When PM Narendra Modi meets foreign heads of state, it's smiling selfies and hugs all around. But for his minister's at home it's the metaphorical rap on the knuckles. That's what is being said of the PM in the political circles. 

A story doing the rounds is of how the Prime Minister's Office treated Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu recently. Incidentally, Prabhu is among the few ministers the PM trusts.

Suresh Prabhu was to lead a delegation last month to the US to seek direct foreign investment in the railways. In fact, Prabhu had been directed to do the trip by none other than the PM.

So, Prabhu's office kept tickets, visas, foreign exchange and luggage ready, but the clearance from the PMO did not come. Obviously, neither Prabhu nor his office dared contact the PMO seeking a clarification.

Just as the delegation decided to unpack, the PMO called saying the trip has been cleared.

Prabhu was however told that there would be no long stop-over at London or anywhere else. Prabhu returned within three days.