Even as the Opposition Congress cribbed about PM Narendra Modi’s first visit to Manipur on September 13 as being “too little too late”– as it came nearly 2 years after the outbreak of ethnic violence — Modi used his presence in Imphal to send across a message of friendship to Nepal. He first congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming the country’s first woman Prime Minister. He lauded Karki’s elevation as “a very good example of women’s empowerment.” Speaking at a public meeting in Imphal, his first visit since violence broke out in 2023, PM Modi called Nepal a “close friend” of India and said the two nations are connected by “shared history and faith”. Among the small states in the North East, Manipur is the only Hindu majority state. More than reaching out to Nepal’s PM Sushila Karki, what is of significance is the manner in which Modi lauded Gen Z protesters — referring to images of Nepal youth cleaning and painting roads. Modi said “For the last few days, young men and women of Nepal can be seen working hard to clean and paint the roads of Nepal after violent protests. I have seen their pictures on social media as well. Their positive thinking and positive actions are not only inspiring but are also a clear indication of the new rise of Nepal.” It is believed Modi’s words were also meant for youth of Manipur who have been caught up in ethnic protest. In his opening remarks, PM Modi lauded how many Manipur children were involved in Op Sindoor – he particularly recalled the martyrdom of Deepak Chingakham.

All eyes are on BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik as to how he will manage serious internal party rumblings and keep the party united? This is because a few of the top leaders have started deserting the party. First salvo was fired following BJD’s shocking performance in 2024 elections – Lok Sabha and Assembly — wherein two Rajya Sabha MPs Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar resigned from the party. But their exit did not create ripples compared to the recent resignation of two BJD senior leaders N Bhaskar Rao and Lal Bihari Himrika who are known to have strong grassroot connections. What raised the eyebrows in political circles is that BJD’s ex-mines minister and four times MLA Prafulla Mallik’s resignation threats over dissatisfaction with BJD leadership.  The party high command suspended him for anti-party activities and labelled him an opportunistic politician. According to Mallik, BJD has failed to function effectively as the main opposition party in the state. The general feeling is Patnaik cannot take on the might of PM Modi because of his health issue and nip the rumblings within the party. The future of BJD seems uncertain with no clear leadership to lead the party. It is learnt that splinter group is now considering changing BJD’s party name and springing a new regional political outfit. Political observers commenting on this situation say “political Tsunami” is building up in Odisha and it’s music to the ears for the BJP.

Why did Rahul Gandhi as Leader of the Opposition (LoP) of Lok Sabha skip the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on September 12? No, it has nothing to do with the miserable manner in which INDIA Bloc candidate B Surendra Reddy lost to CPR. It is being said Rahul’s office initially made inquiries to know where the Gandhi scion would be seated; whether he would be seated on the same row as PM Modi. When it was made clear that as LoP he enjoys Cabinet rank and would be seated with CMs on the third row, Rahul seems to have decided to skip the function. In fact, after PM Modi and former Vice-Presidents, the second row was taken up by governors, followed by the CMs. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi was caught in yet another controversy with the CPRF writing a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, stating that Rahul was not taking his security cover “seriously” as he was mostly travelling abroad “without informing anyone”. The CRPF referred to Rahul’s foreign tours to countries: Italy (Dec 30-Jan 9), Vietnam (Mar 12-17), Dubai (Apr 17-23), Qatar (Jun 11-18), London (Jun 25-Jul 6) and Malaysia (Sep 4-8). The Rae Bareli MP is violating the protocols mentioned in the Yellow Book of the CRPF. As a former Congress president, he currently enjoys Z+ category security with Advanced Security Liaison (ASL). Z+ ASL is among the highest level of protection provided to individuals facing significant threat perception, and comprises roughly 55 security personnel, including National Security Guard commandos. In 2019, the Union government withdrew the Special Protection Group protection given to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, almost after three decades. The security cover was replaced by the CRPF.

