Huge loss for Congress in Rajya Sabha

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

The hopes of many congress leaders to get a Rajya Sabha seat from Punjab have been dashed to the ground with the AAP sweeping the Assembly polls. Even the BJP and Akali Dal together cannot claim a single Rajya Sabha from the state. The AAP will have a bonanza of winning at least four out of five Rajya Sabha seats.

Be it Shamsher Singh Dullo or Pratap Singh Bajwa,both will retire on April 2 from the Rajya Sabha and are unlikely to return in future. Since the Rajya Sabha polls for three seats will be held first, each candidate will require 40 votes. The AAP will win at least two seats in the first round of Rajya Sabha polls. The third seat could go to the Opposition parties if Congress, Akali Dal and BJP and others could come together. Otherwise, the third seat will also go to the AAP.

Then the biennial poll for two seats will be held where 117 MLAs will elect them. Naresh Gujral (Akali Dal ) and Shwait Malik (BJP) will also retire from the Rajya Sabha. It is ironic that a new party like AAP will send another batch of 4-5 Rajya Sabha MPs in Parliament. The mandate of Punjab is such that AAP will sweep the Rajya Sabha polls and Congress strength in the Rajya Sabha will dwindle from 34 to 31. It is also losing a seat in Himachal Pradesh (Anand Sharma) and one in Assam.

It is a huge setback to Congress and Akali Dal.

Maharashtra’s Jaiswal new RAW Chief!

Maharashtra’s senior IPS officer of the 1985 batch Subodh Kumar Jaiswal seems to be a lucky man. Jaiswal was having a running battle with former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and looking for a way out. But he was not the first choice for the post of the CBI Director of the Prime Minister either when a short-list was prepared. The first choice was CBI's Special Director Rakesh Asthana, a Gujarat cadre officer and Modi's hot favourite. As luck would have it, Chief Justice of India, N V Ramana was against Asthana and consensus emerged in favour of Jaiswal during the selection committee meeting. Now the Prime Minister’s Office is very happy with Jaiswal and he has emerged as a favourite and trusted IPS officer in the government. It transpires that Jaiswal may soon be rewarded with another top job. If sources in the PMO are to be believed, Jaiswal may be sent to India’s premier espionage agency, Research & Analysis Wing (RAW). The current RAW Chief Samant Goel’s tenure is ending in June this year. But Jaiswal may be sent there in early April to RAW and Samant Goel may be appointed to another coveted post for the next couple of years. Jaiswal may also be happy in RAW as its chief for next two year. His tenure in CBI ends early next year and get a reward of one extra year. It may also be mentioned here that Jaiswal has been in RAW earlier and earned laurels.

Praveen Sinha may be next CBI Chief

Reward to Jaiswal is not without a reason. The government is keen to make Praveen Sinha as the next CBI Director. Sinha is currently number-two as Special Director. He is a 1988 batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre and due to retire in April this year. If he is not made CBI Director before April, he cannot become a regular Director. When Subodh Kumar Jaiswal was chosen as the CBI Director last year, Sinha was not eligible for consideration for the post as officers belonging to batches between 1984 to 1987 were considered. If the post of the CBI Director falls vacant now, he can emerge as a strong contender for the top job. In any case, he can be given the charge of a Director without delay if Jaiswal quits before tenure and goes to RAW. Another reason in Sinha's favour is that he was elected to the Interpol's Executive Committee from Asia after a bitterly fought election last year defeating China. The entire might of the PMO and Ministry of External Affairs was put to ensure Sinha’s victory. This crucial post is for three-year and if Sinha is allowed to retire, India cannot retain this post at the Interpol. Therefore, in order to retain this post, Sinha is to be retained as no retired officer can be in the Executive Committee of Interpol as per rules. It is in this context that Praveen Sinha may have to be given the coveted post and Jaiswal being shifted to RAW. But there are many slips between the cup and lip.

Baffling reshuffle in PMO

The PMO is witnessing some interesting reshuffle and bureaucrats are keeping their fingers crossed. First, it was Senior Adviser Amarajeet Sinha in the PMO who quit his job all of a sudden seven months before his tenure in August 2021.Prior to him P K Sinha, Principal Adviser in the PMO, quit last year. Sinha was Cabinet Secretary prior to joining the PMO. It was rumoured that he may be brought in as LG of Delhi. But it's been over a year and he is cooling his heels. Now Bhaskar Kulbe who was appointed as Adviser to the Prime Minister, has put in his papers. Kulbe was earlier, secretary in the PMO and allowed to retire. After a couple of months, he was appointed as Adviser to the PM in 2020. But all of a sudden, he too put in his papers and quit. Interestingly, no replacements have been brought in the PMO after three senior officers quit in less than a year. The Principal Secretary to the PM, P K Mishra is reported to be in favour of cutting manpower in the government and beginning has been made in the PMO itself. It is authoritatively learnt that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval recently expressed his desire to resign considering his age. Doval is 77 years old and wants to be relieved. But the Prime Minister is reported to have declined to accept his resignation. Earlier, Nripendra Mishra, Principal Secretary to the PM, also quit a few months after he was re-appointed to the coveted post after Modi's big win in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Clouds over Gehlot, Baghel, No way

