Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi is likely to finally visit the UK. Earlier, he had to cancel this trip soon after the US refused him visa. His third victory, however, is prompting all to take a second look at him. Envoys of the western countries are cosying up to him. For his UK visit, a protocol permission from the prime minister’s office (PMO) is required, and that was on the agenda of his meeting with the prime minister when he visited Delhi on February 6, insiders say.

Agenda for Congress core committee

The Congress core committee has several hot potatoes on its hand. Among its agenda is this matter about home minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s comments the alleged terror links of BJP and RSS, now that the main opposition has threatened to ‘boycott’ him during the crucial budget session. Then there is the sexual harassment charge against PJ Kurien from Kerala. Also, on the agenda is the protest led by supporters of Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, minister of state for railways, on a district magistrate’s house. But most important item on the agenda is the controversy about solicitor general Rohinton Nariman’s resignation blaming it on law minister Ashwini Kumar.

Where is Vadra?

Robert Vadra is often seen during daytime in a 7-star hotel, occupying a particular window seat in a corner, where no ‘mango man’ can disturb him. Those who have spotted him say he looks quite slim but also fresh after gym workouts. Vadra has of late started growing a tuft with a few strands of long hair with a black band. Vadra enters the hotel with his friends and business contacts, making quite a scene, as Black Cat commandoes wait outside. People say Vadra has impeccable manners and etiquette: if he recognizes somebody at the hotel, he would greet and acknowledge them with salutations.