Who will head the govt during PM's South Korea visit?

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has not chosen any of the top ministers in his Cabinet to head the government during his visit to South Korea between March 24 and March 27.

"The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs may decide on issues of national urgency. The CCPA will, in the prime minister's absence, be presided over by the senior-most minister," says a 'Secret/Most Urgent' note sent out by Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth to nine senior ministers.

It is always the prime minister who chairs the CCPA meetings.

The note does not specify the name of the senior minister who will chair the CCPA in the PM's absence. Another directive in the note states that either Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee or Home Minister P Chidambaram has to remain in Delhi during the period of the PM's absence.

Going by the seniority of names addressed in the note, Chidambaram figures only at No 4. Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Defence Minister A K Antony figure at No 2 and 3 respectively after Mukherjee.

Though Dinesh Trivedi had resigned as the railway minister late on Sunday night, the note sent out on Monday is also addressed to him. Other ministers to whom the note is addressed to include M K Alagiri, Dr Farooq Abdullah, S M Krishna and Kapil Sibal.

Dr Singh does not want any policy matter decided in his absence, except those warranting immediate decision. The note says, "Policy matters requiring the PM's approval may, if these do not warrant immediate consideration or decision, be held over."