The Bihar-Punjab sarson saag bond
There is a common perception that sarson ka saag and makki ki roti is a Punjabi cuisine. But the fact remains that sarson ka saag is an integral part of Bihari food too. The only variation in its use in the state is it is eaten with rice, chappati as well makki ki roti - mainly in the in the state’s hinterland. he vegetable mart near the state legislature - home to a vast majority of lawmakers from the hinterland - is full with sarson ka saag with the onset of winter. It is because the legislators and also the officials coming from the rural areas buy and eat sarson ka saag in plenty during this season. Sarson ka saag was one of the items at the feast for the journalists, ministers and officials organised by chief minister Nitish Kumar when he presented his annual report card on November 25. And the waiters confirmed that most of the guests enjoyed the delicacy. Even Nitish Kumar, who belongs to Nalanda district known for its vegetable and saag production across India, too, is known for his fondness for sarson ka saag. Legislators cutting across the political spectrum, including the ruling JD(U) and BJP, appear to be the most deprived lot, particularly during the second term of Nitish Kumar’s rule. The first blow that they suffered was the withdrawal of their local area development fund. What has added to their frustration is the fact that Nitish does not involve them in many of his work. For instance, they were not invited to the annual report card function. They hardly have to play any role in Nitish’s Seva Yatra also for it is the chief minister’s IAS secretary, S. Siddhartha, or other senior officials who have been assigned to co-ordinate the yatra. The CM prefers to fly with the chief secretary, director-general of police or other senior officials in the chopper while going on the Seva Yatra. Venting his frustration, a JD(U) MLA said: “Even the police station and block-level officials don’t give us any importance. Earlier, we had funds to oblige our supporters/workers with some contract work. That too has gone with the winds.” A BJP MLA too said: “Why should officials or party workers give us importance when we have nothing to give them? The political class is suffering in the NDA rule.” Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP got the worst-ever drubbing in the 2010 Assembly elections and it is also losing its lawmakers one by one to the JD(U). But the “tallest” Bihar Dalit leader has set his eyes on the Assembly poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. LJP insiders revealed Paswan was mulling over the idea to field party candidates on almost all UP seats. However, observers of politics see a “game” in Paswan’s move. They feel Paswan might be doing so at the behest of the Congress. The Congress grapevine has it that if Paswan’s nominees succeed in cutting into even a few per cent of Mayawati’s Dalit vote bank, it will weaken the BSP and help the Congress in that state.Damn traffic, make merry on road
The ongoing wedding season might have brought pleasure to many brides and grooms. But it offers a real nightmare to commuters, particularly after 8.30pm or 9pm, be it the main Frazer Road, Exhibition Road, Bailey Road or Kadamkuan. You are bound to be caught in the traffic snarl for hours if you happen to take these roads. The wedding party revellers dancing crazily and patrolling the streets will ensure that your vehicles don’t get a passage. An inquiry revealed that the district administration had allowed these roads to be used for wedding processions. But commuters are the sufferers. “We have nothing against weddings. But why the administration should allow main roads to be swamped by musical troupes and cracker bursting during busy hours,” asked an anxious man caught in a traffic mess on Exhibition Road.