Jairam eats salad and humble pie -Governance Now

Jairam eats salad and humble pie

The chastened minister leaves journalists asking for more

Neha Sethi | May 11, 2010

Environment minister Jairam Ramesh, in news for his recent remarks in China, has moved on to eating something healthier and tastier than his words. He was seen eating salad, after a workshop in New Delhi on Tuesday, and advising every journalist who had a question on China to do the same.

Attending a workshop on greenhouse gas emissions, Ramesh instructed journalists present not to waste their time. “I will not take any question on China. Don't waste your time here. This meeting is on greenhouse emissions, not on China," Ramesh said in the morning, according to the Headlines Today bureau. "No China at all," he repeated, and added, "You can go if you want. If you are interested in global warming, then you can continue here."

The press conference at the end of the workshop was just as disappointing for the soundbite hunters. They just couldn’t elicit any word from the minister on China.

On any other day, 30 odd cameras and accompanying journos from leading TV channels wouldn't have to prompt the minister twice for a well-garnished bite. But nothing seemed to work on this occasion.

Journalists, being journalists, didn't give up without trying though. Here's a taste of what they sure hoped would turn out to be an appetising conversation:

Q: What do you have to say on the recent comments by the PM?

Jairam Ramesh: (Smiles)

Q: Do you think you should quit?

Jairam Ramesh: (Flaunting a vegetable on his fork) Have you tried the salad? It’s really good.

Q: Do you think you will be going the Tharoor way?

Jairam Ramesh: Why don’t you guys have lunch?

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