By this time next week, the biopic on Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath — Ajey: The Untold Story Of A Yogi — is slated for global release on September 19. The film made in multiple languages traces the remarkable journey of Ajay Singh Bisht, from a Himalayan village to becoming Yogi Adityanath, a monk, spiritual leader and his emergence as CM of Uttar Pradesh. Based on Shantanu Gupta’s bestselling book, The Monk Who Became Chief Minister (published in 2017) the film blends politics and spirituality in a compelling biopic. Gupta says an effort was made to produce it like M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016).”We got Dhoni script writer — Dilip Jha — to work on the film. Along with Priyank Dubey and me on the script, ” he says.  The idea of making the film came to the author during Covid years. Gupta says it was his chance meeting with the California-based NRI Ajay Menji in course of promoting his book that led to the making of the biopic. When asked if Yogi had a sneak preview of the film, Gupta shared that of the two books that he had written on the UP CM, Yogi always preferred the second one — The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh (2021) — as it showcased his work. “He has not seen the film yet,” says Gupta. With only Bihar polls round the corner and UP polls, a good two years away.”Ajey” may have nothing to do with votes. The film under Samrat Cinematics banner with a modest budget of Rs 35 crore is directed by Lucknow born Rajinder Gautam. It has a stellar cast with Anantvijay Joshi, Paresh Rawal, Nirahua, Ajay Mengi, Rajesh Khattar, Pawan Malhotra, Garima Vikrant Singh and others.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has planned a ‘Sindoor Raksha Abhiyan’ in Maharashtra on Sunday to protest against the India-Pakistan cricket match to be played that day. Sensing the anger still seething in the public mind against the Pahalgam terror attacks, the Sena has decided to push the Modi government in a tight corner by reviving those dark memories. Uddhav has tempered his appeal by alleging that the match is allowed since Union home minister Amit Shah’s son, Jay Shah is chairman of the International Cricket Council. According to an announcement by Sena MP Sanjay Raut, the party’s women’s wing will stage protests on 14 September throughout the state. A couplet, ‘Mera Sindoor, Mera Desh’ will be chanted on the occasion. Later, Sindoor will be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from lakhs of homes to remind him about the Pahalgam attack and that India should not play cricket with Pakistan. “Why is the BCCI so excited to play a match against Pakistan?” Aaditya Thackeray has asked. He has recalled how Pakistan decided to boycott the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup as the tournament was being hosted by India. Why can’t we also boycott? The BJP has changed its ideology…It is very unfortunate that we are playing a match with Pakistan. BCCI is anti-national,” the former minister and Uddhav’s son has quipped. The BJP has hit back by reminding the Sena (UBT) about the visit of Javed Miandad to Matoshri with a couplet of its own, “My Javed, My Biryani.”    

The three-party Maharashtra government led by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is facing internal unrest over the Maratha reservation quota acrimony. Ever since a government resolution (GR) containing some assurances to Maratha agitation proponent Manoj Jarange Patil has been issued, the state is in turmoil since the sizable OBC communities have joined hands to rise against this decision. Veteran minister Chhagan Bhujbal has come out openly against the GR, warning of an OBC protest on the lines of the Maratha protest that had paralysed Mumbai. The situation turned grave on Friday as an OBC protester took his own life in Latur in Marathwada. Bhujbal and former minister Dhananjay Munde rushed to the bereaved family to console them. Bhujbal literally broke down, which was unlike his steely demeanour. The onlookers were speechless seeing his tears. The youth, Bharat Mahadeo Karad, committed suicide by jumping in the Manjara river. Bhujbal cancelled his scheduled tour to reach the family. Besides Bhujbal, senior minister Pankaja Munde, too, has demanded that the OBC reservation quota should not be touched. Fadnavis has time and again declared that it will not happen, but inflamed passions continue to erupt. On the other hand, Jarange has warned the government that he can launch another protest action if the assurances are not fulfilled by it. At the moment, it appears that neither side is ready to relent, indicating a protracted legal and political conflict over the thorny issue of reservations. 

The elevation of Chandrima Bhattacharya, Minister of State for Finance and Health, as chairperson of the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) is being read as more than a routine appointment. Within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and administrative circles, the move is seen as part of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s strategy to recalibrate responsibilities among her trusted lieutenants, thereby reinforcing her grip on key institutions. Incidentally, Didi is the head of the departments of both health and finance. Already managing the party’s women’s wing, Chandrima now assumes control of an agency instrumental in developing Kolkata’s fringes — New Town and Rajarhat and other major urban infrastructure projects. HIDCO’s chairmanship has been a hot seat in recent years, with another close aide of Mamata and senior cabinet minister for Urban Development, Firhad Hakim heading it since 2021. However, in December 2024 the cabinet shifted HIDCO out of his department and placed it under Administrative Reforms and Personnel, overseen directly by Mamata. Hakim was removed from the chairmanship and the state’s former chief secretary Harikrishna Dwivedi temporarily held the fort. At the time, Hakim publicly maintained that it was solely Didi’s decision and a matter of cabinet prerogative, brushing aside speculation of alleged fallout with Mamata. Observers point out that such shifts underline the political weight HIDCO carries and several allegations and rumours of corruption in land distribution by the Opposition. By handing over the reins to Chandrima, Mamata has underscored both her close scrutiny of government functioning and her intent to silence any speculation around administrative decisions.

