On the right side

If Corporate Affairs Secretary R Bandyopadhyay chose the podium on the right-hand side while addressing charterted accountants on the founding day of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, there was a reason for it. He said he had asked his minister Salman Khurshid, the guest of honour for the function, whether he should choose the left or right podium on the dais. Khurshid told him to take the side that suited his mood. Bandyopadhyay chose the right side as he felt like saying the “right” things, he said — he spoke positively about the ministry’s achievements and plans. Khurshid, who spoke next, also chose the right-hand side podium since, as he said, “As you see, all arms of the government speak on the same side, which is a good sign!”