The Hindu : Karnataka News : Glass House saves Governor's at-home

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Aug 16, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Glass House saves Governor's at-home

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, AUG. 15. The Raj Bhavan at-home was held here this evening, despite two bouts of rain.

The rain disrupted the arrangements made on the lawns for serving the refreshments. The caterers hurriedly moved to the Glass House.

The attendance especially of the general public was impressive despite the adverse weather.

Many were heard praising the "foresight" of a former Governor, Khurshed Alam Khan, who had the Glass House erected on the Raj Bhavan lawns.

But for the pavilion, the at-home would have been a washout and the invitees drenched in the rain.

The Governor, T.N. Chaturvedi, was informal as is his wont. He greeted and spoke to a good number of people instead of confining himself to the VIPs.

The Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, who had been accompanied by his wife, also greeted the invitees. Thus those who turned up at the party went home a happy lot having had the opportunity to exchange pleasantries with the Head of the State and the Head of the Government. Only one of the Ministers, P.G.R. Sindhia, was seen. The others were in the districts in connection with the flag hoisting ceremony and the celebrations.

However, the police had remained the same. They let in those without a question who drove straight to the Governor's home and were "extra vigilant" in admitting onto the Raj Bhavan premises the invitees who came in other modes of transport or had parked their cars outside.

Their attitude was in contrast with the easy ways of the Governor and the Chief Minister. Though most of those who went to the Raj Bhavan were invitees, some were regarded as more equal.

Of course, there was nothing to stop the political workers belonging to the coalition parties, Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular).

They walked in without any hindrance.

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