Differences between the Centre and DMK-led Tamil Nadu government over powers of the Governor notwithstanding, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the former, in a special gesture, Wednesday urged the five-judge Constitution bench hearing the Presidential reference that Senior Advocate P Wilson, representing the latter, too, be given a chance to address it. On Tuesday, the bench had kept Wilson in the waiting, pointing out that it had already heard the TN government in detail and there were many others waiting. On Wednesday, with some intervenors rising to address the court, the SG said that if those who are “strangers” to the issue were being allowed then the bench could consider giving Wilson also a chance. The bench agreed and Wilson, too, reciprocated the SG’s gesture by thanking him.In SupportAmid speculation on strained ties between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde) in Maharashtra, the BJP’s national leadership seems to be ensuring that its alliance partner is kept in good humour. Shrikant Shinde, party MP and son of Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, was picked by the Central leadership to muster support for NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate C P Radhakrishnan. Insiders say Shrikant — who has friends across parties — not only kept the NDA flock together, but also managed to get some extra votes for Radhakrishnan from Maharashtra.NoteworthyAt the national conference on tribal development initiatives on Wednesday, MoS Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey sat patiently through a session where officials of tribal welfare departments from states gave feedback on improving existing schemes. Flanked by senior bureaucrats from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Uikey took notes as senior officials from states expressed their views on implementation of key laws such as Forest Rights Act, and schemes such as residential schools for tribal students. At the end, the MoS thanked everyone for the constructive feedback.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Delhi Confidential