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Last week Neeraj Chopra threw the javelin past the 90m mark – 90.33 metre in Doha – for the first time in his already spectacular career and got the monkey off his back. The 27-year old 6 footer from Haryana, Chopra will be better placed now onwards to achieve more such 90 metre plus results. A niggle had seen him come up short at the Paris Olympics last year; the muscular Pakistani Arshad Nadeem killed the field in Paris for the gold medal with a supreme effort of 92.97 metres. Chopra ‘s 89.45m won him the silver. But 10 months afterwards, Chopra accomplished the 90m + feat at the Doha Diamond League. Chopra is now working with Jan Zelezny – the Czech Republic legend who threw the equipment to 90m plus distances 33 times from 1992 to 2001 with a world record best of 98.48m in 1996. Chopra has won gold medals at the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Asian Championships. His best before the Doha 90m + was the 89.94m at Stockholm, Sweden in 2022. It was 13 years ago that he showed promise with a 68.46m in the national junior Championships in Lucknow. Two years later he entered the 70+ mark. He breached the 80 + mark (82.23) for the first time at the 2016 South Asian Games in Guwahati. His 86.48 metre at the IAAF World U20 projected him as a champion thrower of the javelin. Chopra has taken part in 72 events since 2012, has won 39 and finished among the top three in 57 events. The 90+ metre mark has been breached 125 times. Chopra’s Doha feat of May 16, 2025 is the 23rd all-time best.
The induction of Chhagan Bhujbal as a cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government is viewed as part of the gearing up for the forthcoming local bodies elections slated in the next four months. He becomes the eight member of the Other Backward Class (OBC) community to be part of the 43 ministerial team of the Devendra Fadnavis government. These include four OBC’s from the BJP, three from the NCP and one from the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. Bhujbal’s induction is meant to strengthen the OBC vote bank for the Mahayuti government. His role to woo the OBC vote bank becomes crucial since the Supreme Court ruled that 27% reservation of OBCs be retained in local body elections and his resurgence is also expected to provide a counterweight to the Maratha vote bank that is the mainstay of his faction of the NCP led by Ajit Pawar. Despite Bhujbal being left out in the cold since the Mahayuti government came to power in December 2024, he retained his independent identity as an OBC leader, never shying away from taking up the cause of the OBC community. He was among the first in the state to openly call for a Caste Census. From being pushed out of the race to be Nashik’s guardian minister to his current reinstatement as cabinet minister, Bhujbal’s has clearly shown how to play the waiting game and win.
PM Modi is very angry with Turkey. Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan it has consistently been hostile to India in complete disregard for the deep-rooted trade arrangements between the two countries. During the 2023 earthquake that ravaged Turkey, India was among the first countries to respond with relief material. India launched Operation Dost to provide assistance and relief materials. Yet, Turkey provided drones and personnel to Pakistan during the military hostilities that ensued between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. Turkey’s repeated interference on the Kashmir issue and the recent support for Pakistan have adversely affected its bilateral ties with India. Modi has asked his top aides to do a systematic review of Turkey’s involvement in India’s infrastructural projects and strategic sectors such as the ongoing metro project in Lucknow, Pune and Mumbai and manufacturing in Gujarat. The government is reviewing both active and completed Turkish-linked projects and assessing their impact. While no official terminations have been made yet, the Indian government seems to be considering a gradual and economic disengagement with Turkey. During Apr-Feb 2024-25, India’s exports to Turkey amounted to $5.2 bn, forming about 1.5% of India’s total exports. Its imports during the same period stood at $2.84 bn accounting for 0.5% of India’s total imports. Between April 2000 and September 2024, India received around $240.18 mn in FDI from Turkey. Turkish companies have worked in partnership with Indian companies in several key sectors including, metro rail, tunnel construction, airport services, education, media and cultural cooperation. The Atal Tunnel project in Kashmir also had the involvement of Turkish firms. After central universities like JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia severed ties with Turkish counterparts, IITs and several universities have also followed suit.
