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Play time for Ministers, MLAs of Rajasthan

Special Correspondent

New lawn tennis and badminton courts at Rajasthan CM's residence

JAIPUR: After playing the murky games of politics for years, Ministers and MLAs in Rajasthan are warming up for some real games in the New Year. They have got a new facility to play lawn tennis and badminton at the most prestigious address in the State -- 8, Civil Lines, Jaipur -- the official residence of the Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje inaugurated the tennis and badminton courts after their renovation on the New Year's Day on Sunday in the presence of her Cabinet colleagues.

An informal Sports Club of politicians was formed on the occasion with its membership open to all MLAs cutting across party lines.

Ms. Raje, wielding a tennis racket in her hand, asked the Ministers and MLAs to adopt sports as an important part of their daily schedule to keep fit. She said both the courts would be thrown open during morning and evening every day.

The Minister for Sports, Mohammed Yunus Khan, was the first to play badminton at the venue.

He said the courts at the Chief Minister's sprawling bungalow were lying in disuse and had been renovated to promote outdoor game activities.

Several Ministers and MLAs later played both the games for a couple of hours and expressed gratitude to Ms. Raje for the novel New Year novel gift.

The Chief Minister's residence here has assumed greater significance as the centre of power in the present Bharatiya Janata Party regime, with Ms. Raje holding important meetings, including the State Cabinet meetings, at the place regularly. The Cabinet members also attend by rotation meetings to settle public grievances at the bungalow.

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Play time for Ministers, MLAs of Rajasthan

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