Where is thy sting?

Dilli was abuzz with how Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's much-awaited press conference, his first in his second term in office, would go.

There was no dearth of issues to lob at the Prime Minister terrorism, inflation, Naxalism but as it turned out, the media's self-obsession ensured that the press meet was a non-starter.

Delhi's political circles were delighted that most questions were opinions rather than hard-hitting queries.
There was precious little by way of bite. For one, as if on cue, Doordarshan's coverage broke down.
u00a0
Then, a Japanese journalist started complaining about the travails of acquiring an accreditation card from the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

Manmohan Singh handled the non-questions deftly, but for many in the media it was certainly a missed opportunity.

Home and the world

For Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee home is where the heart is in Kolkata, from where nothing, not even a rail mishap in the capital, can tear her away.

Her frequent absences from Dilli may provide endless fodder for her political opponents, but Mamata remains unfazed.

Apart from being Didi's home, Kolkata is also her political karmabhoomi.
u00a0
Her typically petulant response to criticism of her ministerial inaction can perhaps be better understood in the light of the impending civic poll in Kolkata, where she has an opportunity to take yet another swipe at a faltering Left Front. Dilli can wait when Kolkata beckons.

Silent treatment

We are loud people here. But, fed-up Dilliwalas are hoping that the victory of the residents of Shivaji Park in getting their locality declared a silence zone would impel authorities here to look at the disturbing decibel levels in Delhi.
u00a0
Two months ago, the Delhi High Court had directed the Directorate of Civil Aviation to come up with a plan to check noise pollution near the airport, but invariably that issue is 'under consideration'.

Meanwhile, Mumbai's netas are upset over losing their favourite staging ground for political rallies. But no one's shedding tears for them in Shivaji Park. Can we hope for a similar reprieve in Delhi?

"Image Guru", Dilip Cherian is part time spin doc and full-time analyst of issues, food, cities. He awaits your tweet @DILIPtheCHERIAN.