed to levy auxiliary duties of customs on all imported goods.

In 2004-05, Finance Minister Jaswant Singh proposed levy of national calamity contingent duty on certain items. Amendments  were proposed in baggage rules also. In 2014-15, even Finance Minister P Chidambaram proposed changes in customs duty structure on non-edible grade industrial oils, fatty acids and fatty alcohols, Exemption from countervailing duty on specified imported road  construction machinery withdrawn and Concessional customs duty on imported capital goods to encourage domestic production of security paper for printing currency notes

Model Code of Conduct to come in force on March 6-8

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

exclusive report 

Model Code of Conduct to come in force on March 6-8

PM Modi to launch 70 projects in 70 days

Countdown for Lok Sabha poll begins

Amit Shah placates annoyed Mps

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Dec. 29

The countdown for the Lok Sabha poll has begun which is just 70 days away. As the Model Code of Conduct is likely to come in force any time between March 6-8 when the Election Commission issues notification, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a hurricane tour of the country inaugurating one project or the other and rolling out series of welfare schemes to placate all section of society. All infrastructure ministries including the Road Transport have been directed to complete projects. The Road ministry itself is in the process of completing projects worth Rs one lakh crores. In order to steal the last mile advantage, Modi will be on a spree to open projects and club them with Congress bashing. A number of AIIMS in various states which are being set up, may be opened by February. If sources are to be believed, Modi will inaugurate one project a day in the next 50 working days.

If sources are to be believed, the government will not wait for the Interim Budget to be presented on February 1 by the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to announce pre-poll doles. In fact, most of the measures relating to the farming, MSMEs, jobless youth and others will be announced immediately after the Parliament's session on January 8.

Since the Interim Budget session will be in continuation of the Winter session, both houses of parliament will re-assemble on January 30. The Budget session will end on February 15.

The PM is meticulously planning his 70-day working plan and traveling almost every day to launch one project or the other as part of his mission “Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar”. If he was in Varanasi today, he will be in Port Blair tomorrow where Netaji declared India's first War of Independence.

A high-level team comprising of BJP president Amit Shah, Arun Jaitley and Railway & Coal Minister Piyush Goyal is over-seeing the 2019 poll planning. They are in regular touch with the PM on an hourly basis to discuss every move. Though “Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar” tagline is yet to be given the go-ahead for the 2019 parliamentary polls as Modi wants something more catchy.

Piyush Goyal has ordered a fresh nation-wide survey which is being conducted by three leading pollsters to gauge the mood of the nation in different regions. Sources say it was ordered in the third week of December and the report will come in the second week of January. A similar survey by two leading agencies was conducted in August which had given BJP 300 plus seats. But the situation has undergone a sea-change after losses in three Hindi speaking states leaving Modi-Amit Shah team bewildered.

Shah is now holding parleys with 350 Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Mps. He meets 40 Mps every day in two batches so that he could listen to them carefully. He has already met Mps from Bihar, Jharkhand & UP. This is first time he has done in 4 years and signals a change in the handling. Surely, the party doesn't want to leave anything chances before the D-day in May, 2019.

ends

Fly on the Wall : Piyush Goyal is Bharat Bhai, Truely

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Piyush Goyal is Bharat Bhai, Truely

