The final Cabinet media briefing of 2025, held on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, offered a blend of lighthearted moments, security discussions, and political symbolism, capturing the eclectic nature of Delhi's political landscape.
Minister Vaishnaw's Nostalgic Exam Quip
At the briefing, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was questioned about the specific funding share of the Maharashtra government for a recently approved road project. In a candid moment, the former IAS officer turned to his officials for a written note containing the precise details. As he did so, he humorously remarked, "Exam aise pass karte the, parchi se" (This is how exams were passed, using chits). The quip, referencing old-school exam tactics, drew smiles and lightened the atmosphere of the official proceeding.
RAF Presence Sparks Political Banter
A separate development on the same day involved heightened security at the Election Commission of India office. The deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during a visit by a Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation, led by party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, became a topic of conversation. Some members of the delegation quipped that while it was well-known the BJP was "scared" of the West Bengal opposition party, they were unaware the "paranoia" was so intense it warranted RAF deployment. The remark highlighted the ongoing political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.
Chadha Returns to Roots for Gig Workers
In a show of political solidarity, Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Punjab Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha made a symbolic return to Central Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar. He participated in a peaceful strike organized by gig workers, who were protesting a range of issues affecting their livelihoods. Expressing his support, Chadha stated that the protest aimed to spotlight the genuine hardships faced by this crucial segment of India's urban workforce. His presence underscored the growing political attention on the demands of platform-based workers.
These incidents, from a Cabinet room joke to security discussions and street-level solidarity, paint a vivid picture of a dynamic day in the nation's capital, where governance, security, and social advocacy intersected.
