New Delhi : The luncheon meeting between the Indian and the Pakistan delegations was not all bonhomie, as both sides took great pains to project. `Tenali Rama Reports’ has learnt that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari brought up the topic of the “C” word referred to by `The Indian Express’ last week and all hell broke loose.
According to those present at the meeting, Bilawal had carried with him a copy of `The Indian Express’ and asked Rahul Gandhi what really happened. Suddenly there was commotion as Rahul tore apart the copy of the newspaper. Pointing his finger at Bilawal, Rahul said, “Look, whatever money we give from Delhi, all the elephant-like middlemen in arms purchase eat away. And then they plant stories saying something that starts with C will happen. What is C? I am also very curious.”
At this point, President Zardari is believed to have interjected and said, “Mr Gandhi, C stands for currency. Simple. Indian currency, Pakistani currency, American currency. But bank, I would recommend Swiss Bank, any day.”
Dr Manmohan Singh also brought up the subject of Hafiz Saeed with Prez Zardari, who is reported to have told him, “Yes, the Americans have offered 10 million USD. That makes it $1 mn. Let’s see. My office is negotiating if the reward amount can be hiked.” Later, Pakistan Interior minister Rehman Malik struck a discordant note when he said he saw Home minister P Chidambaram’s legs shaking when Hafiz Saeed was being discussed.
The Pakistan delegation was a bit disappointed that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi skipped the lunch at 7, Race Course Road. When asked about it, her son-in-law Robert Vadra told reporters, “She knew that with Prez Zardari and me, it will be all business talk. Mom-in-law skipped it because she cannot relate to numbers. Except 272.”
Mr Zardari also congratulated Dr Manmohan Singh for being active on twitter. A blushing prime minister pointed to his additional press secretary, Pankaj Pachouri and said, “Mujhe nahi pata ji. Yeh kuch bhi daal dete hai phone me.”
When Bilawal asked Rahul his twitter handle, Rahul wrote “@Digvijaya_28” on a piece of paper. “He is my handler,” he explained.
Discussion
No comments yet.