The North Block is abuzz with stories never heard of in the government before. When the newly appointed Finance Minister, Piyush Goyal visited the ministry soon after taking over, top officials including secretaries went to congratulate him in his chamber. They were surprised to see the Minister was sitting on a sofa rather on the designated chair for formal meetings. Goyal issued the first sermon that they will continue to do the same work they were doing and the personal staff of Jaitley was told to continue working as they were earlier. Goyal did not bring a single person of his choice in the finance ministry. Even after assuming the full-fledged charge of the Finance and Corporate Affairs Ministries, he prefers not to make frequent trips to North Block and calls for files in the Railway Ministry where he sits for long hours. Even the finance ministry's website which put out his name as new Finance Minister, was taken off within hours of being up-loaded. Arun Jaitley continues to be the Finance Minister according to the official website of the ministry. Even when Goyal holds regular meetings with the officials and ministerial colleagues, he does not occupy Jaitley's chair. Officials in the ministry say that Goyal is conducting himself as Bharat, younger brother of Lord Rama during the Ramayan era. When Lord Rama went to the jungles for 14 years, Bharat became the King. But he never sat on the thrown and put “Khadaon” (Wooden sleepers) of Lord Rama on it. Goyal is doing exactly the same. He also makes it a point to visit Jaitley at the AIIMS where he is convalescing after undergoing kidney transplant whenever in town. It is strange but true that Reuters news agency's news that Piyush Goyal will be the new Finance Minister has come true after two years of it being flashed. Goyal vehemently denied that he had any hand in it. But it turned out to be true and that too at a time when his hands are over-filled as he is holding four key portfolios-- Railways, Coal, Finance & Corporate Affairs. Cheers Bharat Bhai.

Rahul, not Sonia clinched the Karnataka deal

It was not Sonia Gandhi but Congress president Rahul Gandhi who “triggered” the post-poll alliance with the JD(S) as the results were trickling and it became clear within hours that the Congress is way behind the majority mark. It was Rahul Gandhi who gave a direction to the State leaders. He had discussed at length - plan A, plan B and plan C and what to do if “we don’t win”. D K Shivkumar who is the Man of the Season in the Karnataka power game disclosed to a few confidants, had told the party leadership in Delhi that the Congress would perform badly in South Karnataka, where the JD(S) is the main contender. Rahul made it clear that if the numbers are wrong, stay back, don’t bid or bargain for power”. He instructed Venugopal to seal the deal with JD (S) and entrusted Ashok Gehlot and Ghulam Nabi Azad who was in touch with Danish Ali, a confidante of H D Kumaraswamy. This was contrary to impression being created by a section of the Congress that Sonia and not Rahul decided to join hands with JD(S). In fact, Rahul Gandhi spoke to Kumaraswamy on Sunday, May 13 itself, two days before the results were out. This was followed up by a phone call from Sonia Gandhi to former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda reiterating the same proposal. In Fact, Siddaramiah, wanted to sit in the Opposition. But Rahul persuaded him to make way as larger challenge is on the horizon in 2019. It was Ghulam Nabi Azad who persuaded him to fall in line. Sonia Gandhi reportedly wooed Deve Gowda by saying that she had no hand when Congress withdrew support of his government at the Centre in 1997. Gowda had lost the Prime Minister's post.

How Amit Shah lost the Karnataka Plot

BJP president Amit shah was working on party's win in Karnataka for almost six months. In fact, his Man-Friday and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was in regular touch with H D Deve Gowda and his elder son Revenna. The Gowdas were bitter with the Congress ever since Deve Gowda had been dislodged and arch rival Siddaramiah was made the Chief Minister. Lokmat was the first to break the story when Piyush Goyal went to meet the Gowdas in March at the latter's residence. He later asserted that he had gone there to discuss railway projects in Gowda's constituency. Shah and Goyal had offered them the most lucrative deal-- Deputy Chief Ministership to one son and a Cabinet post in the Central government to the other son. The alliance will be post-poll. It was because of this very deal that entire BJP leadership never criticised the Janata Dal (S) throughout the campaign. Rather the PM praised Deve Gowda. The BJP targeted only Rahul, Rahul and Rahul and his party. There were reports that Shah even met Kumaraswamy in Mumbai and the meeting was organised by Piyush Goyal. The formula was that if the BJP is below the majority mark it will enter into an alliance with JD(S) and share power. But Kumaraswamy walked into the lucrative offer made by Rahul Gandhi on Saturday itself that he will be Chief Minister.