PM Modi ‘s decision to use the services of senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to present India’s case before other countries became quite obvious from the moment Tharoor openly came endorsing the government’s handling of Operation Sindoor. Tharoor is leading an all-party delegation to the USA, Panama, Guyana, Brazil and Colombia. The Kerala MP’s endorsement of Operation Sindoor has apparently made Rahul Gandhi very angry with him. Rahul is also upset that the government did not pick his choice — Lok Sabha deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi. Accommodating Gogoi whose wife reportedly has close links with a Pak-based NGO, had posed a challenge for the government. Jairam Ramesh said the party was dismayed that among the 4 names only one person — Anand Sharma– had made it. Other 3 Congress leaders Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Salman Khurshid were directly sought out by the government. The Congress first described Tharoor’s action as “crossing the Lakshman Rekha”. Party sources said the attack on Tharoor was organised by AICC Gen Secretary KC Venugopal, a close Rahul Gandhi aide who fancies himself as the next Kerala CM. When Tharoor punctured the Congress’s campaign of having yielded to a third party mediation in the Indo-Pak conflict by asserting that India would have never agreed to third party mediation in its bilateral issues with Pakistan, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh told the media that “When Tharoor saab speaks, it is not the party’s opinion.” With so many fireworks, it remains to be seen if Tharoor will continue to remain with the Congress swallowing the swipe. The Gandhis have not liked him ever since he contested against Kharge. But, if Tharoor bows out to carve out his own space, it could queer the pitch for Congress in Kerala, ahead of assembly polls next year.
The stupendous success and impactful delivery of Indian missiles upon the Pakistani land targets, in no small measure boosted by using the Russian S-400 surface-to-air, anti-ballistic missile systems, will now be upgraded through the S-500 version that President Putin has offered India along with the ‘Made-in-India’ tag for manufacturing and exporting across the globe. The Russian offer came four days ago and seeks to cement Indo-Russian ties further through joint collaboration, setting up a manufacturing base in India. Simultaneously, India has upped the ante against both Turkey and Azerbaijan that achieved the distinction of being the only two nations in the world that supported the terrorist Pakistani nation in its limited-capability war launched upon India. According to well-placed sources Turkey stands to lose out on the bulk of the annual Rs 600 crore tourism business it generates out of India, through tourists visiting the nation with close to 60% of scheduled tourist travellers to that nation having cancelled their plans this year. Similarly, Islamic Azerbaijan’s miscalculated support for Pakistan will now witness Indian weaponry arming the mostly Christian Armenia that has been in a state of war with that nation since 2020 when Azerbaijan attacked its neighbour. The South Caucasian nation (Armenia), that signed a defence deal with India in 2022 for 15 Akash missile systems, is set to further receive multiple launch rocket systems, anti-tank rockets, and ammunition. While Turkey suffers an economically gloomy fate similar to Maldives, both of whose economies are sustained through Indian tourism, Azerbaijan will find itself up against an Indian weapon system bolstering Armenia in the coming days.
In 90 plus years — from June 1932 — India has won only 13.43% of the 67 Test matches in England. This stark fact exemplifies India’s woes in seaming conditions in England — 36 lost and nine won. In all 17 Indian players have captained in England and Ajit Wadekar was the first one to win a series there in 1971. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has led nine times and lost seven, Virat Kohli nine times, won three and lost five. Rohit Sharma has never led India in England. And Kapil Dev led India to a 2-0 win in 1986. In exactly a month from now, India will start a five-Test series in England, with the first one at Leeds where the record is 4 for England and 2 for India. In August 2021 England won by an innings and 76 runs. Whoever may be the captain, India will find many challenging situations, especially with the weather and the Dukes ball. It’s speculated that the selection committee — with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket — is all set to name Shubman Gill the captain and that’s because Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness for the full series is in doubt. Gill has played three Tests in England — two in the WTC final against New Zealand and Australia and one against England and he has scored 88 runs off 158 balls. Gill’s average is 10.50 in England, 18 in New Zealand,18.50 in South Africa and 22.50 in the West Indies. He averaged 51.80 in Australia four years ago, but it whittled down to 18.60 in the 2024-25 series. Hence, Gill will look for a good English Summer, for him and the team.
