What is intriguing many is the nomination of former Union law minister Ashwani Kumar “to visit for up to seven days as PM’s special envoy for that period (in the rank and the privileges of a Cabinet minister) to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges with Japan....”
His task is to “prepare for the upcoming visit of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and the Prime Minister of Japan to India” as per the official letter given to him.
The missive also said that external affairs ministry officials will be in touch with him to implement the PM’s instructions.
Mr Kumar had to resign from the Union Cabinet in May following a raging controversy over the vetting of the draft of the CBI probe report on Coalgate by the law ministry. Commenting on Mr Kumar’s role, the Supreme Court had said that a minister can ask for a report but can’t interfere with the CBI probe.