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Last week, as Congress leaders protested against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s so-called “anti-Ambedkar” remark in Rajya Sabha, Rahul Gandhi joined his party MPs in a blue T-shirt, giving up his trademark white polo T-shirt. His sister Priyanka also twinned with him wearing a blue sari. Clearly the Gandhi siblings opted to go for a very visual protest against Shah’s remarks. The choice of the colour of clothes of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) — usually spotted donning plain white T-shirts raised eyebrows. The colour blue has been associated with Dalit politics since 1942, when Dr BR Ambedkar established the Scheduled Castes Federation to campaign for the rights of the Dalit community. The body adopted a blue flag featuring Ashok Chakra. The flag was later retained by the Republican Party of India (RPI), founded by Ambedkar in 1956. Over time, blue became very closely associated with Dalit identity and activism. Even political parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party and the ASP, which champions Dalit welfare, embraced blue colour in their branding. As the Gandhi siblings lead the protest, it was the choice of colour of their clothes that caught everyone’s attention!
The Winter Session which saw a two-day discussion on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution and introduction of One Nation One Election (ONOE) Bill has come to a close. It brought out sharp divisions over discussions and bills at least in two political parties — the Congress and DMK. In the Congress, if a first term MP Priyanka Vadra was seen opening the discussion on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha, for some reason senior leader and eminent lawyer P Chidambaram did not get an opportunity to have his say about the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. In the DMK, there was a clear division of views between the DMK parliamentary party leader TR Baalu and deputy leader Kanimozhi. While Baalu endorsed the government’s offer to refer the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, Kanimozhi seemed completely surprised by his stand and insisted that her party was opposed to the Bill and demanded its withdrawal.”DMK has consistently opposed the entire Bill. We do not accept that there can be ONOE because it is against the Constitution. It is against federal rights and it is against the will of the people. People choose state governments for 5 years, I don’t think you can take that right away from the people and give it to the EC to decide how many years governments can last or not. So, this is completely against the state, against federalism” said Kanimozhi. While her stand reflects TN assembly resolution passed in February against ONOE Bill this year, the media is awash with reports about how her late father Kalaignar M Karunanidhi had highlighted the benefits of simultaneous polls in his autobiography Nenjuku Neethi. Incidentally, Karunanidhi had advanced state polls to 1971 to coincide with LS polls.
The Thursday (Dec 19) visit of BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLAs to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur has become a hot political topic though there are other reasons, too, for intense politicking. Firstly, the MLAs belonging to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar did not join the event. Secondly, those disgruntled due to their non-inclusion in the council of ministers have started expressing their anger openly. Like earlier two occasions, Ajit Pawar and most of his followers distanced themselves from the visit organized by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The presence of former CM Eknath Shinde and his MLAs proved to be another highlight. However, the discontent brewing within Mahayuti on other counts is now becoming more vocal. Political heavyweight Chhagan Bhujbal was the first to articulate it. His open criticism of Ajit Pawar surprised many since he had stayed by the side of Pawar all through. Now, there are reports that some of Bhujbal’s supporters want him to join the BJP to end his political wilderness. So far, Bhujbal has maintained that he is with the NCP (Ajit). The other notable leader to become the subject of political speculation is the legislative council’s deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe. Her detractors, mainly the recent Sena (UBT) entrant Sushama Andhare, have started hinting at Gorhe’s plans to go with the BJP. Gorhe, too, has not reacted to the talk. Ajit’s sudden disappearance for two days from the winter session only added grist to the grapevine. His explanation that he was down with a throat infection is hardly swallowed. More murmurs are expected to be heard once Fadnavis announces the allocation of the portfolios.
The Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray has started preparing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, expected to take place early next year. This will be the fight for political survival for Thackeray because the Sena has been in power in India’s richest civic body since 1985. Taking stock of the situation, other political parties, too, have begun their planning. The picture this time will be fundamentally different since the BJP has emerged as the largest party in the state after the assembly election. Its estrangement with the Sena (UBT), which split in 2022 owing to Eknath Shinde’s decision to walk out of it, will be a major factor in the coming election in which the Congress will be an insignificant player, given its lacklustre performance in Mumbai and the state as a whole. Equally exasperating is the condition of the state Congress committee as its president Nana Patole is perceived as an ineffective leader by the rank and file. The BMC’s last election saw the Sena winning 84 seats in the 227-member house while the BJP had captured 82. Owing to the alliance ethics, the BJP had made no effort to bag the mayoralty of the financial capital of India. However, the BJP is not prepared to take any chance this time and a decision about its Mumbai president is likely to be taken soon. Sitting chief Ashish Shelar is among the hopefuls though his inclusion in the council of ministers could be a decisive factor in the final choice.
This was to happen one day or the other with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) putting its foot down saying it will not send its national teams to India for any signature event of the ICC, like the World Cups in the two formats in men, women and the juniors. This was the PCB’s riposte to the long-standing BCCI position — citing security concerns — that it will not send its team across the border for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and that it will play only at a neutral venue. For three World Test Championship (WTC) the two nations have taken themselves off the Future Tours Programme (FTP). The cricketers of the two countries may enjoy good relationships when they lock horns in neutral country venues and have fans across the border, but the Indian government has been steadfast in denying permission to the BCCI. The latest communication from the ICC has confirmed that in the 2024-2027 cycle all ICC events given to India and Pakistan, the matches featuring the two countries will be held at a neutral country chosen by the host country; in the Champions Trophy case the PCB is the host. What all this means is the elimination of high security arrangements that India had to do when Pakistan played last year’s World Cup matches in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. It took hard bargaining by the PCB with the ICC — with Jay Shah in Chair since December 1, 2024 — for it to agree to a hybrid model in order to ensure that it remains the host in a neutral country venue as well and where India will play and this country is said to be the United Arab Emirates.
The massive success of Pushpa 2, has reignited the debate over screen allocation in West Bengal’s single-screen theatres. While the blockbuster continues to dominate the box office, its stronghold has created challenges for four Bengali films— Khadaan, Shontaan, Chaalchitro, and 5 No. Swapnamoy Lane—which targeted Christmas Day for their releases. The overlap has sparked a heated controversy over securing adequate slots in single-screen theatres, which remain a key audience base for Bengali cinema. Single-screen theatres across Bengal are grappling with the balancing act of accommodating these films while catering to the massive demand for Pushpa 2. Tollywood’s Christmas lineup has been significantly impacted, with producer-actor Dev expressing frustration on social media. He alleged that Khadan’s shows and advance bookings were disrupted due to the overwhelming presence of Pushpa 2. Arijit Dutta, owner of Priya Theatre, reported dividing slots among the films: Khadaan (two shows), Chaalchitro (one), 5 No. Swapnamoy Lane (one), and Pushpa 2 (one). However, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty’s Shontaan was left out entirely, sparking outrage from its director Raj Chakraborty, who criticized the lack of consistent support for Bengali cinema. A distributor, speaking anonymously, blamed the simultaneous release of multiple Bengali films during the festive season, suggesting a lack of coordination among producers. He pointed to Bollywood’s strategy of staggering releases as a model Tollywood could emulate. Star Theatre owner Joydeep Mukherjee called for better planning within the Bengali film industry to avoid internal competition. Interestingly, allegations have resurfaced about Shontaan‘s producer, pressuring hall owners to prioritize its films. This history has led some distributors to side with independent producers in the current clash.
Sunday’s swearing in of 33 (16:9:8 ratio for BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP respectively) mostly young cabinet ministers in CM Devendra Fadnavis’ 3.0 government was not followed up by expected portfolio allocations even late Thursday (Dec 19). The unrelenting clamour for one specific portfolio by a senior BJP minister-in-waiting (in apparent conflict of interest), aspiration to improve upon earlier performance in power sector by another are in the open awaiting the Maha Chanakya to coolly decide upon. Scribes housed at the state government ‘Suyog’ facility within the Family court premises near Vidhan Bhavan enjoy the Nagpur chill over familial evenings at ‘Sneh Bojans’ hosted by these as-yet ‘Anamika’ ministers. DCM Eknath Shinde’s camp brews hostility from left out veteran MLAs and cherry-picking ministers-in-waiting who threaten boiling point anytime soon. This is unlike the chill that has set upon the near deserted NCP office at Vidhan Bhavan sans activity, notwithstanding the bustling beehive of activity right outside and within the state legislature that is hosting its winter session. It is probably the first time in Maharashtra’s political history for such an ongoing legislature session without specifically assigned ministers manning questions on the floor of the state assembly and council while responding to public interest issues of state. For now, all portfolios rest with CM Fadnavis. NCP veteran Chhagan Bhujbal, Sena’s Tanaji Sawant complain vociferously from out in the cold even as some BJP MLAs rue their bad luck despite winning big in Mumbai city where the richest civic body will face the hustings very soon.