Lalu upset with the Gandhis

Down but not out Lalu Prasad Yadav is extremely upset with the Gandhis. Reason is not political but personal. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi had promised to attend the wedding ceremony of his son Tej Pratap at Patna on May 12. The day was fixed keeping in mind that the Karnataka polling will be over by then. Lalu Yadav wanted to make the wedding as demonstration of Opposition's unity in this hour of crisis when the CBI and ED are after him and his family. A chartered plane had also been kept in waiting for the Gandhis and special arrangements for their stay had also been made. But the Gandhi gave the ceremony amiss. Why ? No one knows. This was despite the fact that Rahul met Lalu at the AIIMS a couple of weeks ago. But what came as a surprise was that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar showed up at the wedding. Perhaps, he wanted the send a signal to the BJP leadership that he has his options open. The BJP leadership was not discussing with him Lok Sabha seat sharing arrangement with the Janata Dal (U). Nitish wanted a meeting with Amit Shah. But Amit Shah wanted him to talk to Bhupendra Yadav. Nitish felt slighted and sent the signal. More seems to be in store in Bihar in the months to come.

Fly on the wall : Even Padma Awards linked with Aadhaar

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Even Padma Awards linked with Aadhaar

Prime Minister Modi's liking for Aadhaar is setting a new milestone with the each passing day. The Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha who headed the Padma awards committee directed that all nominations for 2018 must be linked to Aadhaar. It has been decided that all nominations /recommendations for Padma Awards should be sent online only on the Padma portal designed specially by Ministry of Home Affairs. Anybody contemplating to recommend a person's name for these awards, must have Aadhaar card and the person who recommends first obtain an OTP number and feeds the OTP in the system and then alone he or she can make a recommendation. Cabinet Ministers, Governors and those holding key political posts have been signaled they shouldn't make recommendations in a routine manner. The Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories have been told to route recommendations through state governments. This was a signal to Pudducherry Governor Kiran Bedi that the mandate is for an elected government.

How Rudy was shown the door

“Fly” learnt an interesting tail how Skill Development Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy's resignation went through the motions days before the major Cabinet rejig on September 3. Rudy was traveling when summoned by Shah on September 1. It is no secret that Shah calls the shot these days and scond in command; be it party or the government. Shah was sitting with General Secretary Ram Lal when Rudy was called inside the room. Without mincing words, Shah told Rudy, “The PM wants your resignation.” Rudy knew it was coming. Yet he developed the courage to ask, “When do I resign, Sir?” Shah shot back without blinking, “Right now.” Rudy's next raised eyebrows, “Shall I give it to you sir or to the PM?” Now Rudy got another shocker: No, you give it to Ram Lalji.” Rudy recovered and asked politely, “Shall I write the resignation here sir ?” Shah said, “No, you write in the ante room. Ram Lalji will collect.” Rudy handed over the letter to Ram Lal who emerged after a long time.

Nirmala at Number 26 in pecking order !

Nirmala Sitharaman may have jolted the nation all when PM Modi promoted her as Defence Minister. She became a key member of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) too in her capacity as Defence Minister. But if one examines the official website of the government listing names and portfolios of Council of Ministers, Nirmala Sitharaman's name figures at number 26. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi is the only Cabinet Minister who figures below her at number 27. All Cabinet Ministers including Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, Maneka Gandhi are ranked upward in the serial. Efforts to elicit response didn't succeed. But sources in the BJP said that its the seniority in the party that matters most and now what you are in the government. She is the youngest member to join the BJP. Then why Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi listed below her ? The Fly didn't get a response. Some consolation !

Ex-CBI Director counting his days

Two former CBI directors – Ranjit Sinha and A P Singh – are facing tough times. While Sinha's case is being monitored by the Supreme Court directly after M L Sharma headed SIT submitted its report. But A P Singh seem to be counting his days as Enforcement Directorate (ED) has gathered enough evidence to book him in the money laundering case. His alleged accomplice meat exporter Moin Qureshi is in the ED custody and payment of Rs 1.75 crores to Qureshi to help a Bengaluru-based person in a CBI case, has sealed the fate. The BBM messages on mobile phones exchanged between Qureshi and Singh and other evidence have exposed the scam. The days seem to be numbered and it may happen sooner than expected. Singh was made to quit prematurely by the government from the UPSC and now his arrest is matter of days.