Having lost power in Punjab rather badly, the leaders in two Congress-ruled states – Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are waiting with bated breath for the high command to focus on restructuring the party and even change of guards. A decision will have to be taken on the new party president in these two states. While Sachin Pilot loyalists hope there will be a leadership change in Rajasthan, in Chhattisgarh, a group led by TS Singh Deo, the current health minister, is hoping for something similar. The incumbent Chhattisgarh chief minister, Bhupesh Baghel, is extremely close to Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and has played key roles in recent assembly elections in Assam and Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, there is no possibility of a leadership change. In the case of Rajasthan CM, Ashok Gehlot, the high command has committed that the next Assembly polls will be fought under his leadership. It means that his loyalists will be accommodated in the government. It is however, not certain what Pilot wants after the results of Assembly polls are out.

No Takers of Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is an extremely worried man. Ever since BJP emerged as number one party in 2020 Assembly polls forcing Janata Dal (U) to play a second fiddle, the “Sushashan Babu” has been desperately trying to find a way out. The day is not far when the BJP will split other parties in Bihar and form its own government in the event of winning the UP Assembly polls. It was in this background that Nitish Kumar's name suddenly made headlines as the possible Presidential candidate for the July 2022 polls. It emerged that freelance poll strategist Prashant Kishore was behind it. This news was spread after Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao and Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray met for nearly four hours in Mumbai. When asked, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut denied saying there was no discussion on the presidential poll during the four hour long meeting as Raut was present throughout. It is Kishore who wants Nitish Kumar to move to the national scene to fill the vacuum among the non-BJP forces. But there are no takers of Nitish Kumar in the Opposition camp as his political integrity has taken a big hit.

Amarjit Sinha quits PMO prematurely as Adviser

Major Bureaucratic reshuffle in offing

Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group
New Delhi, Aug 2

With the premature resignation of Amarjeet Sinha as Adviser, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), speculation is rife that Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba may be brought in. Gauba’s two year tenure as Cabinet Secretary is ending on August 30 this year. The PMO is already faced with the exit of P K Sinha who quit as Principal Adviser, PMO a few months ago prematurely.

Sinha was Modi’s favourite officer who was appointed Cabinet Secretary by the Modi government in May 2015 and continued in the post for four years. P K Sinha was brought in the PMO in August 2019 but opted out earlier this year.

Amarjit Sinha too was appointed as Adviser, PMO, quit prematurely on July 31, 2021 though he had seven more months to go. Sinha is a retired IAS officer of 1983 batch of Bihar cadre.

It may be mentioned that Bhaskar Khulbe and Amarjeet Sinha were appointed as Advisors to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a contractual basis initially for a period of two years on February 20 last year. Kulbe, however, will continue to stay put. Sinha was handling social sectors like education and rural development. Kulbe is looking into Infrastructure and whatever tasks assigned by the Principal Secretary to the PM, P K Mishra.

There is considerable speculation that Rajiv Gauba, a 1982 Jharkhand batch of the IAS, may move to PMO and Urban Development Secretary D S Mishra (1984 batch, UP cadre) may replace him. But many in the bureaucracy say that Gauba may get an extension as Cabinet secretaries get at least one extension in tenure.

There are reports that a major bureaucratic reshuffle may take place as many secretaries are retiring this month end. Home Secretary Anil Bhalla is also retiring this month and may get a key post as extension is unlikely.

