PM to ring in New Year working

It seems the cancellation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's proposed visit to Kerala has convinced him to work through to the next year.

Singh, who had cancelled his trip allegedly due to a controversy involving Kerala minister Kunhalikutty, was, in any case, not going to repeat "Kumarkom musings" of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"In any case, there would have been no boat ride on the Vembanad. The Prime Minister made it clear that it was to be a work-related visit, with a two-day stay at the Kerala Raj Bhavan," said a close aide.

Those in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), who were hoping for a vacation, will have to hit their files instead. The Prime Minister has made it clear that the new year will be brought in, in the capital and will be an ordinary working day.

The Prime Minister's workaholic ways can give rise to piquant situations for his aides who often have to remind Singh that his job is not all work.

On a recent tour to the US, the contingent got one day free after the conclusion of all official engagements.

"The Prime Minister's successful meeting with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, his address to the New York Stock Exchange and the UN General Assembly had everyone in a euphoric mood," said an aide.

Everyone had made plans to spend a day out when Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia walked into the Prime Minister's room to inquire about his plans.

"Singh asked Montek to lend him a book that he had, which the Prime Minister was interested in reading. Clearly, he wanted to spend time in his room, reading," said the aide.

Ahluwalia dolefully informed the PMO officials of Singh's choice of entertainment. "We felt quite strange making plans for evenings out after that, not that the Prime Minister stopped us," added the aide.

In fact, the Prime Minister is known to spend all his free time either reading or taking walks across the 5 and 7, Race Course Road lawns.

"He is very particular about walking. Because of security concerns, he is left with taking countless spins around these lawns. Anytime he is free, he is either reading or taking his walks," said the aide.

Meetings are sacred for the Prime Minister. Even joint secretaries and deputy secretaries in the PMO are often called in for meetings on specific subjects.

"The Prime Minister is as often in South Block as at Race Course Road. He is a very different sort of Prime Minister and the babus are getting used to it," added the aide.