The final Cabinet media briefing of 2025 witnessed a light-hearted moment from Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while a subsequent visit by a Trinamool Congress delegation to the Election Commission raised eyebrows over security arrangements.
Minister's Witty Quip on Seeking Information
During the briefing held on the last day of the year, a journalist queried Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw about the funding share of the Maharashtra government for a recently approved road project. In response, the minister, a former IAS officer, gestured to officials seated before him to provide the details in writing.
With a smile, Vaishnaw remarked, "Exam aise pass karte the, parchi se", humorously translating to "this is how exams were passed, using chits." The comment drew chuckles from the attendees, adding an informal touch to the official proceedings.
Security Presence at EC Office Questioned
In a separate development on Wednesday, the presence of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) outside the Election Commission of India office became a topic of discussion. The deployment coincided with the visit of a TMC delegation led by the party's general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee.
Following the meeting, some members of the delegation quipped about the security measures. They suggested that while it was well-known the BJP was "scared" of the opposition party from West Bengal, they were unaware the "paranoia" was significant enough to warrant the deployment of the RAF.
Chadha Joins Gig Workers' Protest
Also on Wednesday, AAP's Punjab Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha returned to his former constituency, Central Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar. He participated in a symbolic strike organized by gig workers, who were protesting over a range of issues affecting their livelihoods.
Expressing his solidarity with the protesters, Chadha stated that the peaceful demonstration was intended to highlight the genuine hardships faced by gig workers. He emphasized that these individuals form a crucial component of India's urban workforce and deserve attention to their concerns.
The events, captured in the daily political diary, underscore the blend of humor, political jousting, and grassroots engagement that characterizes Delhi's political landscape as the year turned.