The events outside Parliament House that led to injuries to two BJP MPs was best summed up by FM Nirmala Sitharaman in her X post. She explained how “During the INDI Alliance’s protest inside Parliament premises today, Rahul Gandhi had forcefully pushed an MP, causing a domino effect that injured 2 BJP MPs –Pratap Sarangi (Balasore, Odisha) and Mukesh Rajput (Farrukhabad, UP)” Both the MPs are now hospitalised as they have sustained head injuries. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan was surprised that the Congress had so far not even bothered to say sorry. “I was wondering what was the purpose of Kharge-Rahul Gandhi’s presser, if they can’t say sorry. Our Nagaland MP, a tribal woman leader Phangnon Konyak had voiced discomfort that was caused to her by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.” She has written a letter to the RS Chairman. Adding further he said, “We feel Rahul simply does not deserve to be the LoP. When the Opposition is holding a protest, we usually take another gate. What was the need for Rahul Gandhi to wade into the area where BJP MPs were standing? He should simply quit as LoP.” BJP MPs including Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street Police station in connection with the scuffle between Opposition and NDA MPs. It is learnt that security forces repeatedly requested the Congress MP to use an alternative path, specifically arranged for a peaceful entry into Parliament. However, Rahul Gandhi declined the request. BJP’s Thakur said “The kind of attitude Rahul Gandhi has, he thinks he is above the law.” Responding to the allegations, Rahul said BJP MPs were trying to stop him and were threatening him “
Home Minister Amit Shah whose intervention in discussions on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution sparked off a row and seemed to have majorly united the Opposition. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge charged him of insulting Dr BR Ambedkar.. He accused his rivals of being “anti-Ambedkar” and “anti-Constitution”, and “spreading lies”. In his concluding remarks in the Rajya Sabha, Shah sarcastically said, “It has become the fashion to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar…’ If they (the opposition) took God’s name so many times, they will get a place in heaven.” At a Press Conference, he charged the Congress of distorting his comments in the Rajya Sabha saying the Congress had put out an edited version of his speech. “I come from a party which follows the ideals of Ambedkar,” asserted Shah.” Rebuffing calls for his resignation by Kharge, Shah made it clear that he had no intention of stepping down. “Kharge is asking for my resignation. If that will make him feel happy, then I’ll give it. But the Congress has to sit in the opposition for at least 15 more years. “In an unusual move — perhaps underlining the impact of the Opposition’s attack on this issue — PM Modi and senior ministers rallied behind Shah. “If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!” said PM Modi. Amidst this, PM Modi and Shah met Rahul Gandhi and Kharge to appoint the next NHRC chief. TMC leader Derek O’Brien has moved a privilege notice against Shah in the Rajya Sabha for his remarks on Dr Ambedkar.
Ravichandran Ashwin was adroit in bowling the carom or knuckle ball or the doosra, but on Wednesday afternoon, Brisbane time, the nonconformist off-spinner of 13 years in the big league of the game deployed the “bombshell” to bring an end to his illustrious career. At the conclusion of the rain-marred third Test at the Gabba, the finger spinner with a few sobriquets, “scientist” being the most used among the media, Ashwin sitting beside his beleaguered captain, Rohit Sharma, matter of fact said: Today (Wednesday, December 18) was his last day as an international cricketer across formats and that he will be seen in action in club cricket, meaning IPL etc. The seasoned campaigner, starting his Test career in November 2011, was capped 106 times, and he missed 25 Tests after his debut; he featured in 61 wins, 47@home and 14 overseas. He read the writing on the wall about him losing the primacy as the No 1 spinner of the team in flannels after Washington Sundar was chosen for the first Test in Perth. Then being dropped to bring in Ravindra Jadeja for the third Test in Brisbane convinced him that his time was up…to hang up his boots. The home series against New Zealand that India lost 3-0 was a bitter pill to swallow for him. His numbers — 765 wickets in the three formats, including 537 wickets in Tests alone speaks of his right to be called a legend. It was a bold, practical call to take a bow while not in the field and that was an unhappy part that Indian cricket could not give one of its icons a fitting farewell. Ashwin has perhaps shown the way for a few more to bid adieu, sooner than later! They are over the hill, indeed.
Last week, as Congress leaders protested against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s so-called “anti-Ambedkar” remark in Rajya Sabha, Rahul Gandhi joined his party MPs in a blue T-shirt, giving up his trademark white polo T-shirt. His sister Priyanka also twinned with him wearing a blue sari. Clearly the Gandhi siblings opted to go for a very visual protest against Shah’s remarks. The choice of the colour of clothes of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) — usually spotted donning plain white T-shirts raised eyebrows. The colour blue has been associated with Dalit politics since 1942, when Dr BR Ambedkar established the Scheduled Castes Federation to campaign for the rights of the Dalit community. The body adopted a blue flag featuring Ashok Chakra. The flag was later retained by the Republican Party of India (RPI), founded by Ambedkar in 1956. Over time, blue became very closely associated with Dalit identity and activism. Even political parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party and the ASP, which champions Dalit welfare, embraced blue colour in their branding. As the Gandhi siblings lead the protest, it was the choice of colour of their clothes that caught everyone’s attention!
The Winter Session which saw a two-day discussion on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution and introduction of One Nation One Election (ONOE) Bill has come to a close. It brought out sharp divisions over discussions and bills at least in two political parties — the Congress and DMK. In the Congress, if a first term MP Priyanka Vadra was seen opening the discussion on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha, for some reason senior leader and eminent lawyer P Chidambaram did not get an opportunity to have his say about the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. In the DMK, there was a clear division of views between the DMK parliamentary party leader TR Baalu and deputy leader Kanimozhi. While Baalu endorsed the government’s offer to refer the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, Kanimozhi seemed completely surprised by his stand and insisted that her party was opposed to the Bill and demanded its withdrawal.”DMK has consistently opposed the entire Bill. We do not accept that there can be ONOE because it is against the Constitution. It is against federal rights and it is against the will of the people. People choose state governments for 5 years, I don’t think you can take that right away from the people and give it to the EC to decide how many years governments can last or not. So, this is completely against the state, against federalism” said Kanimozhi. While her stand reflects TN assembly resolution passed in February against ONOE Bill this year, the media is awash with reports about how her late father Kalaignar M Karunanidhi had highlighted the benefits of simultaneous polls in his autobiography Nenjuku Neethi. Incidentally, Karunanidhi had advanced state polls to 1971 to coincide with LS polls.
The Thursday (Dec 19) visit of BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLAs to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur has become a hot political topic though there are other reasons, too, for intense politicking. Firstly, the MLAs belonging to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar did not join the event. Secondly, those disgruntled due to their non-inclusion in the council of ministers have started expressing their anger openly. Like earlier two occasions, Ajit Pawar and most of his followers distanced themselves from the visit organized by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The presence of former CM Eknath Shinde and his MLAs proved to be another highlight. However, the discontent brewing within Mahayuti on other counts is now becoming more vocal. Political heavyweight Chhagan Bhujbal was the first to articulate it. His open criticism of Ajit Pawar surprised many since he had stayed by the side of Pawar all through. Now, there are reports that some of Bhujbal’s supporters want him to join the BJP to end his political wilderness. So far, Bhujbal has maintained that he is with the NCP (Ajit). The other notable leader to become the subject of political speculation is the legislative council’s deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe. Her detractors, mainly the recent Sena (UBT) entrant Sushama Andhare, have started hinting at Gorhe’s plans to go with the BJP. Gorhe, too, has not reacted to the talk. Ajit’s sudden disappearance for two days from the winter session only added grist to the grapevine. His explanation that he was down with a throat infection is hardly swallowed. More murmurs are expected to be heard once Fadnavis announces the allocation of the portfolios.
The Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray has started preparing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, expected to take place early next year. This will be the fight for political survival for Thackeray because the Sena has been in power in India’s richest civic body since 1985. Taking stock of the situation, other political parties, too, have begun their planning. The picture this time will be fundamentally different since the BJP has emerged as the largest party in the state after the assembly election. Its estrangement with the Sena (UBT), which split in 2022 owing to Eknath Shinde’s decision to walk out of it, will be a major factor in the coming election in which the Congress will be an insignificant player, given its lacklustre performance in Mumbai and the state as a whole. Equally exasperating is the condition of the state Congress committee as its president Nana Patole is perceived as an ineffective leader by the rank and file. The BMC’s last election saw the Sena winning 84 seats in the 227-member house while the BJP had captured 82. Owing to the alliance ethics, the BJP had made no effort to bag the mayoralty of the financial capital of India. However, the BJP is not prepared to take any chance this time and a decision about its Mumbai president is likely to be taken soon. Sitting chief Ashish Shelar is among the hopefuls though his inclusion in the council of ministers could be a decisive factor in the final choice.
This was to happen one day or the other with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) putting its foot down saying it will not send its national teams to India for any signature event of the ICC, like the World Cups in the two formats in men, women and the juniors. This was the PCB’s riposte to the long-standing BCCI position — citing security concerns — that it will not send its team across the border for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and that it will play only at a neutral venue. For three World Test Championship (WTC) the two nations have taken themselves off the Future Tours Programme (FTP). The cricketers of the two countries may enjoy good relationships when they lock horns in neutral country venues and have fans across the border, but the Indian government has been steadfast in denying permission to the BCCI. The latest communication from the ICC has confirmed that in the 2024-2027 cycle all ICC events given to India and Pakistan, the matches featuring the two countries will be held at a neutral country chosen by the host country; in the Champions Trophy case the PCB is the host. What all this means is the elimination of high security arrangements that India had to do when Pakistan played last year’s World Cup matches in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. It took hard bargaining by the PCB with the ICC — with Jay Shah in Chair since December 1, 2024 — for it to agree to a hybrid model in order to ensure that it remains the host in a neutral country venue as well and where India will play and this country is said to be the United Arab Emirates.
The massive success of Pushpa 2, has reignited the debate over screen allocation in West Bengal’s single-screen theatres. While the blockbuster continues to dominate the box office, its stronghold has created challenges for four Bengali films— Khadaan, Shontaan, Chaalchitro, and 5 No. Swapnamoy Lane—which targeted Christmas Day for their releases. The overlap has sparked a heated controversy over securing adequate slots in single-screen theatres, which remain a key audience base for Bengali cinema. Single-screen theatres across Bengal are grappling with the balancing act of accommodating these films while catering to the massive demand for Pushpa 2. Tollywood’s Christmas lineup has been significantly impacted, with producer-actor Dev expressing frustration on social media. He alleged that Khadan’s shows and advance bookings were disrupted due to the overwhelming presence of Pushpa 2. Arijit Dutta, owner of Priya Theatre, reported dividing slots among the films: Khadaan (two shows), Chaalchitro (one), 5 No. Swapnamoy Lane (one), and Pushpa 2 (one). However, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty’s Shontaan was left out entirely, sparking outrage from its director Raj Chakraborty, who criticized the lack of consistent support for Bengali cinema. A distributor, speaking anonymously, blamed the simultaneous release of multiple Bengali films during the festive season, suggesting a lack of coordination among producers. He pointed to Bollywood’s strategy of staggering releases as a model Tollywood could emulate. Star Theatre owner Joydeep Mukherjee called for better planning within the Bengali film industry to avoid internal competition. Interestingly, allegations have resurfaced about Shontaan‘s producer, pressuring hall owners to prioritize its films. This history has led some distributors to side with independent producers in the current clash.