When Modi debunked “Gau Mutra” theory to fight Corona, Tells Mps to follow PMO

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

When Modi debunked “Gau Mutra” theory to fight Corona, Tells Mps to follow PMO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually debunked the the theory propounded by some Swamis and Saffron bakhts that Gau Mutra can cure the coronavirus. While giving a pep talk to the BJP parliamentarians, he told them to strictly refrain from tweeting whatever comes their way on the pandemic. He was angry that many Mps had been tweeting on how to fight the global disease and giving their own recipe (read Gau Mutra here) to cure it. He advised them they must follow the tweets decimated by the Union Health Ministry in this regard and by social media handle of the PMO. The PM was peeved that many people are propounding their own recipe and MPs are blindly recommending them. The PM had earlier directed the Aayush Ministry to withdraw from its website various recommendations to fight Corona Virus. The PM did so when it was brought to his notice that the Aayush has recommended some "desi" formula to fight the Virus and the Union Health Ministry strongly objected to it. Interestingly, the PM did not include the Aayush minister Sripad Naik in the Group of Ministers on Corona Virus. In order to apprise the MPs of the magnitude of the Coronavirus and how the India government and various agencies are fighting its spread, the PM specially organised a presentation by the Union Health Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan for them. Dr Harsh Vardhan who is a renowned doctor himself made a 30-minute long presentation with slides and figures to say that Covid-19 is being fought on a war footing basis. He said that India is fully geared up to fight the menace but its spread must be contained and states have taken steps in this regard. The PM was extremely upset that the Mps themselves are not aware of the impending crisis developing around the world and taking the challenge in their stride. Instead, they should move in smaller groups, while spreading awareness about the disease. He said, “the period until April 15 is very crucial and they should refrain from organising any mass movement until then.”

Centre contemplating stringent steps to fight Corona

The government will start taking stringent measures if the Corona Virus outbreak deteriorates moving up to Stage-3 i.e. social transmission. PM Modi, who reviewed the situation with a select group of ministers observed that next two weeks were very crucial and no let up can be allowed.  Accordingly, the Group of Ministers on Corona has drawn up a contingency plan which includes partial lock-down to full lock down as being practiced in various countries. The PM unfolded steps at his address to the Nation after holding video conference with the Chief Ministers on Thursday. 

While the central government staff has already been ordered to work at 50% of the capacity, the commissions, institutions, boards and other bodies may be asked to resort to 2-3 days a week to begin in the first phase. The Indian Institute of Media Communication (IIMC) under the I&B ministry has already been told to work for two days a week only. The objective of the this exercise is bring down the number of people using buses, metro and other public transport. What has caused more worry to the government is the non-cooperative attitude of the people in fighting the menace from spreading. The Minister for Civil Aviation and Urban Affairs Hardeep Puri is understood to have told the Group of Ministers on Corona that currently about two lakh people are traveling in airlines on a daily basis and the number is coming down daily. The people are unwilling to undergo Covid-19 tests, avoid being quarantined and dodge the system. He explained that as many as 45 lakh people are traveling in the metros compared to 65 lakhs last week on a daily basis in Delhi. The number of travelers in buses is 40 lakhs. “How do we check such a large population for Corona? We want to contain its spread to reaching social transmission levels and devising strategies,” he is reported to have said. The 6-member GoM on Corona Virus is headed by Union health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and meets twice a day. It then briefs the PMO after obtaining the reports from across the country and states and keeping the lock-down plan ready if the situation so desires. The Prime Minister is personally monitoring the situation on an hourly basis and reported to have set up a monitoring unit on Corona in his office itself. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended that an immediate lock down be imposed , at least in the metros.

The untold story of Scindia Coup

The BJP leadership took more than six months to decide about the entry of senior Congress leader Jyotiradtiya Scindia into the fold. It is too well known that the state leaders of Madhya Pradesh BJP were opposed to his entry citing his arrogance and not much. His fate was sealed particularly after his defeat from Guna in May 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Scindia, an astute politician realised that if he had to win back Guna next time, he has to be in the BJP. Thus he started cultivating his old time friend and ex-banker. While Scindia worked in Morgan Stanley, Syed Jafar Islam worked in Deutsche Bank. The latter had also quit the banking and started working for the BJP while Scindia joined the Congress. But both were friends. But almost 18 years later, Jafar Islam became the first point of contact with the BJP and Scindia won’t trust anybody for his scheme.

This is how Jafar Islam emerged as the key link for bringing in Scindia. It was Jafar who first broached the subject with the then BJP president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard. But Amit Shah was cool though both friends remained in constant touch meeting over food at various hotels in Lutyens’ Delhi. Later, a media house baron also joined the efforts and things started taking shape. Amit Shah being an astute politician wanted that Scindia should bring his MLAson board and make them quit so that BJP gets a state government dislodging  Kamal Nath. The talks were continuing until it seems PM Modi gave the go-ahead to the plan. It on the Holi day on March 10 when the BJP decided to clinch the deal and Jafar Islam was told to bring Scindia to Gujrat Bhawan. Scindia left his Delhi home in Anand Lok in the morning and drove straight towards Gujrat Bhawan. Amit Shah left his house at 6 Krishna Menon Marg and reached there. Both sat down for a while to discuss the nitty gritting and then Scindia sat in Amit Shah’s car and both drove towards PM’s residence an hour later. Though Scindia  was to go to Gwalior to mark his late father’s 75th birth anniversary. But he opted for 7 Lok Kalyan Margh where the road for his Kalyan began in the BJP. It was a win-win for all. Zafar Islam accompanied Shah and both of them were dropped back at Gujarat Bhawan. Congress leaders assert it came as no surprise to them as they knew all along what’s cooking.

