Union Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav did not hide his excitement about the prospects of joining the baraat after AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks in Punjab about getting married "soon". On the sidelines of a book-release function at the National Rail Museum last week, the RJD supremo fielded all queries, ranging from corruption in Bihar and bonus for railway employees to Rahul Gandhi's candidature for the Prime Minister's post.

Leaving the auditorium, Lalu suddenly stopped and asked his aides to summon the "camerawallahs" again. As a battery of TV journalists immediately rushed to the minister, he said: "Aap log asli baat toh poochtey nahin hain (You people don't ask me the most relevant question)?" As an intrigued media listened in rapt attention, Lalu expressed his happiness at Rahul's marriage remark.

"Badi khushi ki baat hai. Hum sab baarati ban ke jayenge (It is a matter of great pleasure.

We will all go as guests)," Lalu beamed. Asked what gift he would give Rahul, Lalu said: "Ladke ko tohfa diya nahin jaata.

Us se dhoti kurta liya jaata hai (One does not give gifts to a bridegroom. One rather gets dhoti kurta as gift).