NK'S POST

NK SINGH The government decision to abolish those flashing red beacons atop ministers’ cars, the most visible symbol of power, can be annoying, at times. When MP government granted the status of Minister of State to Computer Baba, the saffron robed monk pasted a printout on the windscreen of his SUV, announcing his official status. The prominently placed printout proclaims: “Mahamandleshwar Computer Baba, Minister of State status, Member, Public Awareness Campaign Committee, Madhya Pradesh Government.” The Indore-based, 53-year-old monk is as colourful as they come. Born Namdev Tyagi somewhere in UP, he prefers to be known as Computer Baba. He earned the moniker because his followers believe that he is as quick as a computer. Even the official notification appointing him a minister does not carry his real name; it simply identifies the guy as Computer Baba. He became one of the most photographed sadhus in 2016 Simhasth at Ujjain with his matted hair, bare torso and rosar...

NK SINGH  Rajendra Namdeo was a small time politician in the temple town of Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, until a few months ago. Then talent spotters of BJP discovered this uncut diamond in the run up to Maihar assembly by-election.  They promptly set about luring him to their side with trappings of power – in this case, a cosy government position with the title of minister of state. Namdeo allowed himself to be roped in. At the time of writing, Namdeo is on the run after Bhopal police registered a molestation case against him on a complaint filed by an acid attack victim.  BJP dropped him like hot potato, promptly suspending him from primary membership. So did the Madhya Pradesh Government. It removed him from the post of vice-chairman of a Board that it has constituted to promote the art of tailoring.  Thus ended Namdeo’s 18 day tenure as a VIP with Minister of State rank – a notch above chief secretary, the most senior civil servant in the state,...