Recent political and diplomatic strains between India and Bangladesh have cast a ripple effect on cultural exchanges, especially in cinema — where both shared cultural heritage and creativity. Reportedly, disruptions have hit film projects and casting decisions across Tollywood and the Bangladeshi film industry. Though no official ban exists on Bangladeshi actors working in India, several have recently been denied Indian visas. This has forced producers into last-minute casting changes and even temporary halts on joint productions. While prominent actors like Jaya Ahsan, Chanchal Chowdhury, Shakib Khan, and Arifin Shuvoo continue to work in India due to long-term visas, others face hurdles. Actress Tasnia Farin was denied a visa despite being cast opposite Dev, prompting alternative casting. Similarly, Jeet’s collaboration with Bangladeshi director Raihan Rafi for Lion has stalled. SVF, a leading production house with deep cross-border ties, acknowledged temporary disruptions but confirmed collaborations are slowly resuming. Hoichoi released the Bangladeshi series Jimmi in March. SVF is co-producing Daagi with Afran Nisho and Tandob featuring Shakib Khan. However, Tandob will now be fully shot in Bangladesh due to visa issues affecting its crew. Visa unpredictability is making casting decisions risky. If actors can’t travel for shoots or promotions, entire projects suffer. Actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba couldn’t promote Chalachitro directed by Pratim D Gupta, while Chanchal Chowdhury missed promotions for Srijit Mukherji’s Padatik. Meanwhile, some projects remain unaffected. Jaya Ahsan’s Dear Maa by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury is expected around July. She is also rumoured to star in Kaushik Ganguly’s upcoming Ardhangini 2.
PM Modi is very happy that he did not bow to the severe American pressure to give up buying Russian missile systems Jets equipped with Scalp missiles and S-400 Air Defence System; as they have been India’s weapons of choice in both the ongoing war with Pakistan and Operation Sindoor. The significance of the S-400 air defence system was demonstrated on the intervening night of May 8-9 when India effectively stopped an extensive onslaught by the Pakistani army employing drones and other missiles. The Russian S-400 and indigenous Akashteer defence systems successfully repelled every Pakistani attack, preventing any projectiles from hitting their objective. India’s defence forces even neutralised Pakistan’s one Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft in Punjab province of Pakistan. When India chose to purchase the S-400 defence system in 2018 through a $5 billion agreement with Russia, the Modi government was faced with significant criticism from the U.S. The acquisition of the S-400 by India was met with resistance from the earlier administrations of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. There had even been threats of sanctions from the White House under Donald Trump. However, Modi was aware of the importance of the S-400 in improving our air defences against China and Pakistan. Thus far, three S-400 squadrons have been received and are currently in service, with more expected to follow this year. It is the most advanced long-range air defence weapon in the world, with the ability to track and engage several aircraft targets up to 600 kilometres away. It is known as the “Sudarshan Chakra” inside the Indian Air Force and is capable of detecting, tracking and eliminating a wide range of airborne threats, including ballistic missiles, UAVs and fighter aircrafts. Modi has decided to place more orders for S-400 systems.
Odisha government’s profit-making Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) at Bhubaneswar is likely to be privatised. The process to privatise the airport, set up in 1962 which handles 4.2 million passengers annually has already started by the Airport Authority of India. Already the names of Adani, GMR and Zurich Airport Ltd are doing the rounds. But the general thinking is that the Union government may not be particularly inclined towards Adani to avoid a monopoly situation in the country. The tilt is towards Zurich Airport known for its world class management and security controls which is now constructing the new International Airport in Noida near Delhi. There is a strong feeling that Naveen Patnaik’s party, Biju Janata Dal, may oppose the privatisation move. It is understood that whoever wins the bid has to factor in absorbing 60% manpower cost or continue paying salaries till employees’ retirement age. With BPIA being privatised what happens to Puri’s ambitious international airport project backed by the Odisha government? That’s a big question mark as AAI is now fully focussed on how to utilise BPIA’s existing airport space which is not yet fully tapped.
