A union minister has begun writing his memoirs, and many in the top political leadership are squirming. The book, expected to be released in August 2014, will have explosive, behind-the-scene details and an insider’s account of some of the recent controversies.

ABC of a stalled budget session
Here is a sampler of the jovial conversations some ministers indulge in on the sidelines of cabinet meetings. A minister asks another minister, what stalled the budget session. The reply: ABC, A for Ashwani Kumar, B for Pawan Kumar Bansal and C for the coal black scam.

Antony’s achievement
This month, AK Antony has quietly become the longest serving defence minister of the country. With 6 years 9 months in the Raksha Bhavan, he has overtaken Jagjivan Ram’s record of 6 years 8 months (with two breaks). Fellow Keralite VK Krishna Menon served as defence minister for 4 years and 7 months. His term was cut short by the debacle in 1962 Indo-China war.

Jaya in Delhi
Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalitha will be in New Delhi on Monday to discuss the state annual plan with Montek Singh Ahluwalia at the planning commission. Expect her to demand an increase in the allocation of central funds. The visit will be quiet minus any political agenda. She will land in Delhi at noon, attend plan meet at 3 pm and take off for Chennai at 5.45 pm.
 

And more: Classifying cabinet ministers: bitter, angry, disgusted and arrogant!