Prabhu Chawla

The Warrant of Precedence last updated on May 16, decides who sits next to whom at ceremonials like Republic Day, Independence Day and investiture ceremonies. It does not list Sonia Gandhi though nearly 520 others, all of them no doubt lesser mortals, figure in the list. LK Advani, Leader of the Opposition is listed No 42, sandwiched between Prem Chand Gupta, Union Minister for Corporate Affairs at 41 and Jaswant Singh, Rajya Sabha Opposition leader at 43. As UPA Chairperson, Sonia doesn’t hold any official title but so far has always been seen seated next to the prime minister. Nobody has bothered to ask “How come?”. The new notification is certain to leave various government agencies in afix. Wait and watch for August 15.