Noted writer Javed Akhtar has invited sharp comments from both extremes due to his statement that If he had to choose between hell and Pakistan, “I will prefer to go to hell.” Similarly, his oblique praise of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has evoked different reactions. Akhtar’s frank speech at the launch of Raut’s book “Hell in Heaven” in Mumbai on May 17 became a highlight. Always a target following his speeches, Akhtar said, “Both sides abuse me. But there are also many people who treat me kindly.” Akhtar observed in the speech that many memorable literary works had been written in prison. His reference was to Raut’s jail custody for a hundred days in connection with a controversial land deal in Mumbai. The book written by Raut describes his experience in that detention. The book is in focus owing to the various claims made by Raut regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. But Akhtar’s finding some similarity between Raut and many giants who went to prison for ideological reasons has angered leaders like Neelam Gorhe, deputy chairperson of the Maharashtra legislative council. She said, “Those leaders were in prison for fighting for the nation’s freedom or such noble causes, not for economic offences.” Akhtar’s remarks have generated ripples across social media and political circles. Expectedly, while some have praised Akhtar for his fearless stand against hate speeches, his critics feel that he is needlessly stoking a controversy.
A felicitation of Maharashtra’s former chief ministers organized by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in Mumbai has become talk of the town for all the political reasons. The ceremony was convened under the banner Glorious Maharashtra and all former CMs of the state were invited. However, senior most among them, Sharad Pawar, did not turn up while DCM Eknath Shinde, too, stayed away, pleading that he had already scheduled other engagements. The absence of the last Congress CM in the state, Prithviraj Chavan, was noticeable. Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray is abroad, according to his annual Europe trip routine. Interestingly, CM Devendra Fadnavis attended in both capacities, former and present incumbent. Former Congress leaders Ashok Chavan and Narayan Rane, both with the BJP now, were conspicuous by their presence. Fadanvis said he had created a record by remaining CM for the shortest duration, of 72 hours in 2019. The same record was shared by Ajit Pawar, who was his deputy CM then and is now as well. Fadnavis said Ajit has another record to his credit. “He has taken oath as DCM for the maximum number of times,” Fadanvis quipped. He revealed that the teaming up of the BJP and Ajit’s NCP was incepted within those 72 hours. Fadnavis remarked that people in Maharashtra would have been happy had all former CMs attended. His reference is considered to be aimed at Eknath Shinde. More is expected to be heard soon.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has moved into his official residence, Varsha, as a caring father and mature politician. The shifting took place on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya (30 April) though there was a personal angle, too. Fadnavis and wife Amruta were overjoyed to announce that their only child, Divija, had cleared the 10th Board examination by scoring 92.60%. The entry into Varsha was done without any fanfare; a simple pooja was performed. Till now, Fadnavis had ignored constant criticism that he was not moving into Varsha due to superstition. Those making irresponsible statements included Republican leader Prakash Ambedkar and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. In fact, Raut had gone to the extent of alleging that Fadnavis was refusing to occupy Varsha since the horns of a buffalo sacrificed at the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati had been buried in its grounds. Raut had said that this was done to ensure that the occupant living in Varsha should not continue in office for long. Raut’s charge was directed at former CM Eknath Shinde, who had taken the Sena rebel MLAs to Guwahati and formed his government in Maharashtra in 2022. During the Guwahati stay, Shinde supporters had gone to the Goddess temple for pooja. Fadanvis had ignored such crass assaults and had declared in February that he had postponed the move into Varsha till his daughter’s annual examination in response to her wish. Recently, he has stopped reacting to Raut’s daily verbal attacks, too.
The Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) has sent out a clear message that it is not with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) or any elements which are using the issue of compulsion of Marathi language. The timing of a statement made by senior BJP leader Kripa Shankar Singh in this regard is interpreted as an unambiguous signal by the BJP in view of the new political formations likely to take place in the state with an eye on the coming local body elections. The statement is also viewed against the backdrop of the possibility of MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) joining hands for the BMC election. MNS leader Raj Thackeray had triggered the agitation for Marathi some time ago though he stopped it after some ugly incidents took place against Hindi speaking sections. Moreover, a few Gujarati residents, also, had to face ire of the aggrieved people on the issue of Marathi and vegetarianism. As the atmosphere was vitiated, the BJP has taken a firm stand, especially as the assembly election is approaching in Bihar. Making the position clear, Singh recalled his long association with Mumbai and said, “Hindi is my mother and Marathi is my Mausi (aunt).” Taking a swipe at those using the language issue for political purposes, Singh lamented that such elements reared their heads when their political existence was threatened. He emphasised that the north Indians in Maharashtra were not merely a workforce but had been contributing towards the state’s development as well.