How Hooda pipped Congress & BJP too

It was an astute Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Haryana who not only pipped the BJP but also his own party leaders in ensuring the unanimous election of his son Deepender Singh Hooda for the Rajya Sabha seat. The veteran Congress leader knew that Selja, president of the Haryana Congress is a front runner for the Rajya Sabha seat as she was a sitting RS MP. Considering her closeness to Sonia Gandhi, she was obviously confident that she will get the ticket. Randeep Singh Surjewala was also in the reckoning if situation so permitted. Until then, Deepender Singh Hooda was nowhere in the reckoning. But Hooda told Selja in private conversations that she herself will have to ensure the support of at least 14 Congress MLAs as his own 17 MLAs will fully back her. Selja clearly told him that she cannot manage such a situation as it would need humongous task including finances if the BJP also fields an extra candidate. Once she was out of the race, though reluctantly, there was hardly anyone in the reckoning as Selja was disinclined to support Surjewala for obvious reasons. Once Selja expressed her inability, the Congress high command (read Rahul Gandhi) which was opposed to Hooda left with no choice but to succumb. The party was already in disray in Madhya Pradesh where government was tattering. Thus, the high command cleared the name of Deepender Singh Hooda on March 12 night- just 12 hours before thee nominations were to close. For the BJP, it was different challenge as four Independents supporting the Khattar government sang a different tune. They said they support the government but vote for Deepender Singh Hooda in Rajya Sabha. Thus, Hooda pipped both- the Congress and the BJP.  

BJP on poaching mission in 3 states

Of the 17 states where biennial polls are being held for 56 seats, the BJP, is on the prowl in three states to win three extra seats. Though the BJP was to win 14 seats only and this would have taken its strength in the Rajya Sabha to 84 i.e. one extra seats only. But it resorted to a sudden massive poaching game to snatch at least three extra seats from the Congress. Not only in Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh, it also fielded an extra candidate in Rajasthan too. It was only hoping to get an extra seat in Madhya Pradesh due to the defection of 22 Congress MLAs who quit the party and camping at Bengaluru. But now its eyeing an extra seat in Gujrat and Rajasthan too. In Rajasthan, the BJP was expected to get only one seat out of three. But now its eyeing two seats hoping to deprive the Congress its second seat.

Insiders say that the situation is quite favourable to BJP in Gujrat as five Congress MLAs quit in a sudden move and their resignations have been accepted by the Speaker swiftly. But in Rajasthan, it is an Herculean task where BJP has deputed several senior leaders to spring a surprise. The Congress leadership is putting up a united picture in Rajasthan compared to Madhya Pradesh. But Rajasthan is worrying after the virtual fall of the MP. Interestingly, the BJP refrained from fielding an extra candidate in Maharashtra and Haryana and even in Bihar. Sources say in Maharashtra, the BJP went by the book and fielded only three candidates which it will win. It refrained for indulging in poaching game there as it knew that they will have to deal with the past-master Sharad Pawar and create more complications for the party. Secondly, the BJP leadership did not want to rub the Uddhav Thackeray government on the wrong side. Similarly, In Bihar where its in power but did not try to break the RJD to win an extra seat. In Madhya Pradesh. the BJP hopes to win an extra seat. But in rest of the states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Odisha and Chhattisgarh,  where BJP looked the other way due to lack of numbers. In  Himachal Pradesh and Manipur, its candidates will win without any difficulty.

Modi purges his own PMO, a first in decades

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

A Lokmat Exclusive report 

Modi purges his own PMO, a first in decades 

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, March 3 

More than 100 personnel including 4th class employees have been transferred out of the Prime Minister's Office as part of a new policy being implemented by the Prime Minister himself.

For the first time in several decades, PM Modi decided to shift personnel working in the PMO for a long time. In fact, PM Modi discovered that there are peons, clerks and junior officers who have been working in South Block for more than 30 years and in the same wing.

In a calibrated move, he decided to send these oldies or what is termed as "veterans" to their parent departments and infuse new new blood in South Block, housing the PMO. It may be mentioned that the PMO doesn't have a cadre of officers and staff of its own and personnel are drawn from other ministries & departments on deputation basis. As part of this new policy,  Modi decided that everyone from top to bottom will go out of the PMO irrespective of the designation once his deputation period ends. P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the PM, is reported to have crafted this new policy on the directions of the PM and now being implemented.

