The story behind how Jitin Prasada was named MoS defence
October 30, 2012  12:30
So how did the confusion over the defence portfolio allocation between Jitin Prasada and Jitendra Singh happen? 

To refresh memories, the list from the President's office on Sunday afternoon mentioned that Jitin Prasada had been allotted defence and HRD while Jitendra Singh had been given youth affairs and sports. However, later that evening, a clarification was issued that defence had been added to Singh's portfolio, not Prasada's.

How did this confusion happen? Reports said that it was a clerical error as the two names were similar. 

The truth can be told now. Yes, it was a clerical error, but at the root of this was the prime minister's own soft voice, say our sources. While dictating the names, Dr Singh mentioned Jitendra Singh for defence but it went down as Jitin Prasada in the list that was sent to Rashtrapati Bhavan.   

Since Sonia Gandhi had already informed Singh that he was being sent to work under AK Antony as MoS, there was confusion once the portfolios were (incorrectly) announced. Jitendra Singh then spoke to the prime minister, following which a letter was sent to Rashtrapati Bhavan correcting the error.   

And all was well that ended well.
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