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Deep Throat

A regular column on the essential buzz

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Deep Throat
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Gujarat
Still Steering Clear

Is Gujarat headed for early elections? PM Narendra Modi’s first public meeting in his home state this week has become the subject of intense speculation in this regard. Modi, who was in Rajkot, Gujarat, on August 30 to inaugurate the first phase of the Saurashtra-Narmada Avatarn Irrigation (SAUNI) yojana, steered clear of all controversial subjects. In his 40-minute address delivered in Gujarati, he spoke only about development. Only 57.67 km of the total 1,126-km pipeline envisaged in this ambitious scheme targeted for completion one year from now has been completed.

New Delhi
Competitive Coke?

Speculation continues on whether depleting water table and pollution issues have led to the closure of some Coca Cola plants in India, though the MNC blames it on reduced demand. Curiously, two Indian entities of Parle Agro and Bisleri fame have meanwhile sprung back into the market with some new brands. Contrary to the Coca Cola report, the market is buzzing with news that Baba Ramdev­—the FMCG-cum-yoga guru—may soon launch sugar-free and fruit-based fizzy drinks, including a cola. The Baba would want to avoid any drink containing added sugar given the adverse campaign he has long run against the colas to the extent of likening them to commode-cleaning fluids.

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New Delhi
Labour Pangs

The Modi government has succeeded once again in breaking the forged unity of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh with other trade unions on a 12-point charter of demands. Through an assurance of a soon-to-be issued notification on raising minimum wages and other pro-labour reforms, the government made sure that the BMS does not joining the September 2 strike. The strike plan, marking one year since the nationwide labour strike on the same day, stands, despite finance minister Arun Jaitley announcing labour reforms and payment of two years pending bonus to central government employees.

Heard Will one see influential spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the delegation visiting Kashmir on September 4? Recently, Sri Sri tweeted a photo of a meeting with Burhan Wani’s father.

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Overheard Cops will play censor to Malayalam megastar Mammootty’s film Kasaba, released recently, after it drew flak for its ¬misogynistic dialogues.

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