The turn of the nephews now

In a country of dynasties, the unmarried leaders can claim to be free from any such pressure. But not any more. It now transpires that BSP supremo Mayawati may launch her nephew Aakash shortly in politics. Since her brother Anand is involved in some cases with ED and IT and is a low profile person, Mayawati wants her legacy to be transferred to Aakash who has completed management studies from London. Similarly, Navin Patnaik may promote Arun Patnaik, son of his elder brother Prem Patnaik. Navin Patnaik sounded his sister Geeta Mehta. But she opted out and returned to the USA. Navin is now old and even sick as well. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is already replying heavily on her nephew Abhishek Banerjee who is a Lok Sabha MP.

Seven Union ministers eyeing Rajya Sabha seats

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Seven Union Ministers are in the race for 17/18 Rajya Sabha seats that the BJP is likely to win during the ensuing biennial polls due on June 11. The term of these seven ministers including one belonging to the TDP is expiring in July.

Modi brings cheers to Maha, Fadnavis smiles

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Modi brings cheers to Maha, Fadnavis smiles

￭ All 62 projects amounting to Rs. 3.53 lakh crore on track  ￭ Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Prabhu working overtime

Exclusive

Harish Gupta New Delhi, Apr. 12 Maharashtra never had it so good. The speed with which long pending infrastructure projects have been fast-tracked and being implemented in the State, was never witnessed before. On the Centre's radar were 62 projects amounting to ` 3.53 lakh crore. Of these, 32 projects worth ` 1.09 lakh crores are now under implementation and have been taken off the PM's radar for monitoring. However, another 30 major projects amounting to `2.44 lakh crores are being directly monitored by Prime Minister's Projects Monitoring Group (PMG). The PM is directly monitoring these projects as these are inter-ministerial and inter-state issues. There are projects which have some last mile issues. Therefore, the PM has decided to keep it under the PMG as he doesn't want any time over run or cost over run. A top official at the PMG said that these projects require constant monitoring at the PM's level because of their size and related issues. This official said barring a couple of them, most of the 62 projects will be completed during the next two to three years. ￭ 32 Projects under                     Projects                    Cost implementation                                                         (Rs.Crores) CIVIL AVIATION                             2                           26574 PETROLEUM                                  5                       13014.37 POWER                                           9                        30170.57 ROAD TRANS. & HIGHWAYS        7                        5309.36 RAILWAYS                                      5                        13262.87 STEEL                                             1                           187.33 SHIPPING                                       2                            7883 URBAN DEVLOPMENT                 1                           12500                                   Total            32                       108901.5 PM Monitor"s 30 projects           Projects                Cost                                                                             (Rs.Crores) COMMERCE                                 2                        21300 COAL                                            1                         1010.71 POWER                                        8                         35213.02 PETROLEUM                               1                          5700 ROAD & HIGHWAYS                  9                           54965.34 RAILWAYS                                  3                          80177 SHIPPING                                   2                          1609 URBAN DEVELOPMENT            4                         44093                                         Total   30                       244068.07 The PM's Project Monitoring Group (PMG) tracks all stalled investment projects, both in the public and private sectors. Its task is to remove implementation bottlenecks in these projects. The PMG has put 768 projects under its lens across the country. Of these, the PMG already cleared 378 projects totaling ` 13.29 lakh crore. But it's the Maharashtra which topped the rank with clearances and implementation of 62 projects totaling ` 3.53 lakh crores. Maharashtra has the distinction of perhaps the only state in the country which has received maximum support of the Modi government in project clearance and fast-tracking them. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has also been doggedly pursuing pending projects with various Central ministries & departments.  Another reason of Maharashtra achieving its objective is that surface transport & shipping minister Nitin Gadkari, railway minister Suresh Prabhu and power minister Piyush Goyal went out of their way to help the State. All these ministers belong to Maharashtra. In addition, environment & forest minister Prakash Javadekar also helped in clearing all environment hurdles crated during the UPA regime. The work on these projects in power, surface transport, railways, metro rail and other key areas are at the various stages of completion. It was found that at least 10 projects have been delayed for 7-12 years. Modi is determined that delays in project completion is a thing of the past and there is no cost over-run either.