The Prime Minister's concept is that no officer should be in one place for more than seven years - five years in first tranche extendable by another two years. In a rare cases, the officer can be given another three years but not at the same place. The officers should not be transferred out of Delhi if he has seriously sick parents/wife or children are due for board examinations or any other compelling reason. Otherwise, there is no relaxation. All such cases are personally brought to the notice of the PM, sources say.

Insiders say that this is Modi's style of bureaucratic cleansing which he began after coming to power in 2014. He began cleansing the ministerial staff first and now he has implemented the same policy from top to bottom in his PMO too.

In fact, the PM has directed various ministries & departments under him to implement the same policy in letter & spirit. The Department of Personnel under his command & control has issued such guidelines from time to time.

ends 

PMO warns IAS officers for not filing Property details

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Special report (Govt Letter annexed)

PMO warns IAS officers for not filing Property details

Department sends letters to Secretaries, states

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Dec. 19

Extremely upset over the failure of hundreds of IAS officers for not filing their property returns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now warned them of launching “disciplinary proceedings, among other things”.

For the first time, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) directly under the Prime Minister, has warned the erring officials that action will be initiated against them if they fail to file their property returns. The stern warning came after a series of soft letters were sent to them.

Dr C Chandramouli, secretary, DoPT, wrote to all the secretaries to the government of India and Chief Secretaries of states on November 21, 2019 that a large number of IAS officers have not submitted their property return.

The circular letter stated that as per Rule 16(2) of AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968 that every member of the Service shall submit an annual return in such form as may be prescribed by the Government in this reqard, giving full particulars regarding the Immovable Property Returns (IPRs) inherited by him or owned or acquired by him or held by him on lease or mortgage,either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family or in the name of any other person.

He said “Failure on the part of the service to comply with the requirements of the aforesaid provisions constitutes good and sufficient reason for institution of disciplinary proceedings, among other things. The government has set a deadline of January 31, 2020 as the final deadline of filing IPRs.

It is learnt that as many as 1500 IAS officers spread across the country have not filed their IPR details out of a total of 6500 IAS officers in the country until 2017 end. The number of IAS officers on Central Deputation Resrve is only 507 while the authorised strength is 1,381.

Now the Government has set a final deadline of January 31,2020 by which the data has to be submitted. If the same is not submitted on line, the Modi Government may proceed with legal and penal actions.

Post Ayodhya Verdict: PM kept eagle's eye

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Post Ayodhya Verdict: PM kept eagle's eye

Talked to Amit Shah regularly from Amritsar

Modi, Shah tweets hail verdict

Sangh Parivar jubilant 

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Nov 9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a tough time today as he had the task to monitor the situation situation post Ayodhya verdict, Chulbul Cyclone in West Bengal and inaugurate the Kartarpur corridor check post on the Indian side. He left Delhi for Dera Baba Nanak to inaugurate the check post in Punjab early morning and returned only after flagging off the first Jatha of pilgrims which included Dr Manmohan Singh & others.

Sources in the PMO said that he took a stock of situation and discussed at length all possibilities with Union Home Minister Amit Shah before leaving and was in regular touch with him even after landing at Amritsar. Amit Shah is stationed keeping a close watch on the situation.

As the situation remained calm post Ayodhya verdict, the PM posted a series of tweets around 1 pm wherein he said that it will "reaffirm people's faith in judicial process" and appealed for peace and unity.

The tweets gave a clue of Prime Minister's thinking when he said "The temple of justice resolved the decades-old case amicably. The Halls of justice have amicably concluded a matter going on for decades.”

The PM went on to say, “This verdict shouldn't be seen as a win or loss for anybody. Be it Ram Bhakti or Rahim Bhakti, it is imperative that we strengthen the spirit of Rashtra Bhakti. May peace and harmony prevail!" PM Modi tweeted.

Hailing the Supreme Court for the judgment, the prime minister said that the verdict was crucial because it shows why it is important to follow legal procedures while resolving any dispute.

“I request 130 crore Indians to give an example of peace and harmony as per our ancient tradition," he said.

Earlier, Amit Shah went to twitter at 12.30 saying that the historic verdict will be a milestone and strengthen unity, integrity and rich culture of India.

If sources are to be believed, Amit Shah spoke to the PM several times to apprise him of various developments particularly sensitive districts in Delhi, Mumbai, UP and elsewhere.

These sources say that the Sangh Parivar is extremely thankful to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for successfully implementing the agenda; be it abrogation of Article 370 or Ram Temple. Both the issues were hanging fire for several decades and "Modi showed his grit and boldness in taking the bull by the horn", said a RSS functionary.

It was precisely because of this very reason that RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat was stationed in Delhi. 

