Poll-eve party matters outshine yearend revelries for state’s leaders.
Poll-eve party matters outshine yearend revelries for state’s leaders
MUMBAI: Indian politicians often organise their yearend merrymaking in exotic destinations. But with the civic elections bearing down on Maharashtra’s cities, many of the state’s mantris have decided to welcome the New Year in Mumbai. That way, they hope, they can switch between party hat (celebratory) and party hat (political) without missing the ball (celebratory and political).
“Vilasrao Deshmukh’s schedule on December 31 and January 1, 2007, is undecided but he is likely to be in Mumbai,” a statement from the chief minister’s office said. “The chief minister visited Tirupati almost 48 hours before New Year’s eve to seek the blessings of the Almighty.”
Deputy Chief Minister RR Patil, who prefers to keep away from revelry, will be in Mumbai in the last days of 2006. Although he will not party on New Year’s Eve, he may attend a dinner or lunch.
Chhagan Bhujbal, minister for public works, is generally not averse to partying with friends and family. But he has decided to spend a quiet day in Mumbai. “It is going to be a private affair with family and friends,” he said.
Congress MP Milind Deora said he is no party animal. “For the past three years I have spent New Year’s eve at home,” he said. “I don’t think this year will be any different. I will retire at 11:30pm and wake up at 6am.”
Priya Dutt, another young MP, plans to welcome the New Year with her family at her farmhouse on the outskirts of Mumbai. The family is not sure whether Sanjay Dutt will join them.
Revenue Minister Narayan Rane appears to be following his leader, Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Like the Gandhi family, which is taking a break between Christmas and New Year for a clan reunion, Rane is holidaying abroad with his brood. But he may return to Mumbai on New Year’s Day.
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