Philosophical 'overdoze'

Farmer-turned-chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is known for his philosophical speeches that blend policy highlights, shlokas, and excerpts from the myths. Last week, he took this skill to new heights and ensured that several foreign dignitaries and his own Cabinet colleagues enjoyed a comfortable doze on the dais during an international seminar on cooperatives. In his speech, Chouhan dwelt at length on how society can keep a human happy by ensuring him Tan Ka Sukh (physical health), Man Ka Sukh (mental health), Atma Ka Sukh (spiritual health) and Buddhi Ka Sukh (healthy intelligence). He quoted several shlokas from the Gita and other myths. But he forebore to disclose how he would tackle the burning issue that cooperatives face, especially when almost all the funds in state-owned cooperative banks has been eroded. Commenting on the outcome of the seminar, a senior BJP leader joked, “Cooperatives are going to be the new philosophy of the government in the next election.”