Modi's watershed 'Howdy' moment at Houston

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Modi's watershed 'Howdy' moment at Houston

Trade Deal may be announced with Trump in Toe 

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Sep 19

The PMO is giving final touches to the Minute 2 Minute (M2M) program of the joint rally at Houston with US President Donald Trump on Sunday next. Though the organisers of the historic event is Texas India Forum. But its the BJP's foreign affairs department and the PMO which are overseeing the entire arrangements. Vijay Chaowthaiwale, in-charge of the BJP's foreign affairs department has been camping in Houston for the past ten days and in regular touch with the PMO.

The PMO is in regular touch with the White House finalising minute details of the three hour program. There are indications that Trump may not stay for the full duartion of the Howdy Event. But back channels are between the two governments are at work to sort out these details. There is also a possibility that Trump may make some announcements to reduce trade tensions between the two countries. The US in June terminated India''s designation as beneficiary developing country under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program.

It is learnt that 20 prominent MLAs from Gujrat belonging to the BJP and few MPs have already left for Houston to drum up support among the Gujrati community.

Over 60 US lawmakers, including senior Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, are also expected to attend the event.

Though the entry tickets have sold out for the event at the stadium having a capacity of 50000, the entire US is on fire due to the massive publicity campaign in the social and other media outfits. The organisers, Texas India Forum, have even closed a waitlist registration for free passes.

The term 'Howdy' is a shorthand for “How do you do?", used commonly in southwestern United States. To showcase the diversity of the Indian-American community, the organizers have put together a 90-minute cultural extravaganza - "Woven: The Indian-American Story" - that will feature 400 artistes and community members from Texas and across the US.

Ends 

P K Sinha's designation of Principal Advisor puzzles

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

P K Sinha's designation of Principal Advisor puzzles 

Bureaucrats see a Reason 

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Sep 16

Nothing is without a logic in the NaMo administration and puzzled top bureaucrats at the Centre have realized it now. The PM coined a new designation of Principal Advisor for P K Sinha while appointing him in the PMO. The designation is unheard of in the PMO for the past 70 years and people are still guessing why. While Dr P K Mishra's elevation as Principal Secretary was on expected lines, P K Sinha's appointment continues to baffle as there are many firsts.

Sinha is probably the first Cabinet Secretary to be moved to the PMO after serving for more than four years in the position. Insiders in the know of things in the government say that Cabinet Secretary is the senior most bureaucrat in the hierarchy and he could not have been made Additional Principal Secretary under Dr P K Mishra in the PMO.

Since the PM had decided to shake up the PMO, he needed a senior bureaucrat known for his integrity. After holding the highest post in bureaucracy, he could have been designated only as Principal Advisor.

This is how the PM showed his innovative skills and became unconventional and named Sinha as Principal Adviser. Secondly, drafting Sinha in the advisory role would provide him a wide canvas to give his advice to the PM on policy, implementation and coordination with different ministries and department. His role would not be restricted to merely infrastructure as was earlier whispered. Secondly, it would rule out any possibility of who is number One or Number two in the PMO.

Both, PK Mishra and PK Sinha would work together without stepping into the territories and domain of each other. Of course, P K Mishra would continue to handle the sensitive appointments as in-charge of the ACC. All files will be routed through P K Misha and there will be single line of command. Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser, to the PM has his role cut out. But even he will now have to adjust to a new system.

It is also learnt that Bhaskar Kulbe who is functioning as secretary to the PM and reporting to P K Mishra may get a fresh term. His extended term is ending on September 30 this year. It is likely that his term be extended co-terminus with the PM or earlier whichever is earlier.

Ends

Why Nripendra Mishra shown the door?

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Special Report

Why Nripendra Mishra shown the door?

Had been allotted a new bungalow recently

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Sep 6

Nripendra Mishra’s offer to quit as Principal Secretary to the PM continues to baffle political observers and bureaucracy in the Lutyen's Delhi.

Its almost a week now when Nripendra Mishra put in his papers and no one has a clue as to what exactly had happened in the Prime Minister's Office. The surprise is largely because the veteran bureaucrat had been allotted 2A krishna Menon Marg bungalow in July after former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had vacated it. In fact, renovation work was at full speed in the bungalow which otherwise was completely re-done by Jaitley when he occupied it four years ago. Since Nripendra Mishra had been promoted to the Cabinet rank in June and allotted the new bungalow in July end and repair work was in full swing indicates that he had the intention to stay put in the PMO and in the Lutyen's Delhi itself.

There were also reports that the out-going Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha will either be sent to NITI Aayog or made Chief Vigilance Commissioner.

