French toast

Anand Sharma, the minister for commerce and industries, has become notorious for his long and boring speeches. When he began a pre-dinner toast for visiting French minister Christine Lagarde with the words “I will not make a long speech”, those familiar with Mr Sharma’s style exchanged hopeful glances. But bad habits die hard. Mr Sharma ended up subjecting his guests, who had had their drinks and were ready for a meal, to a long-winded speech. Finally, when the guest of honour, Ms Lagarde got up to speak she said, “Anand promised a short speech but didn’t keep his word, but I will say only a few words”, and so saying thanked her host and sat down!