When the editor of this publication invited me to write a monthly column, he suggested that it be titled ‘Delhi Darbar’ and that I comment on events from the perspective of the national capital on issues of interest to his readers in civil society. Most of what is published in this journal is a view of development from below. My remit was to offer a view from above.

This week I bring to you a most interesting development in what has come to be known as ‘Lutyens’ Delhi’ — the region within a radius of a kilometre or so around what is now called the Central Vista. Lutyens’ Delhi has suddenly woken up to the revival of political gossip.