But all of a sudden, Nripendra Mishra desired to quit and the PM accepted it without blinking. The PM appointed out-going Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha as OSD in his office the same day. Mishra departure from the PMO is major development as he virtually running the show in the PMO since July 2014. The PM had even amended the law by issuing an Ordinance in June 2014 to induct him as his Principal Secretary. It was then attributed to his association with the Vivekanand Research Foundation (VRG) where he worked with Ajit Doval. In fact, Doval was the first to be brought in as the National Security Adviser in the PMO and Nripendra Mishra followed. While Nripendra Mishra focused on the state of economy and infrastructure sector, Additional Principal Secretary P K Mishra took care of transfers, posting and appointments in the government. It was in late 2018 when reports started emanating from the PMO that Nripendra Mishra will retire and P K Mishra will be elevated. Instead, the senior Mishra not only stayed on, he was re-appointed with a Cabinet rank.

Sources say that Nripendra Mishra's departure has something to do with the state of economy. The removal of hs hand-picked officer S C Garg as Finance Secretary, Sovereign Bonds controversy and fall out of the Union Budget on July 5 reported to have upset the government.

There are reports that Nripendra Mishra may be given guberantorial assignment to Goa or Karnataka.

PMO to decide on how to use RBI's 1.76 Lakh Crore Wind-fall

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

PMO to decide on how to use RBI's  1.76 Lakh Crore Wind-fall

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Sep. 5

Worried over fall in revenue collections due to economic slowdown, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has pressed the pause button over utilisation of Rs 1.76 lakh crores wind-fall gain in its kitty.

Highly placed sources say that its not the Finance Ministry but the PMO that will take a final call on Rs 1.76 lakh crores received from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) last week.

While the Opposition parties have alleged that the government will spend this money on meeting its rising fiscal deficit and unmanageable economic slowdown, the Finance Ministry has maintained a studied silence on the issue.

The RBI transferred a record dividend of Rs 1.76 lakh crores out of its Rs 10 lakh crores surplus funds on the recommendations of the Jalan committee report.

Sources aware of the goings-on in the government said that top officials of the finance ministry may shortly meet mandarins in the PMO soon to work out the modalities. The process has somewhat been delayed as the PMO is undergoing internal changes. With Principal Secretary Nripendra Mishra demitting office within the next one week and other six senior officials arriving in the PMO, things are settling down.

There is a thinking that the funds be put to use into stimulating the sagging economy and infrastructure spending rather than doling out bonanza to handful of sectors.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said recently that the government was yet to decide how to utilise Rs 1.76 lakh crore. “I can’t talk about how to utilise it now. We will take a call and then let you know,” she had said while replying to a question at press conference in Pune. She held a marathon meeting with the Industries representatives yesterday and assured them corrective steps are underway.

The PMO's new team is busy preparing a blue print for reviving the economy and bridge the revenue shortfall and cut down on borrowings.

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Rajiv Gauba Takes Over as Cabinet Secretary

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Rajiv Gauba Takes Over as Cabinet Secretary

PK Sinha Goes to PMO as OSD 

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Aug. 30

Rajiv Gauba, OSD in the Cabinet Secretariat today took over as the new Cabinet Secretary. He takes over after the superannuation of P.K. Sinha who served for more than four years, a record of sort in the government. Sinha's tenure was upto September 12. But in a major decision, the government decided to cut short his extended tenure and appointed Gauba as the new Cab. Sec. Gauba is an IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre (1982 batch) and was Home Secretary until brought to the Cabinet Secretariate earlier this month.

It has also been announced that P K Sinha will be new OSD in the PMO. 

He was one of the key officer of the Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir, and is widely credited for flawless and smooth implementation of the decision. With an eye for details, he spearheaded the formulation and execution of these initiatives in MHA. Along with a small core team, he gave final shape to constitutional and legal aspects while working out administrative and security arrangements.

Earlier, during his stint in MHA as Additional Secretary, he prepared a multi- pronged action plan in 2015 to tackle LWE and steered its implementation which has resulted in significantly shrinking the spread of Maoists’ area of influence.

Gauba has also served in the International Monetary Fund representing the country for four years on the Board of IMF.

PM monitoring J&K on hourly Basis

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

PM monitoring J&K on hourly Basis

Doval to Stay put in Valley until 15^th August

Local Police-Militant nexus broken

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Aug 12

The Centre has firmly told the security forces in Kashmir Valley that minimal force be used in the event of protests and situation be handled with a humane face. The fact that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has deputed his National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval to interact with the common people and listen to their grievances, indicates a very cautious appoach. The fact that not a single shot has been fired and no tear gas shell has been used indicates that the PM's directives are being implemented on the ground so far. Of course, there are incidents where pellet guns were used against protesting youths. But videos also show that protesters also showed extreme restraint and didn't resort to violence. They were largely peaceful too.

