Too little, too late in Chhapra

The inauguration of a national driving training institute in Chhapra by Union surface transport minister Nitin Gadkari has failed to enthuse even BJP supporters. “It’s an institute that will produce drivers and khalasis (helpers),” said a BJP worker. “When Laluji represented us he gave us a wheel factory and initiated work for two more factories.”

He went on to say that Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudi, the Saran MP, will have to put up a better show if he wishes to make an impression. But, there were others who pointed out that despite initiating many works in Chhapra, the district headquarters of Saran district, Lalu’s wife Rabri Devi lost to Rudy in the last Lok Sabha elections. “Polls in Saran are always about caste and Rudy can still hope it to work for him the next time,” said another BJP leader.

When crime within hurts

Just after chief minister Nitish Kumar gave a strong defence of law and order in the state, the house of a close relative of state RJD chief Ramchandra Purbey was burgled. Opponents took a dig at the government, saying that when the state cannot protect close relatives of prominent politicians, how can it be expected to save the common man. For the first time, Grand Alliance leaders were silent. “Poor Purbey. Even when his wife’s gold chain was snatched when he was a minister, Purbeyji had to remain silent,” said a senior politician.

Bootlegging for a living

A senior police official was recently declaring that the anti-liquor laws had “reformed” quite a few hardcore criminals. “We have reports of criminals who were engaged in heinous crimes like murder, kidnapping and burglaries swearing that they have left the crime world,” he said. “Instead they have got into bootlegging in a big way. They do not consider bootlegging a crime.” He wondered if there would be a drop in heinous crimes in the state and declared that the number of people caught violating prohibition laws may keep swelling 

Dry all the way, Bihar or Gujarat

A Bihari recently went to Gujarat thinking it is easy for outsiders to get liquor permits. However, when he entered a liquor shop in Ahmedabad and asked for a permit form, the shop-owner asked him for an identity card. When the traveller produced his card, he was told that residents of states where prohibition is in force were not allowed permits to consume liquor. “Nitish Kumar should be thankful to Narendra Modi for helping him enforce the liquor ban on Biharis even in Gujarat,” said the frustrated Bihar resident.