Sunday’s swearing in of 33 (16:9:8 ratio for BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP respectively) mostly young cabinet ministers in CM Devendra Fadnavis’ 3.0 government was not followed up by expected portfolio allocations even late Thursday (Dec 19). The unrelenting clamour for one specific portfolio by a senior BJP minister-in-waiting (in apparent conflict of interest), aspiration to improve upon earlier performance in power sector by another are in the open awaiting the Maha Chanakya to coolly decide upon. Scribes housed at the state government ‘Suyog’ facility within the Family court premises near Vidhan Bhavan enjoy the Nagpur chill over familial evenings at ‘Sneh Bojans’ hosted by these as-yet ‘Anamika’ ministers. DCM Eknath Shinde’s camp brews hostility from left out veteran MLAs and cherry-picking ministers-in-waiting who threaten boiling point anytime soon. This is unlike the chill that has set upon the near deserted NCP office at Vidhan Bhavan sans activity, notwithstanding the bustling beehive of activity right outside and within the state legislature that is hosting its winter session. It is probably the first time in Maharashtra’s political history for such an ongoing legislature session without specifically assigned ministers manning questions on the floor of the state assembly and council while responding to public interest issues of state. For now, all portfolios rest with CM Fadnavis. NCP veteran Chhagan Bhujbal, Sena’s Tanaji Sawant complain vociferously from out in the cold even as some BJP MLAs rue their bad luck despite winning big in Mumbai city where the richest civic body will face the hustings very soon.
The events outside Parliament House that led to injuries to two BJP MPs was best summed up by FM Nirmala Sitharaman in her X post. She explained how “During the INDI Alliance’s protest inside Parliament premises today, Rahul Gandhi had forcefully pushed an MP, causing a domino effect that injured 2 BJP MPs –Pratap Sarangi (Balasore, Odisha) and Mukesh Rajput (Farrukhabad, UP)” Both the MPs are now hospitalised as they have sustained head injuries. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan was surprised that the Congress had so far not even bothered to say sorry. “I was wondering what was the purpose of Kharge-Rahul Gandhi’s presser, if they can’t say sorry. Our Nagaland MP, a tribal woman leader Phangnon Konyak had voiced discomfort that was caused to her by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.” She has written a letter to the RS Chairman. Adding further he said, “We feel Rahul simply does not deserve to be the LoP. When the Opposition is holding a protest, we usually take another gate. What was the need for Rahul Gandhi to wade into the area where BJP MPs were standing? He should simply quit as LoP.” BJP MPs including Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street Police station in connection with the scuffle between Opposition and NDA MPs. It is learnt that security forces repeatedly requested the Congress MP to use an alternative path, specifically arranged for a peaceful entry into Parliament. However, Rahul Gandhi declined the request. BJP’s Thakur said “The kind of attitude Rahul Gandhi has, he thinks he is above the law.” Responding to the allegations, Rahul said BJP MPs were trying to stop him and were threatening him “
Home Minister Amit Shah whose intervention in discussions on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution sparked off a row and seemed to have majorly united the Opposition. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge charged him of insulting Dr BR Ambedkar.. He accused his rivals of being “anti-Ambedkar” and “anti-Constitution”, and “spreading lies”. In his concluding remarks in the Rajya Sabha, Shah sarcastically said, “It has become the fashion to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar…’ If they (the opposition) took God’s name so many times, they will get a place in heaven.” At a Press Conference, he charged the Congress of distorting his comments in the Rajya Sabha saying the Congress had put out an edited version of his speech. “I come from a party which follows the ideals of Ambedkar,” asserted Shah.” Rebuffing calls for his resignation by Kharge, Shah made it clear that he had no intention of stepping down. “Kharge is asking for my resignation. If that will make him feel happy, then I’ll give it. But the Congress has to sit in the opposition for at least 15 more years. “In an unusual move — perhaps underlining the impact of the Opposition’s attack on this issue — PM Modi and senior ministers rallied behind Shah. “If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!” said PM Modi. Amidst this, PM Modi and Shah met Rahul Gandhi and Kharge to appoint the next NHRC chief. TMC leader Derek O’Brien has moved a privilege notice against Shah in the Rajya Sabha for his remarks on Dr Ambedkar.
Ravichandran Ashwin was adroit in bowling the carom or knuckle ball or the doosra, but on Wednesday afternoon, Brisbane time, the nonconformist off-spinner of 13 years in the big league of the game deployed the “bombshell” to bring an end to his illustrious career. At the conclusion of the rain-marred third Test at the Gabba, the finger spinner with a few sobriquets, “scientist” being the most used among the media, Ashwin sitting beside his beleaguered captain, Rohit Sharma, matter of fact said: Today (Wednesday, December 18) was his last day as an international cricketer across formats and that he will be seen in action in club cricket, meaning IPL etc. The seasoned campaigner, starting his Test career in November 2011, was capped 106 times, and he missed 25 Tests after his debut; he featured in 61 wins, 47@home and 14 overseas. He read the writing on the wall about him losing the primacy as the No 1 spinner of the team in flannels after Washington Sundar was chosen for the first Test in Perth. Then being dropped to bring in Ravindra Jadeja for the third Test in Brisbane convinced him that his time was up…to hang up his boots. The home series against New Zealand that India lost 3-0 was a bitter pill to swallow for him. His numbers — 765 wickets in the three formats, including 537 wickets in Tests alone speaks of his right to be called a legend. It was a bold, practical call to take a bow while not in the field and that was an unhappy part that Indian cricket could not give one of its icons a fitting farewell. Ashwin has perhaps shown the way for a few more to bid adieu, sooner than later! They are over the hill, indeed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was in great form participating in the discussion on 75th Anniversary of the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. With his sense of humour intact, Shah took potshots at Rahul Gandhi and his campaign against the BJP using a pocket edition of the Constitution. He said the Congress need not even appoint a panel to find out why it lost Maharashtra polls as a journalist also discovered he had been handed a copy of the Constitution that was blank. Rahul Gandhi carried a blank Constitution copy. He waved a ‘blank’ Samvidhan copy in Maharashtra to get votes. “ A 54-year old ‘yuva’, roaming around with the Constitution claiming that we (the BJP) would change the Constitution. The provision to amend the Constitution is within the Constitution. The Congress ruled for 55 years and made 77 changes…” pointed out Shah. He went on to say that the Muslim Personal Law was the beginning of appeasement after the Constitution came into this country. “You (Opposition) want Sharia only for marriage under Muslim Personal Law Board. What about ‘chopping hands’ for stealing and hanging traitors publicly? Should we have that part of Sharia Law too…?” Appeasement politics came to an end after the abrogation of Article 370 he asserted. He said it took a lot of guts to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019. “Not even a single drop of blood was shed nor stone pelted in the valley. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders have been meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla to expunge from records the allegations of the Soros connection made against his mother, Sonia Gandhi, and himself by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
Newly elected Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who is continuously trying to stay in the public eye with her words and action tried carrying a tote bag with ‘Palestine’ emblazoned on it, signifying her support for the Palestinian cause. The bag surely helped her catch media attention but it earned her a lot of flak. BJP dismissed her tote bag drama as part of Congress vote bank politics. She made the mistake of carrying Palestine bag on Dec 16 — which marks Vijay Diwas of 1971 war victory. That was a day to raise to issue regarding welfare of Hindus. Clearly, Priyanka didn’t have the right kind of advice. And was forced to respond to the BJP next day by flaunting another bag endorsing Bangladeshi Hindu cause. It was left to UP CM Yogi Adityanath to tear apart Priyanka’s tote bag drama on the floor of the UP Legislative Assembly. He pointed out that while the Gandhi girl was rooting for Palestine, the state was sending youth to Israel for employment in construction work .“A Congress leader was roaming around in the Parliament carrying a bag with Palestine written on it, while we were sending the youth of Uttar Pradesh to Israel. More than 5600 youth of UP have gone to Israel for construction work so far.” Every youth is getting free accommodation and food, a salary of Rs 1.5 lakh per month. He also added how the Israeli envoy had met him recently and wanted to recruit more youth from the state. Reacting to Priyanka’s messaging via bag, BJP MP Anurag Thakur said, “She did not speak a word on atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh but wants to make a fashion statement with the Palestine bag.” Priyanka has dismissed comments on her clothes as patriarchy, “Who is going to decide what clothes I am going to wear? This is typical patriarchy, deciding what a woman should wear.”