Ajit Doval's mission is to ensure that Bakr Eid and Independence Day pass off peacefully, and Pakistan’s effort to engineer violence is neutralised. With the J&K becoming a Union Territory, the Central forces have taken over complete control of the Police administration. It now transpires that all Police Stations & posts are headed by a senior CRPF officer and the local SHO will report to him. K Vijay Kumar, Adviser (Security) to the Governor Satya Pal Malik has been posted there since June 2018 to take direct charge of the police administration so that the backbone of the police-militants nexus is broken. The informers network is given full protection & reward which had been demolished during the past 30 years.

In fact, immediately after the break-up of BJP-PDP alliance, the PMO sent its most trusted IAS officer BVR Subramaniam as Chief Secretary. Obviously, things were at works in the PMO about J&K after the BJP suo-moto broke the alliance and got rid Mehbooba Mufti.

The government is also maintaining a studied silence whether the Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the Lal Chowk in Sri Nagar to hoist the National Flag. Its original plan that Tri colour be hoisted in every village in J&K on August 15 in on track.

Dr Manmohan Singh was a “Lateral entrant” in 1972, says Govt.

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Dr Manmohan Singh was a “Lateral entrant” in 1972, says Govt.

"We are following a better policy” asserts PMO

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, July 4

The government showed the mirror to the Opposition parties on the question of “lateral entrants” in the bureaucracy directly saying previous governments appointed as many as 20 persons directly. Giving out details, the government said even Dr Manmohan Singh was brought in 47 years ago in 1972 as Chief Economic Adviser and made Finance Secretary in 1976.

As if this was not enough, the government today riggled out details of many such lateral entrants including Montek Singh Ahluwalia who was appointed as Economic Adviser in 1979, Vijay L. Kelkar as Secretary in Petroleum ministry in 1994 and later Finance Secretary in 1998 and Bimal Jalan as Finance Secretary in 1991. Dr. Shankar Acharya was appointed as Chief Economic Advisor in 1993 and Rakesh Mohan as Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs in 2004 and Arvind Virmani as Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance, in the year 2007. Shri Ram Vinay Shahi was appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of Power in 2002.

The government responded when the issue was raised by the Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha questioning the rational behind the move to bring 40 lateral entrants in one go without any norms etc.

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was present when the issue was raised. But he fielded his junior Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS in the PMO who strongly defended it saying such practice existed for decades together and the Modi government had inducted only six or seven persons.

Dr Singh made it clear that while no norms were followed earlier in bringing the lateral entrants, the Modi government wants to bring in the best of the talent from whichever source available and to augment the availability of the personnel. “We have only streamlined the process” he added.

He said the earlier governments did it with the best of the intentions. “Now, this has to be further streamlined because we gain by experience and also learn to improve with the passage of time.” The process was conducted through Union Public Service Commission and for ten posts of Joint Secretary, more than 6000 applications came.

Manas Ranjan Bhutia and D Raja questioned the Modi government's move to hire directly at the level of Deputy secretary and above through NITI Aayog and UPSC.

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

NSA Doval given Cabinet Rank, 5 year term

Principal Secretary Mishra keeping fingers crossed

P K Mishra may be promoted

Shake up in PMO likely

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, June 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first move to restructure the PMO by granting Cabinet status to his most trusted lieutenant Ajit Doval cabinet status and five more years as the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Since the posts of the NSA, Principal Secretary Nripendra Mishra and Deputy Principal Secretary P K Mishra are co-terminus with the tenure of the PM, the first order was issued giving second term to Doval and a promotion.

With this promotion an anomaly has also been ratified as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is 1977 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) while Doval is 1968 batch of the Indian Police Service (IPS). In a major over-haul of the foreign affairs ministry, Modi decided to bring an expert from outside who had joined the TATA on a big salary two years ago. Modi decided not to induct Sushma Swaraj into his team of Top 4 for some unexplained reasons and brought Jaishankar who didn't have too cordial a relationship with her.

Thus giving Cabinet rank to Doval, Modi has recognised his contribution in the national security domain. In the reporting apparatus, Doval is equivalent to the status granted to Home Minister Amit Shah and S Jaishankar though technically both of them are senior in Order of Precedence. With the induction of heavyweight Amit Shah into the Home Ministry, the role of Ajit Doval in internal security affairs will obviously be advisory only. The Intelligence Bureau's first point of reporting will be Home Minister and not the NSA. Similarly, Jaishankar is an old hand in foreign affairs where Doval's role will be much reduced.

Now all eyes are set on the next announcement of Nripendra Mishra who is also hoping for an extra five year term. However, insiders in the PMO say that prospects of his continuation are not bright and he may be made a Governor later. P K Mishra, deputy Principal secretary, who is loyalist and man of high integrity may be promoted, these sources say.

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