Tensions have erupted within the BJP West Bengal unit following senior leader and former state president Dilip Ghosh’s controversial appearance at the inauguration of the Jagannath temple in Digha where he shared the stage with chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The temple event had been boycotted by the BJP in light of recent communal tensions in Murshidabad. Ghosh’s presence — along with his wife Rinku Ghosh — was quickly disowned by the party’s current state leadership. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar distanced the organisation calling it his “personal choice.” Others, including senior leaders Swapan Dasgupta and Soumitra Khan, launched more pointed attacks, with Dasgupta branding the move a “betrayal.” The backlash has reignited tensions between Dilip Ghosh and sections of the BJP leadership, especially those who joined the party after 2021. Ghosh accused defectors of sidelining long-time loyalists like him and also claimed that many grassroots workers have become disillusioned under the current leadership. Ghosh’s veiled remarks were seen as a dig at Suvendu Adhikari. Ghosh pointed out that many had once thrived under Didi’s leadership and lacked the credibility to question him. He urged the party to recall its past alliances with Banerjee during the Vajpayee-era. Despite the controversy, Ghosh reiterated his loyalty to the BJP but cautioned against internal sabotage, blaming leadership failures for the party’s declining momentum in Bengal. He highlighted his own role in the party’s past growth with 18 MPs winning during 2019 Lok Sabha Polls and 77 MLAs during 2021 Assembly Election and questioned why that progress had stalled since his exit from the top post.
In a major decision, the Centre announced that caste enumeration would be part of the upcoming census and assured it would be carried out in a “transparent” manner. I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while some states have done caste enumeration in the name of surveys, conducting a census falls under the purview of the Centre. He added that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) had resolved to include caste enumeration in the next census– the timeline for such Census was not given nor has any provision been made for it in the current year’s Budget. The census exercise was to commence in April 2020 but got delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Vaishnaw alleged that Congress governments “have always opposed caste census”. He recalled how in 2010, the then PM Manmohan Singh had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most political parties recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct only a caste survey instead of a census. “That survey is known as the SECC of 2011”. However, the results were never formally released due to questions surrounding data accuracy and consistency. With Rahul Gandhi’s promise of a nationwide caste census and higher reservation limits if the Congress comes to power, the Centre’s move is being seen as a perfect foil ploy to rob the main Opposition party of an election plank ahead of Bihar assembly polls. But Rahul sees it as an outcome of pressure from grassroot activists. Besides, Bihar under Nitish Kumar had already done a caste survey much before the Telangana government. Rahul was keen to know the model the caste census would adopt and the timeline.
By inaugurating the magnificent Jagannath Dham temple in the tourist town of Digha on the auspicious Akshya Trithiya, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has completely stunned state BJP leaders. Many BJP leaders who attacked her for not visiting Murshidabad where Hindus were victims in violence unleashed by Muslims over Waqf Bill wonder if Digha Dham is a ploy to placate the majority community. The lone leader questioning the project is LoP Suvendu Adhikari. He insists that Hindu temples can’t be a state project and talks of his own efforts to restore temples in Murshidabad. The Digha consecration ceremony was held with great grandeur, with sacred water from various pilgrimage sites brought to the temple for the rituals. Several celebrities and prominent figures from West Bengal’s music and film industry, along with political leaders, were present. Constructed in the traditional Kalinga architectural style, the grand structure, developed by the state government at a cost of Rs 250 crore, the dham is expected to emerge as a major centre for pilgrimage and tourism. Mirroring the design of the original Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Digha Dham is spread across 20 acres. BJP sources admit no one wants to criticise the project as Digha is a popular sea resort for Bengalis from Kolkata, especially those who can’t afford time or money to go to Puri. Hitting out at Mamata, BJP leader Amit Malviya posted on X, “This is how Mamata Banerjee appeared at the inauguration of the Jagannath Cultural Centre in Digha. There is no sign of devotional enthusiasm—only a sinister political calculation aimed at salvaging her reputation as an anti-Hindu leader”. In social media, Didi is already being hailed as the second Bengali Woman after Rani Rashmoni–who had built Dakshineswar Temple associated with Ramakrishna Paramahans–to establish a historic Hindu Temple in Bengal.