This video of Varun Dhawan’s interaction with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the Aaj Tak Agenda 2024 event has gone viral wherein he respectfully said people call Amit Shah “Chanakaya in politics but I would like to call Amit Shah, the Hanuman of country as he serves the nation selflessly.” Loud clap and applause followed and this is what the 37-year old actor is hoping that his Christmas release movie Baby John too will get at the theatres. According to Girish Wankhede, Trade Analyst, “For Varun the movie holds immense significance, marking a pivotal moment in his career.” The Christmas season release is a prestigious window for Bollywood which historically has been graced by all Khans — Aamir (Dangal, PK, Dhoom 3), Salman (Dabangg 2, Dabangg 3) and Shah Rukh Khan (Don 2, Dilwale). Varun who entered Bollywood in 2012 with Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year was lucky to have 11 consecutive box-office successes between 2012 and 2018. Post that he has faced numerous challenges. Despite his commendable cameos in films like Stree 2 and Munjya, his recent projects — such as Bhediya, Bawal and Jugjugg Jeeyo have struggled to make a significant impact at the box office. With a few flops like October and Sui Dhaaga in his filmography, it’s clear that he has not experienced a major hit since the successes of Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Judwaa 2. This makes the Christmas release of Baby John not just another film for Varun, but potentially a game-changing opportunity that could redefine his standing in the industry feels Wankhede.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) , under siege from Sharad Pawar and UBT MPs, MLAs and Opposition political formations across India, is set to increase its numbers in Lok Sabha from 240 to 260 odd soon ending its need for outside support in Parliament for much longer. BJP’s senior functionary told shortpost.in, “Not only Maharashtra (UBT and Sharad Pawar’s party), but also from Congress in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and even south India MPs are doing office rounds of BJP’s senior leadership. Like Maharashtra, they desire to become deserving partners within NDA’s fold.” Meanwhile, Maharashtra politics witnesses a turnaround of BJP’s political gambit that groomed Shiv Sena (DCM) Eknath Shinde as CM for nearly 2.5 years, empowered him to consolidate leadership of Shiv Sena party, unleash slew of development projects in state. Hereon, BJP’s emphasis will be upon Ajit Pawar as politics will revolve around whether the Congress is able to counter him in Western Maharashtra, Marathwada regions of the state. Pawar will be groomed, empowered since he holds no political animosity towards BJP and is keenly interested in big ticket infrastructure projects while possessing requisite political calibre, ability to perform well while keeping Congress in check. While uncle Pawar effectively controlled Congress’ politics based out of Maharashtra, nephew Ajit has no such pre-occupations. Praful Patel will sync in as Union Minister with industry related portfolio, not Sunetra Pawar, while Union government portfolios are up for grabs by newbie incumbent MPs into BJP that seeks to up its own tally. With the senior Pawar set to be 90 before next Maha elections are due, vacant Union portfolios are proving difficult to ignore for his own flock and several more.
Going by the second day’s play in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba in Brisbane, it can be said that India cannot be seen as a “contender” for the final of the ICC World Test Championship final to be played at the Lord’s in London in the first week of June 2025. After the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand in the home series, only the most optimist would have expected a turnaround in fortunes in the five-Test series against Australia. India trounced Australia in the first Test in Perth, but after the return of Rohit Sharma it has been on the downhill, steamrolled in the pink-ball day-night Test in Adelaide. The discerning has the right to ask questions about the team composition for the second and third Tests, especially with Washington Sundar confined to cooling his heels in the dressing room. Sharma justified pacer Harshit Rana’s selection for the second Test, saying that he did nothing wrong in the test. Does the same rationale not apply to Sundar? Sharma fielded the very experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for the second Test, but dumped him for the third Test in Brisbane and chose left-hand spinner Ravindra Jadeja. The chopping and changing did not stop with the spinners; India dropped Rana like a hot potato and replaced him with another pacer Akash Deep, whose confidence must have been dealt a blow by reducing him to a reserve in Perth and Adelaide. The Indian bowling, — barring Jasprit Bumrah — has looked listless, with left-hander Travis Head flaying the Indian bowlers at will. By taking another five-wicket haul in the first innings at the Gabba, Bumrah has further staked his claim for full-time captaincy.
Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s maiden speech in the Lok Sabha, participating as an opening speaker in the 75th anniversary of the Constitution received a strong show of support from her brother and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the House Rahul Gandhi along with other party leaders. She spoke right after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who had opened the discussions. When asked about Priyanka’s speech, Rahul Gandhi said his sister’s first Lok Sabha address was better than his maiden speech in the House as a new MP. Rahul Gandhi became an MP for the first time in 2004. Priyanka focused on national unity, women’s empowerment, and the need to safeguard the Constitution of India. Calling the Constitution a ‘Suraksha Kavach’ (protective shield), Priyanka attacked the ruling government and said that in the last 10 years, the Union government has made all attempts to break down the ‘Kavach’ (shield). She carried the campaign of her party against BJP into the House and charged PM Modi of not knowing the difference between the Constitution ( Bharat ka samvidhan) and Sangh’s manual (Sangh ka Vidhan). The Gandhi girl got away with attacking PM Modi from the Treasury side as it was her debut speech. TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha described Priyanka Gandhi’s speech in Lok Sabha as a somewhat short speech. “She should have spoken a little more. But it was a really good speech… Priyanka Gandhi spoke in depth, with confidence. She covered all issues.” She also turned up for the second day of the special session on the Constitution, much earlier than the LoP.
The swearing-in ceremony of the council of ministers of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis held in Nagpur on Sunday (Dec 15) will be remembered for various interesting features. While such a ceremony has taken place in the second capital of Maharashtra after a gap of 33 years, the focal point of that time, Chhagan Bhujbal in 1991, was conspicuous by his absence since his name was not in the list of the ministers of the second Mahayuti government. Similarly, prominent names like Sudhir Mungantiwar of the BJP and Dilip Walse Patil of the NCP (Ajit) were found missing though Walse, the former assembly speaker, was seen in the front row of the invitees. As announced by deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the term of all the ministers will be of two and a half years. Each has signed an undertaking accepting the condition. This, too, has happened for the first time. The rationale behind the stipulation is that since there are many hopefuls to become minister, some of the present will be asked to work for the organisation so that certain new faces can be accommodate at that future date. Barring a minister or two, all of them took oath in the name of God. Senior minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha was the lone inductee to take oath in Sanskrit. The Fadnavis team has four women, a sort of record since the outgoing government had only Aditi Tatkare, as a minister of state. Hence, the much talked-about ‘Laadki Bahin’ Scheme had been identified with her, making her victory in the assembly election easier.
In Tamil Nadu the DMK’s succession plan is working extremely well with Udhayanidhi Stalin slipping into his role as Deputy CM and moving up in his rating to chair No 3 behind his dad and senior Durai Murugan in the Assembly. That may have freed up family anxieties over control of the party at a time when chief minister MK Stalin was not in the best of health. There has been good news for the family on that front too with the patriarch now in far better shape after the U.S. visit where he tended to his health as well as attract investments for the state. With Senthil Balaji back to his key role as funds handler who has the Electricity ministry as well as liquor – two lucrative money raisers in politics – even if it is to the chagrin of the top court that frowns upon such titles for someone who is out on bail, the ruling party and its first family are in total control of things. The principal political task they are now aiming at is to keep the Opposition disunited. They do not wish to see actor Vijay and his fledgling political party joining hands with any of the majors to present a poll percentage challenge to DMK’s reelection in 2026. The DMK knows that in a 3-way or 4-way contest its basic cadre vote will see it through, but the task could get harder if Vijay were to enter an alliance with the principal rival AIADMK.
On the day the new ministerial team was being sworn in at Nagpur, another important development was unfolding in Mumbai on Sunday (Dec 15). The two Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, attended a family function at a five-star hotel in the suburbs though it is not said that they did not hold a conversation, or even shook hands. The event was a function related to the wedding of Shaunak Patankar, a nephew of Rashmi Thackeray. She made it a point to welcome brother in law Raj, who has estranged from the family since 2006. Shaunak’s father Shridhar is Rashmi’s brother. Although supporters of both leaders maintain that not much should be read in the development, many of them have been insisting in private that the two Thackeray cousins should join hands to create a strong pro-Marathi force again. However, there are many ifs and buts. Uddhav’s animosity towards the BJP and Raj’s reiteration that he will follow the saffron line in the future will be the two decisive points. The last time they met was when Uddhav was hospitalised and Raj had driven him for the treatment. Barring this meeting, they have avoided each other in public. However, as nothing is impossible in politics, both leaders will be under a scanner from both sides, the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the Mahayuti.
The Bengal unit of BJP is under fire for its repeated failures to meet membership targets. The latest membership drive, aimed at enrolling 1 crore new members in the state, has fallen drastically short, leading to severe reprimands from party heavyweights, including Amit Shah. It may be recalled that in the 2021 Assembly elections, the party had set an ambitious goal of winning 200 seats but won only 77. Subsequently, seven MPs crossed over to Trinamool Congress thereby reducing their numbers to 70. Recently, the party suffered a loss in the Madarihat bypoll, further dampening its prospects in the state. The current membership drive, which had a November 30 deadline, was a critical initiative to strengthen the party’s grassroots. However, Bengal BJP MPs and MLAs have failed to make significant progress, prompting the leadership to extend the deadline to December 31. At an emergency meeting in Delhi, Sunil Bansal, BJP’s central general secretary and in-charge of West Bengal, pulled up several Bengal MPs, including Shantanu Thakur, Jayant Roy, and Soumitra Khan. Reports suggest that none of them could enrol more than 50,000 new members, far below the 1-1.5 lakh target set for each MP. Bansal, a close ally of Amit Shah and a frontrunner for the position of BJP’s national president, has been tasked with rejuvenating the Bengal unit after the debacle in the 2021 elections. Internal assessments by the BJP indicate that the party’s organisational structure in Bengal is in disarray, with North Bengal—a former stronghold—facing significant challenges.
In Odisha, war of words is on full display between the ruling BJP and Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) headed by former chief minister Naveen Patnaik. The trigger is Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to Odisha last week and publicly saying that BJD has lost its relevance… and that BJP will rule Odisha for the next 50 years. Sarma was in Odisha to inaugurate the newly built Badminton High Performance Centre at Kalinga stadium, Bhubaneswar. It seems Sarma’s accidental utterances to enthuse BJP’s rank and file has now backfired. Seasoned political watchers are saying it’s about time Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi delivers and not resort to rhetoric. The general public is asking why the BJP government has not taken any action against VK Pandian’s massive helicopter tour expenditures, chit fund and mining scams till date after shouting from rooftop during Assembly election campaign. Much to BJP’s recent embarrassment, BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain has openly challenged if BJP has the guts to open files to take actions on BJD. Viewed against this backdrop, Assam CM’s statement seems like a bravado.