After brushing off the modicum challenge from United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the DP World Asia Cup 2025, the men in blue Twenty20 is girding up its loins to compete against Pakistan — always a marquee match that keeps the turnstiles busy. India is used to playing Pakistan at the Middle-East venue and the local fans — Indians and Pakistanis settled there for their bread and butter — have thronged the Dubai International Stadium to root for their team and rejoice or regret at the outcome. Dubai is assured of at least two high-octane matches between the Asian arch rivals — one in the group stage and one in the Super4 round robin — and the price of tickets for these matches are invariably on the steeper side, especially the high-end hospitality boxes. A few months ago, the fans supporting the men in blue had a gala time with Rohit Sharma’s team winning all matches, including against Pakistan, to win the ICC Champions Trophy. The privately-owned stadium has a capacity to hold around 35,000 spectators and squeeze in a couple of thousands more, and the tournament organisers would hope for a full house on Sunday (Sep 14) and create a high decibel sound befitting the occasion. The Twenty20 game would move with lighting speed and India skipper Suryakumar Yadav himself would go through the emotions of sporting the Captaincy cap for the first time against Pakistan whose captain is Salman Ali Agha. With stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan dropped for the tournament, Pakistan would look to be depleted, but as Agha said at the Captains’ presser, in Twenty20 anyone can win a game! But nerves can still play havoc on both teams.

To PM Narendra Modi’s clarion call, ‘Make in India’ may we add, Make for India. When the ideologically arid opposition protests lack of employment and opportunity, there are many products and services incubated by entrepreneurs who dream big and realise these dreams. Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe is one such successful dream that has fed thousands of hungry patrons growing by the day. Of course, one cannot easily forget the bomb blast there on March 1, 2024.  The café was founded by Raghavendra Rao and his wife Divya (a CA by profession) in 2021 as a quick service restaurant. The name ‘Rameshwaram’ was chosen by the founders to pay tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as it was his birthplace. Today it is Bengaluru’s landmark where the aroma of pure ghee roasted Dosas, cushion soft idlis, taste enhancer chutneys and filter coffee bring in droves from 6 am to 1 am and caters to people across all stratas. This veg south Indian fast food chain with a daily turnover of around Rs 5 crore reportedly commands a valuation of Rs 18,000 crore as its gross margin is 70%. More. It seems its hygiene and cleanliness also add to valuation. This fast chain is indeed giving tough competition to the likes of McDonalds, KFC, Burger King and many more. What is even more fascinating is the level of automation and the training of the chefs. The steaming boilers cook up to 500 mini idlis in one batch ..and the deftness of the chef who pours batter for 8 dosas at a time is a sight to watch .Rameshwaram Cafe is one of a kind …think global (in terms of automation tech, good quality, consistent service and fast delivery )and reach local. The Rao couple have built a shrewd food business with astuteness. It will not be surprising if they go for an IPO.

The shadow of Maratha agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil continues to haunt and loom large over the Devendra Fadnavis government much after he wrapped up his fast in Mumbai and returned back home. Just when the Maharashtra government was breathing easy after having tackled Patil’s hunger strike, Patil is back with his threats after his bete noire Chhagan Bhujbal has demanded withdrawal or modification of the Government Resolution that had granted reservations for Marathas. While a natural backlash from the OBC community was expected as a natural reaction after yielding to the Maratha demand for reservation, the reaction is clearly overshadowing all other works that the state is doing. For Fadnavis, it has become a tightrope walk between pleasing the politically strong Marathas community or his own party’s support base of the OBC community. Soon after granting reservation to Marathas, a strong media blitzkrieg was launched in the state with front page advertisement campaigns splashed across mainline dailies emphasising Fadnavis as a personal brand addressing him as “Devabhau” or brother and showing him paying reverence to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha idol. Funded by anonymous sources, this media campaign was viewed as an attempt by Fadnavis to cash in on the goodwill generated by the Maratha community. But the opposition from OBC community particularly from Bhujbal, belonging to NCP, has riled the Marathas, forcing them to launch a fresh salvo. Patil has now threatened that in case the government fails to implement the reservation by September 17, he would block supplies of essential commodities like dairy, vegetables to Mumbai and not let ministers walk free. Jarange too seems to have learnt his lessons from his 9th fast in Mumbai. He has figured out that the only way to get his issue sorted is by inconveniencing the high-profile residents of Mumbai.