Pratibha Tai's family values

(First husband with the Shiv Sena supremo)
After president Kalam departed the Rashtrapati Bhavan with two suitcases and a ton of books, Tai and her cabal of nine took possession of the palacial abode. We can only guess, but it stands to reason that the unhappiest lot at the moment are the Rashtrapati Bhavan staffers. President Kalam really pushed his simple life ideals, perhaps too far. Legend has it that Kalam often broke protocol and had his meals with the staff - in the regular pantry. Think of the reduced workload, no presidential silver, no setting up the lavish dining room. Environment friendly too, I guess.

Well, it seems that Tai is gonna have none of that.

Three AC cars, five officials, a VIP suite and preferably pohe for breakfast. [...] These and many more directives from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the Maharashtra government on the occasion of the visit of President Pratibha Patil's husband to the state have caused a flutter in political and bureaucratic circles. Rashtrapati Bhavan has asked the state to provide Shekhawat with at least five officials - a senior protocol officer, a public relations officer, a personal security officer, a photographer and an attendant - during his stay, besides reserving appropriate accommodation for him at the Sahyadri guesthouse in Mumbai and the circuit house at Amravati. In Sahyadri, it has been asked to reserve one suite for Shekhawat, with an STD telephone line and fax, and five more rooms with STD lines for his officials. The same arrangements have been asked for the Amravati circuit house and Ravi Bhavan, Nagpur. Other demands: a computer with internet and printer in the ADC's suite, one local photographer at all three places and three AC cars at Mumbai, Amravati and Nagpur. [link]

Come to think of it, our national pride dictates that our first citizen and her family be accorded royal treatment. Generally speaking we have no problem with this, although we are yet to hear if we are officially shining yet. If not, we are supposed to be in a period of mourning and perhaps a little moderatation is advisable.

Anyway.

Tai has her work cut out for her. She has made a few public appearences. She has promised to be a political president, whatever that means. She has also said that women and Agriculture must get first priority.

It is not clear whether the Aam Aadmi has as easy access to our new president, but she is giving the BJP leadership from Goa quite a run around. It is good net practice for her. She might have to repeat this for any number of states in the near future, including but not limited to Karnataka, Bihar (again!), Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan etc.

Don't forget that she will also have deal with eight (the old one plus seven fresh ones) political hot potatoes. Reportedly Kalam claimed that the Afzal file had been sitting with the Home Ministry. Then there is the long process of appeals and counter-appeals, sec-soc indignation etc. I think a better strategy would be to keep the files in a safe place till the '09 blows over.

We will find out soon enough.