Good news for footwear enthusiasts in Chennai. The city will host the first Kickers store. Following a 30-year licensing deal with Royer Group of France, Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd (KICL) is gearing up to set up its maiden Kickers store in Chennai tomorrow. The timing could not have been better for KICL, which has come under a new owner in Rafiq Ahmed and got relisted on the bourses. The opening of the Kickers store in Chennai comes within days of a significant development in the annals of KICL. A Qatar company belonging to the Royal family has just been cleared by the board of KICL to pick up a 10% stake in the Chennai company. Qatar-based F J Global Investment is owned by Falah Jassim J.M.AL-Thani, who is a director of Doha Bank and was also the founder of Qatar Airways. He was also a minister in the Qatar Government. This is a significant boost to KICL under Rafiq Ahmend, who has gone on a mission to revive the KICL and bring the iconic Kothari brand back to yester-year glory. The investment from a company owned by Qatar Royal family is seen positively by industry circles in Tamil Nadu, which is going the extra mile to woo foreign investment into the state. Significantly enough, KICL has also embarked on a consolidation move with the board approving a proposal to buy 30% stake held by Rafiq Ahmed in Phoenix Kothari Footwear Ltd, a joint venture that is setting up a non-leather footwear park in backward Perambalur district of Tamil Nadu. Well, things appear to fall in place for KICL as it seeks to make a strong comeback and regain its past glory.
It was something that the Congress couldn’t stomach easily. Perhaps the party was surprised that the Raj Kapoor family had chosen to interact with PM Modi. A day after the social media and TV channels were awash with PM Modi’s interaction with members of the Kapoor family, a very senior Congress leader ventured to put out a snarky social media post questioning the meeting. For some odd reason he completely chose to ignore the context of the meeting. “We have been asking PM Modi to visit Manipur. But he has instead found time to meet with Kareena Kapoor.” Soon good sense prevailed and he deleted his crude post. Guess he must have realised that his post was outright offensive. The Kapoor family had called on PM Modi on December 10 to invite him to the legendary actor-filmmaker’s Film Festival. The festival is to commemorate Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary, an iconic figure in Indian cinema who passed away in 1988. Ten Raj Kapoor films are going to be showcased across 40 cities in 135 cinemas .The Kapoor family, including actors Ranbir Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Neetu Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhat and Saif Ali Khan met the PM. “This is a special day for us. We enjoyed the conversation. He spoke to us in a friendly manner. He made all of us feel very comfortable,” said actor Ranbir Kapoor. His cousin actor Kareena Kapoor Khan said that it was her dream to sit next to PM Modi and talk to him. “His energy is so positive and he is truly a global leader.” PM Modi inquired about the third generation of Kapoors — and autographed for Kareena’s children Tim and Jeh. December 14 marks the 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor.
It couldn’t have come at a more inappropriate time than this. The day when the entire national media was riveted on the Parliament debates commemorating 75 years of Constitution of India and newly-elected Wayanad MP Priyanka Vadra Gandhi was making her debut speech in the House. For some odd reason the Telangana Police chose to arrest Telugu star Allu Arjun, protagonist in the Rs 1000-crore plus grosser Pushpa 2: The Rule. He was arrested in connection with the stampede incident at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre, which resulted in the death of a woman. On December 4, a massive crowd gathered at Sandhya Theatre to see Allu Arjun, resulting in a tragic stampede. Revathi, a 39-year-old woman, died due to asphyxiation, and her 8-year-old son was hospitalised. While granting interim bail to Allu Arjun, the Telangana High Court affirmed Arjun’s right to life and liberty, stating that he cannot be deprived of these fundamental rights. While leaders cutting across the political spectrum came out in support of the actor, Telangana BJP leader and Union Minister Bandi Sanjay described the arrest of a National Award-winning actor as having been done to steal the spotlight. “Drama over delivery, diversion over governance — that’s the Telangana Congress government for you!” Arjun’s uncle and Andhra deputy CM Pawan Kalyan rushed to rally support for him. In the meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how Priyanka Vadra herself responds to the ham-handed manner CM Revanth Reddy handled the situation. He had after all managed to divert attention from her debut performance in the Lok Sabha to an avoidable law & order incident in Hyderabad.
To ensure the social welfare schemes reach the intended target group, West Bengal chief West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has rolled out a robust mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of socio-welfare schemes. This initiative aims to hold government officials accountable for supervising these projects and addressing inefficiencies that have marred progress in recent years. The state finance ministry has issued a notification, followed by the establishment of a dedicated help desk at Navanna to oversee information flow from block and sub-division levels. This initiative, aimed at curbing inefficiency and fraud, will require officials to physically visit project sites instead of submitting progress reports from office desks. The app will feature automatic geo-tagging, ensuring accurate location tracking of officials during field visits. During multiple administrative meetings chaired by CM, officials repeatedly failed to provide accurate updates on the status of ongoing schemes. This incomplete information has not only slowed down critical projects but also caused dissatisfaction among citizens. Officials, from BDOs to District Magistrates, must register using their mobile numbers. Reports will require OTP authentication and must include photographs of on-ground work. The app mandates regular updates, such as reporting issues in road construction, cleanliness, drinking water, and electricity services, along with distinguishing between simple and complex problems. The model draws inspiration from private sector practices, where geo-tagging apps track employee performance. The state’s new app is expected to enforce accountability among officials, address bureaucratic delays, and improve public service delivery.
In a move that may have surprised the Opposition BJP, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee appointed Radharamn Das, vice president of ISKCON Kolkata,to a 13-member board of trustees for the upcoming Jagannath Dham project in Digha. The temple, set to be a cultural and religious landmark on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, will be inaugurated on Akshay Tritiya on April 30, 2025. The Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra, spanning 20 acres, is being developed under the supervision of HIDCO, an urban planning body under the state government. With an investment of Rs 250 crore, the project aims to replicate the grandeur of the Puri Jagannath Temple and serve as a significant pilgrimage and tourist attraction. This development comes amid ongoing political friction between Didi and BJP’s Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. It may be recalled that Nandigram where the temple is being built was the place where he had defeated Didi in the 2021 Assembly elections. Adhikari who is opposing the project on the ground that using public funds to construct religious structures is unconstitutional. He accused Mamata of attempting to win the Hindu vote bank as her minority appeasement has alienated Hindus. Mamata’s decision to include an ISKCON leader is seen as a strategic move, in light of recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of an ISKCON monk. Political analysts believe Didi is sending a message of solidarity to the Hindu community while subtly addressing concerns raised by the BJP over her government’s alleged minority appeasement policies.
Devajit Saikia is the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) representative in the International Cricket Council (ICC) as its Director. Saikia, who is the question that is being asked by those not acquainted with the BCCI’s governance structure, especially after the Justice Lodha Committee’s Reforms in Cricket report was accepted by the Supreme Court in 2016 and its Constitution was rewritten thereafter. The ICC Board is the all-powerful body in its Governance structure, and as a convention, the 12 full members of the ICC nominate its Presidents as Directors. Many stalwarts of the BCCI, like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar were on the ICC Board, and after the 2019 election, post the reforms, former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly was on the ICC Board. Ganguly was succeeded by the BCCI Secretary Jay Shah with the BCCI President Roger Binny as the alternate director in 2022, the same year when the former Assam Ranji Trophy cricketer and legal practitioner Saikia was elected as Jt. Secretary of the BCCI. People in the know attribute Saikia’s rise on the administration side of the game to his association and rapport with Assam’s BJP chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Once it was announced that Jay Shah would take charge as Chair (Independent Director) of the ICC from December 1, 2024, quite a handful of names like Arun Singh Dhumal (former BCCI Treasurer and currently chairman, IPL) and Ashish Shelar (BJP President, Mumbai and BCCI Treasurer) emerged as a potential successor to Shah as BCCI Secretary. Saikia, will remain the BCCI Joint Secretary and perform the duties of the Secretary. But his nomination to the ICC Board has surprised many people.
Veteran leader Sharad Pawar has once again monopolised the centre stage following reports that a top leader of his party has held talks with a prominent BJP Union minister in Delhi. The political grapevine is buzzing with different versions since the meeting is believed to have occurred at industrialist Gautam Adani’s Delhi residence. In fact, Pawar started hitting the headlines on Thursday (Dec 12) morning as the news that his nephew Ajit Pawar and a couple of other NCP (Ajit) leaders had reached the patriarch’s residence. Ajit later said that being a family member, he had greeted his uncle on his birthday and nothing unusual should be read in the visit. Ajit was accompanied by Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, both very close to Sharad Pawar till the recent split in the NCP. The name of Adani added grist to the gossip since the industrialist had visited Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis just a couple of days ago in Mumbai. The Adani group continues to BE target of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackeray. In the past too, Adani has been meeting Pawar off and on. The presence of Fadnavis in Delhi on Thursday proved to be another trigger to speculate that the political scene of Maharashtra was likely to undergo another overhaul. Pawar’s hot and cold relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always remained an intrigue. Hence, his followers are unable to predict which way he can turn.
