Weak fail to get pass!

For media men it was a Herculean task to get passes necessary to cover the Prime Minister’s programmes. On August 2, authorities at office of VVIP security told press persons that they would start issuing passes by 4.30 pm. But when scores of scribes went to the office they were told that the official entrusted to distribute passes had been to take lunch.

Other officials in the same office told journalists that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (VVIP security) has not yet signed passes meant for reporters. However after waiting for almost one and half hours, distribution of passes started.

Along with media persons passes for police staff, senior IAS officers and minister’s staff were given at the same place.

As more people gathered only those who could use their physical strength effectively could manage to get passes. Others had to return empty handed cursing the Police Department for poor arrangements to distribute passes. A reporter rightly pointed out getting passes has become more difficult than covering a mega event.

- Satish Shile

Who’s behind peaceful session?

The proceedings of the legislature this time went on more or less smoothly compared to previous sessions. Ever since the present coalition government took over, there has hardly been any session that passed without disruption of proceedings. Opposition members entered the well of house and stalled proceeding for days.

This time, there were heated debates on many issues but the session was not marred by any disruptions.
The other day some members in the Legislative Assembly wondered aloud whether Power Minister H D Revanna should take credit for the smooth proceedings as it was he who had suggested to give a go by to the normal practice of starting the opening day of the legislature session at 11 am and convening it at 9:45 am. “See, his consultation with astrologers has made its impact”, a member said.

However, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge finally let out the secret. “We had voluntary decided not to stall or disrupt the proceeding this time. Do not be under the impression that your astrologers can run the government”, he remarked..

- Vijesh Kamath

Maharaja of masses!

Bloopers in newspapers or even in public speeches are hilarious, especially when dropping an article can completely alter the meaning of the sentence.

At one such grand public function, where the Scion of Mysore Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar was invited, the master of ceremonies used superlatives to introduce the scion and highlighted his achievements. While describing the popularity of the scion amongst the people he said Wadiyar is truly a maharaja of masses!
- Gayathri. L

Running after rumour

Dr Haneef, after returning to Bangalore from Australia,  was hounded by the media who were all the while interested in extracting as much information as possible from him.

This reached its zenith when rumours went around when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in the City last week, that he was to make an unscheduled stop over to visit Dr Haneef at his home.

Immediately journos as usual started calling-up their sources to find out if the rumour was indeed true. From cops on special duty to high-level politicians, the urge to give credibility to the rumour started.

A veteran Congress leader and a former union minister who resides in the City was contacted to ascertain facts. “The prime minister visiting Dr Haneef” ? he questioned and continued, “It is the media that is after him and his family. When I myself haven’t visited him, how can you expect the PM to do so” he replied. So much for the inquisitiveness of the press!

- S Praveen Dhaneshkar

‘Kempe Gowdarige Jayawagali!’

Kempe Gowda awards ceremony organised by the BBMP every year is synonymous with chaos. But this year there was a certain twist in the proceedings of the event. Along with the usual confusion and frustration which normally rules the event, funny incidents were the major attractions of the show.

On July 31, Kanteerava indoor was buzzing with people waiting to see the Chief Minister at the awards function, but the absence of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister gave Minister for Health and Family Welfare, R Ashok all the freedom to steal the show.

As the minister entered the stadium along with MLA Narendra Babu he was given a grand welcome. All the lights were switched off at the stadium barring the spot light which was on Mr Ashok. He was presented with a royal turban as some artists in the background chanted “Kempe Gowdarige jayawagali” (praises to Kempe Gowda) as he walked up to the stage admist boys dressed as courts men.

People in the audience were zapped as they wondered where did this new age Kempe Gowda come from and why was Mr Ashok referred to as Kempe Gowda. Some laughed while others were still struggling hard to gather what was going on. Mean while,  Ashok smiled and obliged all the photographers for pictures as other politicians grumbled at the attention the minister received. Many dignitaries were left high and dry forcing them to think what made Ashok the sole VVIP of the show.

- Fathima Sumaya Khan