Power lines

The corridors of power have their own set of rules and priorities, as Minister of State for Urban Development Saugata Ray learnt once again on Thursday when he phoned his private secretary (PS) Rajesh Kumar. Ray was sitting in Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee’s room in Parliament when he urgently needed to speak to his PS. Kumar’s mobile could not be reached, so Ray dialled the office landline and asked for his PS, identifying himself by name. Pat came the reply from the office staff (and one with which journalists are familiar): “He is busy, call after an hour.” A visibly embarrassed Ray told the staff, “This is your minister Saugata Ray. Now please give him the phone.” The mention of the designation promptly brought Kumar on the line.