The Raj Kapoor family has finally come out together to celebrate the centenary year — 1924-2024 — of the showman of the film industry. Forty two year old Ranbir Kapoor who has been in the film industry for nearly two decades has taken the lead along with his cousin Kunal Kapoor to celebrate Raj Kapoor through his cinema. But was it too late to celebrate RK? Is the newer generation enthusiastic to watch his films? Ranbir Kapoor said, like his wife Alia, the young generation needs to know about the cinema of Raj Kapoor and one hopes he is successful through his stardom and initiative to keep RK’s legacy alive. But, is the film industry or the government really care about saving our heritage or culture, considering the government is calling the film industry as soft power? The hard truth is: why are our studios and banners not surviving be it Filmalaya Studio, Kamalistan Studio and Raj Kamal Studio which has limited work space. Raj Kapoor’s RK Studio, a famous landmark in Chembur along with his bungalow has been sold to Godrej Properties for constructing residential properties. It may be recalled that RK Studio was working on the rentals till the fire destroyed the entire heritage. Luckily film lovers are lucky his films were in the safe custody of NFAI. It is learnt that Ranbir Kapoor who is already a producer wants to turn director. So will he revive the RK Banner? As a part of the centenary celebration the entire RK clan met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conspicuous by his absence was Randhir Kapoor as he was not keeping well. In the end one only hopes that Ranbir Kapoor carries the great showman’s legacy forward.
This maverick and marauding scam tainted politician was once the acolyte of Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan. Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has burnt many bridges in his meteoric rise in politics. A stormy petrel, indicted for five scams, served jail term and is now out on a bail. He is once again in the news for his below-the-belt remark against his bete noire, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar who recently announced a Mahila Samvad Yatra to interact directly with women and evaluate the impact of his government’s programme targeted for women. When the media quizzed the RJD supremo Lalu about Nitish Kumar’s Mahila Yatra and his goal of winning all 225 seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections, the unstoppable motor mouth said, “Pahle unko aankh sekhne do” (let them get an eyeful of the women). Lalu is famous for double entendres and pithy talk. This chintzy, low end hit at both Nitish’s party and the women electorate set off a storm. Bihar deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha said, “It seems Lalu Prasad has lost his ability to comprehend, doesn’t know what he is saying “. JDU MP from Munger, Rajiv Ranjan Singh said, “Lalu is master of buffoonery”. Public discourse is an amalgam of many such talents. But certainly hitting below the belt and indulging in such loose talk shows the lack of grace and polish.
Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray’s plans to attend the Winter Session of the Maharashtra legislature beginning from December 16 at Nagpur will prove to be a game changer, his followers feel. Thackeray’s continued distance from the state legislative council proceedings over the past year are discussed by his party members in hushed tones since the aggressive direction needed to corner the BJP-led three-party government somehow lacks as far as his Sena is concerned. Council’s leader of the Opposition Ambadas Danve (of the Sena UBT) lacks the image and articulation which are vital for any LoP to humble the ruling side. Now that the new government led by Devendra Fadnavis has decided to appoint former CM Eknath Shinde as leader of the upper house, Danve’s limitations will be felt more vividly. Thackeray’s intermittent presence in the council ever since he resigned as chief minister in 2022 has been noted more due to his statements outside the house. He has hardly made any worthwhile speech on the floor. Therefore, his plans to remain present for the Winter Session have revived the hopes of his followers, who wish to witness his attacks against the BJP and the Sena led by Shinde. It is being recalled that Thackeray did not attend the recent three-day session of the legislature in Mumbai, held after the assembly elections. According to present indications, Thackeray will reach Nagpur well in time for the week-long session, which will be a stormy affair, focussing on settling political scores.
There are some undeniable advantages that give a leg up for climbing the beanstalk creeper of politics. Forty two year old Aadav Arjuna has many such born to and attained credits. He is tall, lives in Poes Garden, has a commanding personality, son-in-law of the fabled lottery king Santiago Martin, President of the Basketball Federation of India, part of the core team of election strategist Prashant Kishor and close to V Sabareesan, son in law of CM MK Stalin. This Arjuna is loaded, a walking asset. And of course the perfect alchemist for controversy. So when he walked into Thol Thirumavalavan’s VCK as a general secretary, it raised many eyebrows. And he too raised several controversial issues. One such was his open statements about Tamil Nadu on monarch rule, especially after Udhayanidhi Stalin became deputy CM, raising the shackles of many that the party was run as a family fiefdom. Arjuna’s daily barbs and challenging the establishment could no longer be ignored. Udhayanidhi was riled up as Arjuna was in the VCK party, a significant ally of the DMK. And then the crowning heresy unfolded in an event co-organised by TN’s well known media house, the Vikatan Group and Arjuna’s “Voice of Commons”, in which the just minted, yet another social messiah, actor Vijay (TVK) was the chief guest. Vijay openly commented that in such an event for Dr BR Ambedkar, the absence of VCK’s Thiruma was notable. . And Vijay went on to welcome Aadav Arjuna for a great common cause, Dr Ambedkar. Is Arjuna joining Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam?Padma Ramnath
After having successfully decimated the opposition and weakened its allies, the BJP now seems strongly focussed on its target to achieve Shat Pratishat Bhajapa or cent per cent BJP rule in Maharashtra by 2029. Not content at this, there is buzz of Operation Lotus at work to poach Opposition MP’s to strengthen BJP’s government at the Centre. After successfully splitting and routing the opposition enough to be ineligible to get their own leader in the state assembly, the BJP’s own allies are now feeling the pressure to chart their own course in state. For starters, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already taken things into his own hands, including that of determining ministerial allocations of his alliance partners. Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde have been asked to share the names of their nominees with Shah to get his clearances for the same. Shah has rejected ministerial berths of two of Shinde’s nominees. The delay in distribution of ministries and portfolios in Maharashtra has been attributed to Shah personally overseeing all such decisions of the new government. Though Shinde has been putting up a tough fight to get good portfolios for himself and his party members, his body language continues to be that of a dejected soldier. The image of a sulking Shinde right next to a beaming Shah and Devendra Fadnavis is a symbolic picture of him not getting his way around and under duress in the BJP term. The second alliance partner, Ajit Pawar though seems happy enough for now, content at having trounced his uncle in his own backyard, to bag his party and legacy. It’s anybody’s guess if these alliance partners will be retained or tamed or simply engulfed in toto en route to the next state elections in 2029.
In a significant move, Sunetra Pawar, a first term MP of Rajya Sabha and wife of Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP supremo Ajit Pawar has been allotted 11 Janpath as her official residence. With this allotment of Lutyens bungalow for the Sunetra Pawar, it can be said the extended Pawar family will be all sort of staying in the same neighbourhood. Family patriarch and former defence minister Sharad Pawar has been living in 6 Janpath since June 2004. His daughter Baramati MP Supriya Sule, as per Lok Sabha records, is also shown as sharing residence with her father. Janpath has always been a famous address because bungalow No 10 has been occupied by the Gandhis since the time of Rajiv Gandhi when he was out of power. It was allotted to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in 1991. Besides 10 Janpath, its immediate neighbour 12 Janpath has always been occupied by an important leader. First it was Ram Vilas Paswan who occupied the bungalow from1990 until his death in 2020. The bungalow has now been allotted to former President Ramnath Kovind. Besides her own Pawar family in the neighbourhood and famous people, Sunetra will also find home of another endearing Maharashtrian close by in 2 Motilal Nehru Marg – Nitin Gadkari, Union Road Transport & Highways Minister. BJP sources said the allotment of a bungalow to the NCP MP should also be seen as the kind of importance the party is giving to its Maharashtra ally. The NCP has been keen to expand its footprints across north India and it is being facilitated to do so.
Opposition INDIA Bloc’s move to submit a no-confidence motion to remove Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar seems more aimed at diversion from the ruckus over George Soros issue linking top Congress leaders — Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The opposition benches with about 60 MPs signing up for the motion indicates that it neither has the bench strength nor the time to follow through its intent. The anti-trust vote needs 14-day notice to be processed by which time the Winter Session would draw to a close (Dec 20). Congress leaders insisted that they had to go for a no-trust motion as the Rajya Sabha Chairman was “conducting House proceedings in an extremely partisan manner.” The party is reportedly upset that Dhankar allowed BJP members to raise Soros’s links with the Gandhi family — the treasury benches had raised the issue of Sonia Gandhi’s affiliation with George Soros’s FDL-AP Foundation as co-president, a foundation that had backed for independent Kashmir. The unusual unity to bring a no-confidence motion even as there are deep chasms within the INDIA Bloc surprised BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi. He wondered even as the INDIA Bloc were questioning Rahul’s leadership and wanted Mamata to lead it, how were they uniting to challenge the chair. After all Mamata’s TMC and the BJD had voted for Dhankar during the V-P election. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the notice against the V-P by 60 MPs. Continuing to hold threat to Parliament’s functioning even for a special discussion to mark the Constitution’s 75th anniversary, Jairam Ramesh wondered if discussions scheduled for 4 days from December 14 would happen given the impasse.
With elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly scheduled to be held by February, the incumbent AAP was first off the block to come out with its list of 20 candidates. Does this indicate confidence of a party ready to clinch a 4th term? Not quite. The curious bit about the list were massive changes in the list beginning with former deputy CM Manish Sisodia and former minister Rakhi Bidlan. The two top leaders had been asked to change their seats while18 fresh faces had entered the fray. The buzz is Arvind Kejriwal and CM Atishi could also switch their seats. Switching of constituencies after three elections for Sisodia — who had done a jail term for liquor scam — showed that he had perhaps lost political ground in his home turf — Patparganj. He opted to stand from neighbouring Jangpura, a seat which has a mixed population of Sikhs and Muslims. “In the last elections, our candidate against Sisodia gave him a good scare — he was from Uttarakhand and had brought down Sisodia’s margin from 30,000 to 3,200 votes,” pointed out BJP leader RP Singh. Sizeable presence of Uttrakhandi voters has now forced AAP to field Avadh Ojha, a UPSC coaching teacher. But does the move to change seats indicate AAP is on the wane in Delhi? Not quite, concede BJP sources. It is not that the AAP is unpopular. The party may have become weak in several areas. That is why many of their leaders are jumping ship and joining the BJP. “Many are joining us hoping to win an election. AAP stalwarts like Kailash Gahlot who recently joined us are so unpopular that they can’t win again. They are sheer dead weight,” says a Delhi BJP source.
