Wives of officials, mediapersons dominate Advani's entourage

Wives of high-ranking officials, mediapersons comprise more than half of the 23-member entourage of Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani, who is on an official 12-day three-nation visit beginning with the United States.

Apart from Advani's wife, his daughter is also occupying him on the tour. Advani's Private Secretary Deepak Chopra and his wife, Officer on Special Duty Ajay Prasad and his wife, Union Home Secretary N Gopalaswami and his wife, Director of Intelligence Bureau Kunal Pal Singh and his wife are travelling with the deputy prime minister.

Eleven newsmen and personal security and baggage officers are the others accompanying Advani.

The Union home ministry has asked the Indian embassies in the countries to be visited to keep 45 vehicles at the disposal of the entourage. Thirty-five rooms have also been reserved in top-notch hotels.