New Delhi, July 15
With the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, along with his senior Cabinet colleagues and bureaucrats camping in Agra for the Indo-Pak summit, the nation’s Capital has virtually shifted to the historic city which was once the Capital of the Mughal emperors.

Both the North and South Blocks of the country’s central secretariat on Raisina Hill, which are normally bristling with activity even on a holiday, bore a deserted look today.

It was apparent that middle-level officials were taking advantage of the absence of their seniors. Many preferred to stay home, glued to their television sets or telephones for the latest from Agra. It being a Sunday also contributed to this.

The ministerial hotlines, too, were kept busy throughout the day. All eyes were on Agra. The only people seen around the secretariat buildings were the security personnel who have been entrusted with the onerous task of guarding the precincts of the government which house some of the most sensitive departments of the nation.