Reel heroes don’t care about the media. That’s what came to light at the recent episode where a phone of a senior journalist was snatched by security personnel of actor Allu Arjun and no apology was offered either by the actor or his PR team. One has to wait and watch whether the journalist Vibha Kaul Bhat of ABP News will take the fight forward. More. Recently at the trailer launch of Kanguva, the bouncers of Tamil film’s popular star Suriya pushed the media who were waiting for the actor for over two hours. But, here one must say the actor had decency to apologise. Ranbir Kapoor now enjoys a good equation with the paparazzi but it may be recalled that the same actor in the past had snatched the camera of a paparazzi. A few years back Kangana Ranaut sent a legal notice to the Entertainment Journalists Guild of India and the Press Club of India for supporting PTI journalist Justin Rao. There are stories and stories about Dharmendra, Anupam Kher and other stars how they got into fights with journalists. In recent times Shah Rukh Khan was mightily upset with paparazzi for staking out his house when his son Aryan was arrested in connection with a drug-on-cruise case. Their overdrive saw King Khan carrying a green umbrella to hide his face making it difficult for paps to shoot him. During Ambani’s wedding the film fraternity went that extra length to pose for the paparazzi. Ironically, while the entire fraternity including Big B has had problems with paparazzi, Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff have been their darling since the time they entered Bollywood. Time for other stars to learn their mantras.
Why was Washington Sundar dropped for the ‘Pink-Ball’ second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia at the Adelaide Oval? After his sudden recall for the second Test of the home series against New Zealand, the Tamil Nadu off-spinner, possessing a skillset as much as the left-arm all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja, had reasonably good outings, most significantly playing like an old-fashioned batter, digging his heels at the lower order and taking wickets, too. Sundar in all took 16 wickets, stealing the show from the senior pro in Ravichandran Ashwin. An automatic choice for the first Test against Australia in Perth, Sundar spent 20 minutes in the first innings and four minutes short of two hours in the second. In a Test that India won because of the individual brilliance of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, the 25-year-old conventional off-break bowler from Tamil Nadu took the wickets of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. Based on these performances and his show of grit and determination, he should have been playing XI on the team sheet that India skipper Rohit Sharma exchanged with his Australian counterpart Pat Cummins. But Sharma, who was not part of the team in Perth, chose Ashwin for the pink-ball Test, obviously because of his 16 wicket collection at the `Adelaide Oval; in three Test matches, including a 4 for 55 in the first innings of the pink-ball Test four years ago. Sharma and the tour selectors may have a point going for Ashwin looking at past records, but Sundar had the momentum and enthusiasm going with him playing in the previous three Tests leading to Adelaide.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis (3.0) faces a problem of plenty, and may likely go the whole hog constituting a full strength cabinet of ministers touching the 43-member mark. Clamouring ensued within BJP itself, with ministerial aspirants seeking plum portfolios even as earlier phased plan ‘A’ of limited 30 to 32 strong cabinet ministers may now be enlarged under intense lobbying from alliance partners. Fadnavis retains the contentious home department, Shinde’s claim remains on urban development while Pawar’s sway over finance likely continues, even including the irrigation portfolio. BJP MLAs tussle for the revenue portfolio even as Ashish Shelar and NCP’s Aditi Tatkare flash credentials seeking the Housing department. Education will see new learning programs even as revenue assumes huge significance to launch BJP high command’s programs alongside emphasis on the Dharavi recast. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who raised illegal migrants’ issue on collector’s land in suburban Mumbai’s Malwani and Yogesh Sagar, briefly MoS of UDD department in 2019, are contenders in fray for Revenue portfolio taking BJP’s plan to ferret out Rohingyas and Bangladeshis ahead. Pilot project was launched in J&K where the LG cut off power and water to illegal migrants’ conclave only to be nixed by the Omar Abdullah government recently. BJP’s plan ‘B’ of 20 ministries with itself, around 12 for Shiv Sena, 8 to 10 for NCP tallies with Union Home Minister Amit Shah fresh target set for Shinde and Pawar of inducing remaining MPs, MLAs from Uddhav’s Sena and Sharad Pawar’s motley crew to elect themselves into the NDA fold.
For Congress leaders in Maharashtra it is no longer the question of dealing with outright rejection in the assembly elections. What is bothering them is that PCC chief Nana Patole continues to enjoy trust and immense confidence in the party’s supreme leader Rahul Gandhi. Patole, who barely managed to retain his Sakoli assembly seat by a narrow margin of 208 votes, had offered to quit, but has been reportedly persuaded to stay put and manage party affairs. Partymen were surprised that Rahul continued to back Patole and wanted him to lead the campaign against EVM in consultation with allies in the state. A former party MP, once part of Rahul Gandhi’s inner circle, has gone ballistic ever since the Congress meltdown in the state. While he credits much of it to the success of Mahayuti’s Ladki Bahin Scheme, he has been highly critical of the Congress’s electoral move to better the Mahayuti’s Ladki Bahin Scheme by promising Rs 3,000 pm against Mahayuti’s Rs 1500 and repackaging it as Mahalaxmi scheme along with free bus ride for women. “We did not expect this sort of public censure of our own manifesto from within. The Laadki Bahin money had reached the women in their bank accounts by Bhau Bheej (Diwali).That was the reason MVA promise of Rs 3000 and free bus travel found no takers,” said a Maharashtra Congress leader. It is learnt that Ladki Bahin will not be rationalised or moderated at least till the civic polls are held. That means MVA would continue to languish in the cold for some more time.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a stern directive to her party’s MLAs and leaders, instructing them not to share any information with political consulting agencies. Instead, she emphasized that they are welcome to communicate directly with the party’s senior leadership. The move comes against the backdrop of rising tensions within the TMC, which, according to party insiders, stem from party’s general secretary Abhishek Banerjee’s growing influence. Abhishek, Mamata’s nephew is perceived to be transitioning into a more prominent role within the organization, causing unease among party veterans and Mamata loyalists. At a recent meeting with TMC legislators, Didi made it clear that she remains the party’s ultimate authority. She noted that some political strategists conduct surveys from afar and manipulate results, asserting that electoral victories depend on grassroots workers, not consultants. Mamata also reportedly cautioned MLAs about sharing sensitive information over the phone. The divide within the TMC has deepened, with party veterans accusing political agency I-PAC of creating a parallel structure within the organization. Party sources suggest that she is planning further steps to consolidate her control, including possible reshuffles in her Cabinet and the state police. This comes after a recent reorganization of her home department and a directive for strict action against corruption “irrespective of political affiliations.” Meanwhile, speaking about the constant speculation of her successor, Didi has stated that the decision regarding her successor as the leader of the party would be a collective one, emphasizing that the party is not just about her.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is now engaged in performing a balancing act between the Shiv Sena led by deputy CM Eknath Shinde and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) founded by Raj Thackeray. Keeping in view the coming local body elections, it will be a priority for Fadnavis to prevent any fissures in the Mahayuti alliance and to enhance its electoral might at the same time. As part of this strategy, MNS can become a crucial factor in bigger municipal corporations like Mumbai, Pune and Nasik. The Sena (UBT) still has considerable clout in these areas and any split in the Mahayuti vote bank can prove decisive for the outcome since the winning margin can be very narrow, given the possibility of multicolour fights. MNS chief Raj Thackeray had taken a unilateral decision to contest the assembly election for which he had fielded 125 candidates. But not a single victory came his way. Immediately after the BJP’s spectacular score was announced, Raj announced his unconditional support for the new government led by Fadnavis. On the other hand, the Sena led by Shinde is insistent that no decision about MNS should be taken without first holding consultations with him. Therefore, Fadnavis will have to wield his political skills to the hilt to keep the flock together. Shinde’s uneasiness in accepting the deputy CM’s post is no secret. Hence, placating and persuading him to accept the MNS will be the next priority for Fadnavis.
Tamil superstar turned politician Vijay while attending a book launch to pay tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar was surprised to note that Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan was missing from the scene. Vijay while speaking at the event said, “Knowing his commitment to the cause and ideology of Dr Ambedkar, Thiruma is not one to stay away…but he must be under tremendous pressure in his alliance to keep away. I know his heart is with us, and I can understand his compulsion.” In one strike, Vijay exposed the vulnerable flanks of all…DMK’s looming clout to keep the alliance glued, Thiruma waiting for an opportune chance to jump ship and Vijay himself wanting to break existing brotherhoods. When journalists asked Thiruma for his comment, he lashed out saying “I have 25 years of political savvy and sagacity. No one can pressurise me. My body and soul are both with the alliance. Yet, I have no issues with Vijay coming to politics and speaking his lines.” But one should not politicise issues like sharing or not sharing a stage. Then why was Aadav Arjun, VCK’s newly minted disc jockey seen at the event? Thiruma was quick with his repartee…he represents a movement, “Voice of Common”, could have attended on those credentials. Meanwhile, the grand alliance under the DMK umbrella must be on red alert to spot Trojans, and seismic shakes.
Veteran leader Sharad Pawar has raised a question mark over the assembly election outcome in Maharashtra but has desisted from making any direct allegations against the EVMs or the Election Commission. Pawar’s observation has come against the backdrop of his visit to Markadwadi in Solapur district. Some of the villagers had organised a paper ballot polling in the village to protest against the EC’s declared voting figures. However, the move was abandoned after the government banned any such attempt. Pawar visited the village to articulate the people’s right to express discontent against the government since cases have been filed against around 200 villagers in connection with the protest. About the assembly results, Pawar said his party candidates had received 72 lakh votes but could win only 10 seats. On the other hand, the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar had recorded 58 lakh votes but it won 41 seats. A party getting 80 lakh votes has just 15 winners while the other party gaining 79 lakh votes has 57 successful candidates, Pawar pointed out. However, he said although the outcome was surprising, it would not be proper to comment about the EVMs until there was a solid basis. Pawar also expressed his misgivings by stating that opposition parties were winning smaller states while bigger states were won by the BJP. Still, the Maha Vikas Aghadi has decided to face the coming local body election together, Pawar reiterated. His refusal to join the anti-EVM chorus triggered by the Congress party is being interpreted differently by the other two MVA partners, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray and the Congress.
