Delhi Confidential: Cheer From Leader

On Wednesday, the Election Commission sent out an invite for a press briefing on the first phase of polling in Bihar. Such briefings are routine and are addressed by Deputy Election Commissioners. But on Wednesday, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, in a departure from convention, turned up to brief the media on the voter turnout. He chose to make an appearance to congratulate voters, political parties and the state election machinery, as successful conduct of the first phase amid the pandemic was no ordinary feat.

Reducing Distance

Almost three weeks after he was given additional charge of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal on Wednesday made a brief appearance at Krishi Bhawan for the first time. The minister came with his personal staff and remained there for a while. So far, Goyal, who holds two other portfolios — Railways, and Commerce & Industry – was working from there. He was given the charge of Food Ministry on October 9, a day after the death of his predecessor, Ram Vilas Paswan. Since then, he has held meetings with the Food Ministry through video conferences.