Ribbon cutting: It's me-first among politicians

As elections draw near, politicians are jostling for opportunities to cut ribbons. A new train service between Kolkata and Murshidabad, scheduled to start on Saturday, was set to be inaugurated by CPI(M) MP Basudeb Acharia. But a minister from Railway Minister Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janata Dal informed External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s office about Acharia’s plans. Fully aware of the impact of a new train service among the voters, Mukherjee didn’t want to let go of this opportunity. As Mukherjee’s constituency falls in Murshidabad district, his staff told the railway ministry that the external affairs minister was eager to flag off the first train. Just a day before the inauguration, Mukherjee’s wish was granted, while Acharia, the chairman of the Railway Standing Committee, had to grace the occasion as the chief guest.