Discontent seems to be brewing in Odisha BJP’s select pockets. The trigger seems to be aspirations – the CM’s chair. Reading the mood, PM Narendra Modi, in his third visit in November without mincing words gave a clear signal that Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is here to stay for the next five years. This clearly means there will be no mid-term change. So CM aspirants like Dharmendra Pradhan, Aparijita Sarangi, Baijayant Panda will have to wait for five years. Meanwhile, what is now coming out in the open is infighting within BJP Odisha leaders. The party’s once upon a time strongman Jaynarayan Mishra who had played a big role in toppling Biju Janata Dal lamented publicly that he has been sidelined. This explains why Mishra did not attend BJP’s oath taking ceremony and was absent at the winter session of Odisha Assembly. So seems to be the case of BJP MP Pradip Kumar Panigrahy who was earlier with BJD. He is deliberately keeping a low profile. In all this undercurrent, what is becoming clearer is that Odisha administration, transfers, postings will be managed by bureaucracy and not by BJP politicians.
With Parliament back to business, Union ministers are busy and back on their toes. No one was found more diligent than Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. He made it a point to field questions of his ministry during the Question Hour, notwithstanding the fact that it was a big day for the BJP in Maharashtra .The Devendra Fadnavis led government was to be sworn into office. But then questions had been lined up for the minister. Opposition MPs particularly from Rajasthan wanted to know why the Delhi- Mumbai national expressway, inaugurated by PM Modi in February 2023, had become accident prone and suffered from serious quality issues. In his defence, Gadkari explained that the expressway had reduced the distance between Delhi and Mumbai by 200 km and it was possible to travel to the cities either way within 12 hours. Built at the cost of Rs 1 lakh crore the expressway used for the first time a new technology of perpetual pavement with Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA).”This technology is used in high-density corridors across the USA and Europe. It provides a superior riding quality to cement-concrete as an alternative,” Gadkari informed members. As for the potholes, the minister explained that his ministry had commissioned a study by IIT, Kharagpur and IIT, Gandhinagar. “Investigations have found that there were deficiencies in the SMA layer resulting in rutting”. He added that the contractors are responsible for fixing defects for the 10 years. As for the accidents, he talked about himself as a victim of road accidents. “I have been a victim myself. My leg was broken in four places when I was leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra.”
Discovery of wad of notes in the seat allotted to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the Rajya Sabha became a flash point of controversy between the BJP and Congress. As soon as Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, informed the House that security officials found the cash from seat number 222 allotted to Singhvi during the anti-sabotage check after the adjournment of the House on December 5, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge protested naming of the MP. Springing to Singhvi’s defence, Kharge said he had no objection to the probe, but the Chair should not have named the MP since a probe was underway. An avant garde Supreme Court lawyer himself, Singhvi, may not need the Congress to defend him. He dismissed any link with the wad of notes found and insisted he “carries only Rs 500 to Rajya Sabha” He also pointed out that he was barely inside the House for 3 minutes — between 12.57 pm and 1 pm — when the House rose”. At the same time Singhvi called for a probe saying it was possible for “people to come and put anything anywhere in any seat.” This means the RS will be compelled to share more details. The matter sparked uproar with Leader of the House and BJP chief JP Nadda terming it an “insult” to the Rajya Sabha’s integrity. Backing Chairman, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said there was nothing wrong in naming the person involved in the issue. The discovery of cash in the RS was a throwback to years ago when cash was brought to the Lok Sabha in 2008 to establish a cash for votes scam unleashed by the UPA government to survive a confidence vote.
With the Mahayuti government finally managing to better their own targeted victory in 2024 Maharashtra elections, the focus has now shifted on the flagship program — the Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme. The scheme, which was introduced just six months prior to elections to get a vantage advantage and tide over factors like agrarian distress, unemployment, caste reservation rift, anti-incumbency etc has clearly served the purpose and now it was time for reality check. In his very first press briefing post taking over, third time chief minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that 24.3 million beneficiaries would be scanned to prune out those ineligible, clearly hinting at a lax scrutiny followed earlier in the rush of electoral generosity. The BJP’s former finance minister Sudhir Mungatiwar had already said that the promised hike of stipend amount to Rs 2100 could happen only later in the fiscal year around Bhau beej. Fadnavis also said that financial assessment was in order before the promised stipend hike. Ex-CM Eknath Shinde, however, is determined that promises be kept and said that officials have been asked to disburse the December instalment. State bureaucrats have already been waiting for the election to get over to get into tighter fiscal discipline mode to face the reality of Rs 7.8 lakh crore of debts that Maharashtra currently faces. Babus fear that such largesse in welfare spendings could derail government spendings and functioning.
Amid escalating communal unrest in Bangladesh targeting Hindu minorities and the arrest of an ISKCON monk, the RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has announced a campaign to boycott Bangladeshi products in India, starting with West Bengal. The campaign involves street protests, door-to-door advocacy, and identifying Bangladeshi goods in the market. The Manch plans to rally members of Sangh-aligned organizations, including the BJP, before extending the boycott call to the general public. It also aims to pressure the central government to halt imports of Bangladeshi goods, particularly textiles, and restrict the export of cotton and other essential materials to Bangladesh. Additionally, the group demands suspension of medical visas for Bangladeshi citizens. Amlankusum Ghosh, the SJM’s eastern sector leader, emphasized the urgency of the movement, stating, “History shows that unrest in Bangladesh impacts Bengal significantly. Given the current persecution of Hindus, Bengali Hindus must lead the protests. We urge a total boycott of Bangladeshi products in Bengal.” The movement is gaining momentum. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has demanded the closure of trade routes like Petrapole.
Pink-ball Tests will remain in the “corridor of uncertainty” for batters and bowlers. It is still at a very nascent stage, with the full members of the ICC reluctant to roster a pink-ball contest in a series featuring two to five Tests. It is just nine years old in a format seen as the ultimate test even by the multi-day competition’s seasoned campaigners. Having debuted at the charming Adelaide Oval in South Australia in November 2015 and in the form of a scrap between the Steve Smith-led home team and its Tasman rival led by Brendon McCullum, the pink-ball showed its bias with a pronounced unpredictable behaviour in the air and off the pitch. The fast bowlers and their ilk had a field day, with Australia’s Josh Hazlewood and New Zealand’s Trent Boult taking five-wicket hauls in the second innings. The team totals in the match were: New Zealand 202 and 208 and Australia 224 and 187 for 7. The low-scoring game ended in a three-wicket victory for Australia, which has played seven Tests of the pink-ball variety in Adelaide and maintained a clean record of seven wins. India lost the Adelaide Test match of 2020 by eight wickets, shot out for 36 in the second innings, with Hazlewood and Pat Cummins playing havoc. India has played four pink-ball Tests and won three, all at home in Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. After a spectacular win in the first Test in Perth, where Jasprit Bumrah was the big game-changer, India will have to cross the pink-ball hurdle to win the big points and enhance its chances of advancing to the ICC World Test Championship final.
The latest petition from the Tamil Film Producers’ Association, is perplexing. Justice S Sounthar refused to grant an interim stay adding that film criticisms are part of freedom of speech and expression that cannot be curtailed. It’s not hard to delve into why this gag order is sought legally. The recent disaster of Kanguva at the box office is probably the reason for this drastic demand. High stakes and high jinx political grandstanding. The sop…journos are invited for a press show before the release either in a preview theatre or regular ones. And the press note gives the synopsis, star cast etc. The reviews in print or digital are read by people who decide — given today’s looming OTT presence — whether they want to see it or wait for a week or two. …it seems most decide to wait. Amaran is yet to debut on OTT….5th December after much demand. Because the film is still running to decent shows not managed by incentives Amaran came quietly with a feel good heart touching theme all could relate to. Kanguva thundered “Audience will lap it up. Open mouthed”. We rest our case.
TRENDS & VIEWS
Editor’s Note: Big Punch In Small Pack
It is the Third Anniversary of Short Post and as a news media startup launched during the Covid-19 pandemic it certainly feels better than good to find ourselves where we are today. Here, I must cite the unstinted support of our seasoned contributors, all senior editors in the country, who brought a great degree of maturity and sagacity to the Short Post newsroom. But for them, our tagline “Authentic Gossip”, an Oxymoron, would not have matured viably. Our user numbers may be small but our stories have created the desired impact among people who matter — decision makers and influencers. We offer a big punch in a small pack and Short Post with its 225-word stories has been punching above its weight category. Having posted close to 3,000 stories in the last 36 months, Short Post, I feel, is an idea whose time has come.
And this is vindicated by our two marquee advertisers – IDFC FIRST Bank and ICICI Lombard. Both believed in our story and have supported us from Day one. A big thank you to both.
If you look at the media landscape – print, TV and digital — it is a mixed bag. There are job losses as some outfits have closed down while a lucky few were bailed out by large corporate houses. Yes, there is a lot of action in the digital space. However, the entry of corporate houses has raised the question of independence of news media outfits. Sadly, there are just a handful of independent media outfits in the country that are highly respected for their neutrality. At Short Post, our credo is not to take sides, prejudge issues or be biased but, informing readers of behind-the-scenes happenings. In essence, Short Post strives to be a neutral editorial platform — neither anti-establishment nor pro-establishment.
As I said last year, disruptions in the media world are moving at a fast and furious pace. Technology is playing a very big role in how content is generated and consumed. But, we are neither alarmed nor perturbed as it is all a part of the evolution process. What gives us comfort is that AI is unable to create original gossipy content. And that is the news arena where we have achieved a distinction.