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'Shift not linked to remarks on Modi'

By Gargi Parsai

New Delhi July 2. Shanta Kumar today denied that his being shifted from the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry to Rural Development was linked to his criticism of the Narendra Modi Government in Gujarat following communal violence. ``(Reshuffling the Cabinet) is the Prime Minister's prerogative. This is an important Ministry,'' he told mediapersons after taking charge of the Rural Development Ministry.

Following the change of portfolio, Mr. Kumar moved one floor down in the Krishi Bhavan to the room vacated by Venkaiah Naidu without much ado.

In contrast, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Sripad Yasso Naik's entry into Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan was preceded by the taking over of his office by a woman who called herself his ''consultant from Goa''. While supervising arrangements for an elaborate ''puja ceremony'' in the room, she was yelling at people not to enter the room with shoes on. Her first brush was with a television camerawoman who was ordered out for entering the office with her shoes on.

After taking charge, Mr Naik, who had first called on the Minister for Civil Aviation, Shahnawaz Hussain, at his home, said air fares should be reduced and made affordable. ''Customer satisfaction should be the priority.'' he said. Mr. Naik was earlier Minister of State for Agriculture and Shipping. He was projected as the BJP's chief ministerial candidate in the recent Assembly polls in Goa and lost, though the party formed the Government there.

Film star-turned politician Vinod Khanna's first day as the Minister of State for Tourism and Culture was just as eventful. He started the day by seeking the blessings of his senior Minister, Jagmohan, but did not stay on, as there was no office space in Transport Bhavan to accommodate him.

During the day, an office in Shastri Bhavan which belonged to the Ministry of Culture was taken over by the Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Vijay Goel. Mr. Khanna was later tipped off to make a go for the room, which ''rightfully'' belonged to the Ministry of Culture. He came to Shastri Bhavan and occupied the room late afternoon.

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