Date:31/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/03/31/stories/2006033101111102.htm

Back Endorsement for pan masala?

The Health Minister, Mr Anbumani Ramadoss, should take note. The Railway Minister, Mr Lalu Prasad, seems to be inadvertently promoting the consumption of pan masala. At a recent function near Jaipur to flag off the double-stack rail containers, Mr Lalu Prasad sat regally on the stage while sundry other speakers held forth. But what caught media attention was the fact that a full box of a prominent brand of pan masala was brought on a tray and placed before the Minister, who at least twice scooped up spoonfuls of the masala and popped them into his mouth. The function was covered live by many TV channels and the pan masala company no doubt gained mileage what with none other than the popular Mr Lalu Prasad patronising its flagship brand. After fighting for a ban on showing actors smoking in movies, Mr Ramadoss could probably work out a set of guidelines for his Cabinet colleagues too.

OUR DELHI BUREAU