No chickening out
The recent ban on sale and purchase of poultry products seems to have no impact on hawkers who squat right behind the corridors of power — the Writers’ Buildings. Poultry items remain a regular feature on their menu. Items like chilli-chicken and omlettes are readily available. And if it's evening, hot mughlai parathas come with a heavy discount. “You will get it for just five bucks instead of the earlier price of Rs 10,” said a hawker. And not only he, it seems his clients have not heard of the ban either. “People are eating,” he says.

At one go
Kolkata police commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakrabarty seems affected by the cricket fever too. At a recent interactive session on traffic situation, he said K Harirajan, additional CP in charge of traffic, who was seated next to him, was his “runner” who would help him field the questions if they were too tough. The session was as unpredictable as cricket too. Much to the astonishment of the audience, the Addl CP mildly objected to the CP’s making a series of announcements meant to improve the traffic situation. But the astute CP ducked behind the “do it now” maxim of the chief minister. He was merely following the advice of the CM by making all the announcements together.

Party gag
Of late, CPM state secretary Biman Bose has asked senior party leaders to keep their mouths shut while facing the media. The order stated that action might be taken against anyone who talked without prior permission from the party. Regular briefings at the Alimuddin Street have also been discontinued. The leaders too are toeing the party line. “I cannot say anything on this matter...Plase ask Bimanda” is the new refrain.