When the newly appointed Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran met with PM Modi he apparently gifted him a statue of jallikattu, the popular bull taming event in Tamil Nadu which the Modi Govt in 2016 had restored by first issuing an ordinance to overcome the Supreme Court ban. Nainar also presented him the famous Tirunelveli halwa and Srivilliputhur’s palgova (a traditional sweet dish). He was accompanied by his son Nainar Balaji. Modi advised Nagendran to focus on revitalising the state unit and prepare for next year’s elections. A number of Modi visits are likely through the year in the poll-bound state. Nagendran also held discussions with Home Minister Amit Shah and FM Nirmala Sitharaman. On X, Nagendran shared how PM Modi “in every word and gesture” conveyed ” his deep love for the people of Tamil Nadu, and his reverence for our ancient and glorious Tamil language”. Meanwhile, contrary to speculation the BJP nominated an old RSS leader and OBC face Pakka Venkata Satyanarayana for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Andhra Pradesh instead of K Annamalai, former TN BJP chief. Why did Annamalai lose out? It was believed that at this juncture no point would be served by bringing him into the Rajya Sabha with a limited tenure of three years. The party would use him fully in Tamil Nadu until the state elections.
Looks like the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is playing the balancing game. She has inaugurated the newly constructed Jagannath Temple, officially named “Jagannath Dham,” in Digha on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Didi referred to the arrival of Jagannath in Bengal as “a long-awaited dream fulfilled.” A Vedic yagya commenced on April 25 at the temple, with offerings made to the guardian deity “Vastu Purush” to purify the temple and ward off evil. Mamata, who personally oversaw the final rituals and ceremonies in Digha on April 28, will serve as the ‘pradhan yajaman’ (chief patron) during the agni ritual, culminating in the ‘purnahuti’ — the final sacred offering. On April 30, she conducted the pran-pratishtha (ritual infusion of life into the deity) and performed the temple’s ceremonial opening, followed by the first aarti. It may be recalled that Mamata boycotted the Ayodhya event. Now BJP and RSS leaders are dismissing the Digha temple as a mere “cultural center” with questionable spiritual legitimacy. Meanwhile, the TMC government headed by Mamata Banerjee feels that Digha will witness an economic surge in hospitality, transport and tourism, similar to Ayodhya. Roads have been improved, accommodations readied, and security strengthened. Looks like Didi is shaping a narrative that blends devotion with development ahead of the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections.
Organising “Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” rallies for Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge across states has become sort of a political hazard in the Congress. Asked to convene such rallies, Congressmen are literally shivering in their pants considering what happened with Buxar District Congress President Manoj Pandey who was sacked for not organising enough crowds. A livid Kharge had stripped Pandey of his post in an election year in Bihar when he confronted empty chairs on a Sunday afternoon mid-April. No Congress leader is willing to risk the wrath of Kharge. That is why Tamil Nadu Congress leaders recently held a meeting to draw up a plan to organise a meeting on May 4 to be held in Teynampet area in Chennai addressed by Kharge. It was decided that the target to mobilise crowds would be shared by various leaders at different levels. That is eight Lok Sabha MPs from the state would be given the responsibility of bringing a crowd of 5000 people each and 17 party MLAs were given the target of bringing about 1000 people each. Party office bearers from 76 districts were tasked to bring 500 people each. In all the ballpark crowd size of 95,000 to 1 lakh. Some office bearers even suggested raising funds from ally DMK ministers to organise the event. It wasn’t just to bowl over Kharge. The general argument was an impressive show by the Congress that could even make the DMK concede more seats in the TN assembly elections next year. Explaining the lack of crowd at Buxar, Manoj Pandey blamed it on the scorching heat. If Bihar couldn’t withstand the heat in April, will Chennai put up with searing heat in May just to make a political point?
