Leader-visit pangs 

Chief minister Nitish Kumar plans to visit a few districts after Chhath. Motihari is on the itinerary but the local 
JDU MLAs and party leaders are not enthusiastic. 

“We have had to spend our money to appease our followers during Durga Puja. We will have to spend again on Diwali and Chhath,” said a local JDU leader from the area. “Now after all these expenses we will have to bleed again for Nitish’s visit.” This fear of top bosses visiting different areas cuts across party lines. “We turn paupers during festivals by having to give money to our supporters. It’s better if the top leaders remain in Patna,” said another RJD MLA.

Raj Bhavan costs

There were talks of installing bullet-proof doors and windows in certain sections of the palatial Raj Bhavan — especially rooms in which VVIP dignitaries such as the President and Prime Minister stay in case of a night halt in Patna. But the plan is yet to be executed because, according to insiders, of the cost involved. “Raj Bhavan is undergoing repair work. But we still have to be within a budget,” said a government official unwilling to share details. In the past, governors have contributed to building structures such as meeting halls inside the Raj Bhavan premises. “The present Governor Ram Nath Kovind appears more interested in restoration than building a new structure,” added the official.

Currency code

Total prohibition has created a new language in the hinterlands of Bihar. Tipplers are heard talking of chauanni (4 annas), atthani (8 annas) and sikka (coin) but stop before you think the currency of old is back in circulation. Chauanni means quarter bottle, atthani indicates a half bottle and sikka means a full bottle. “These are the code words customers use these days while ordering liquor from their bootleggers on the cellphone,” said a government official who recalled chief minister 
Nitish Kumar had promised to visit the hinterlands to check implementation of the liquor ban in the remote areas. “The home delivery is swift and exchange of money is fast. Nitish will have to learn the code words — that keep changing from district to district — to make a proper assessment of his liquor ban.”