Sunday, August 17, 2003		Ulta-pulta

GEORGE Fernandes in flying the MIG-21 has tried to raise the morale of the IAF pilots. Whether the rate of MIG-21 accidents falls after this remains to be seen, but Fernandes with his MIG flight has set an example of sorts.

Inspired by George’s act, several ministers might follow suit. After a rail accident Nitish Kumar might be seen driving a railway engine. He will expect the railway engine drivers to appreciate his courage. Chances are that some day you will see the Minister of Surface Transport to driving a bus on the winding roads to Manali or Shimla. This will help restore the passengers’ confidence.

The information and Broadcasting Minister will also try his hand at reading the news once in a while to resuscitate Prasar Bharati.

To show that the condition of Indian jails has improved tremendously, the Minister of Jails will try spending a day or two in the jail. Once he is out, he will declare, "After spending time with my friends and kin here in the jail, I am reminded of my good old days."

You may even come across a news item in which you’ll read that the Finance Minister escorted by policemen is busy conducting Income Tax raids.

One such minister under whose jurisdiction the State Lottery Department fell, during the Divali bumper draw, drew the crores of rupees in his own name. When people objected, he said, "If I, in spite of being the minister, and with my influence, cannot draw the lottery in my favour how can a poor man ever imagine that one day he too can win the lottery?"