Less than a week after the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, the Congress has shed all pretence of extending its cooperation to the government. It is back to fretting and molly-coddling its Muslim vote bank. That is why Karnataka excise minister RB Thimmapur rushed to doubt if the “perpetrators of the attack in Pahalgam would have asked the name and the religion of victims” and insisted “it is unfair to target a particular religion over the attack”. This even as the wife of a victim from Shivamogga had helplessly watched her husband being shot dead, after the terrorists asked the name and religion before shooting the male tourists. Building a defence for the assailants, the minister argued it wasn’t the gunmen who asked for the name and religion of the tourists. Religious colour was being given to cover up intelligence failure. “Kargil, Pulwama and now Pahalgam are the result of central intelligence failure. The BJP has been playing politics over deaths,” the minister argued. Why was the Congress minister making a case for Pakistani terror operatives? It wasn’t just the minister, even chief minister Siddaramaiah had caught the attention of the Pak media playing up his comment saying that there is “no need for war” over the Pahalgam terror attack. He was dubbed “Pakistani Ratna” by the state BJP. With RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat making it clear that “it is duty of the king to protect the people” and urging the government to teach errant neighbour a lesson, PM Modi assured in his Mann Ki Baat that bereaved families will get justice; he felt the terror strike was to destroy the Kashmir narrative with peace and normalcy returning.
The AIADMK-BJP alliance is not the only cause of anxiety for DMK chief and Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin. Senior ministers in his cabinet are as much of a headache for the chief honcho. While trusted lieutenant and money handler V Senthil Balaji put in his resignation on April 27 after strictures from the top court, so too the education minister K Ponmudy quit on the same day as he was also under fire for needlessly disparaging comments that drew the ire of a High Court judge who called for a suo motu FIR against him. Did he really need to joke about Brahmin sects and sexual positions and denigrating the whole of womanhood? Brahmin baiting may be fair game for the DMK that evolved out of the Justice Party, but vilifying women outraged a senior woman party leader in Kanimozhi who spoke out. The most senior minister among Stalin’s cabinet colleagues, Duraimurugan, who was just emerging from the woods after a tasteless description of physically challenged people — whom he called ‘nondis’ using an old Tamil term for lame people — when an old case came out of the woodwork to haunt him. A DA case has re-emerged to trouble the minister as the Madras High Court cancelled his acquittal by a lower court. Even the highly regarded IT minister Dr P Thiaga Rajan (PTR) was pulled up by the Speaker for saying in the Assembly that his ministry had no funds to create new IT parks. He was told there must be a better way to approach the government for funds.
On June 14, Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi will be completing a one-year term in the office. Has the CM who has the backing of the PM delivered? There are mixed reports from the ground. Some are saying that Odia people are fed up with lip service of the Majhi government – the same line “work in progress and grandiose investment plans”. The general feeling is that Majhi has simply tweaked close to two dozen schemes of the BJD government led by Naveen Patnaik. It is a cut and paste job without any value addition –BJD’s colour green has been changed to BJP’s saffron in government buildings and buses. But a clued-in analyst has a different take. He points out that Majhi is considered “accessible CM” in a stark contrast to BJD’s chief minister Naveen Patnaik with whom ordinary people had no access. Besides, it would be inappropriate to compare the two CMs performances — one with 8 months governance record and the other with 290-month dream run. Adding further he says, BJD failed to fulfil their promise of giving bonus of Rs 100 per quintal to poverty-stricken farmers om Western Odisha’s Sohela in Bargarh district. Here, the Majhi government took a decision in just 24 minutes in its cabinet meeting to provide Rs 800 per quintal input assistance to farmers, apart from providing annual financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to around one crore women in the state. But the general lament is that Odia people voted for BJP, so that it effectively weeds out “mafia raj” and “percentage raj” but nothing substantial has happened in this direction. Meanwhile, the BJD has not lost the opportunity to brand Majhi as a “copycat” government.
The game of one-upmanship between Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde and Maharashtra’s chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, that followed in the relief operations for the tourists affected by the Pahalgam terrorist attack, exposed the friction within Mahayuti government. Shinde duplicated the efforts of the Fadnavis government with his parallel visits and relief flights for the stranded tourists there. While Shinde was meeting tourists at Pahalgam, donating to the local Muslim victim and even holding parleys with Jammu and Kashmir’s deputy chief minister, Fadnavis was restricted to paying condolence visits to Pahalgam victim families at Pune. This wasn’t Shinde’s first attempt at duplication of governance; earlier too he had set up parallel medical relief funds in tandem with Fadnavis’ official ones. Shinde may have been cornered within Mahayuti with many of his decisions as CM either being withdrawn, stayed, kept in abeyance or simply rejected but he is not lying quiet and instead seizing the moment like he did at Pahalgam. He is also trying to assert himself as a Hindutva mascot and trying to usurp the advantage enjoyed by the Thackeray cousins even if they were to come together. Shinde’s attempt to carve out his own distinct identity in Fadnavis’ term, is clearly not going down with the man and the party at the helm. The BJP is clearly upset with Shinde’s attempt to hog the credit and not let the landslide majority government have its way. Shinde may be indispensable to the BJP in the run-up to the BMC polls to woo the Marathi manoos vote bank but remains to be seen how this open friction between Shinde and Fadnavis may play out for the Mahayuti in the forthcoming local elections.
The recent Supreme Court order invalidating the West Bengal government’s 2016 appointment of more than 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff triggered off sitting demonstrations and agitation in the state. During the course of agitation what came to the fore was, the Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee was not countering the attack from the front. He consciously stepped away from the frontline, raising serious questions about the cracks within the party’s top leadership. It is also obvious that Abhishek’s public appearances have been reduced to congratulatory social media posts for local football clubs and the occasional endorsement of police efforts in his constituency. His last major political intervention was a virtual meeting on March 15. Since then, his near-total disengagement from party affairs has triggered anxiety within TMC’s rank and file, many of whom now openly question the party’s leadership strategy. The official narrative claims Mamata Banerjee has asked Abhishek to focus on national politics. But Abhishek’s loyal followers say that he was deliberately being sidelined from talking on the school recruitment scandal. Instead the State President Subrata Bakshi was given the job of doing all the heavy weight lifting on this front. Sure enough, his exclusion has left his loyalists demoralised. Further, Abhishek’s social media activities, particularly his praise for Diamond Harbour police during communal tensions and earlier disapproval of police actions post the RG Kar Hospital incident, are being interpreted as subtle criticism of the state government’s performance. These posts have drawn further scrutiny and are being read by Opposition parties as indirect jabs at the administration led by Didi.
Dr P Thiaga Rajan (PTR), Tamil Nadu IT minister was seen as a wunderkind when came back from the U.S. to revive his political and family connections in Madurai. He joined the DMK and was quickly rewarded by chief minister MK Stalin with a cabinet post. But it didn’t take long for the awestruck scales to drop…his unique talent and standalone abilities created a rift with those who swore by “Dravidian” versus his hybrid talents, swung from Gesellschaft to Gemeinschaft. Not just unique, he was unequivocal too in expressing his views fearlessly, shocking entrenched party loyalists. His recent speech in the TN Assembly was the flashpoint for Stalin’s anger. The fuse was lit when someone from his party asked about his earlier projects and new ones. He apparently grumbled about the lack of adequate funding for the IT Ministry…“even as Rs 20, 000 crore allocation is sanctioned, the IT ministry got only 200 crore, now cut to Rs150 crore. Even then we used the funds prudently but faced several deficits in projects. Like other states, all IT parks don’t come under this ministry, excepting the small ELCOT …whereas TIDEL and other mega parks are under the Industries Ministry.” Was PTR holding a grudge against Rajaa? The fallout of this frankness was immediate. When PTR invited Stalin to release a book on his grandfather…after some hesitation Stalin agreed but only to pull the carpet from under PTR at the event. In his speech Stalin said: “PTR has excellent communication and strong debating talent. But these abilities often turn into weaknesses by excessive open talk” leaving PTR squirming. Talk is rife that PTR may be sent to Delhi via the Rajya Sabha. When you are inconvenient, you become convenient…to be deputed.
When he was Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, many decades ago called up senior leader Sharad Pawar and requested him to accommodate his son Omar in Mumbai as the situation in his own state was very bad. All the academic institutions were closed due to disturbances in Kashmir. Farooq wanted Omar to continue his education, hence he had contacted Pawar with the request. “Omar stayed in my house and completed his education,” Pawar told a Pune rally while speaking on the latest situation in the border state. Pawar said he was mentioning this little-known fact since the Abdullah family had close relations with his family. Pawar called up the chief minister of the state Omar Abdullah to obtain the latest updates post the Pahalgam massacre. “Omar has assured me that every person in Kashmir is of the opinion that no compromise should be made with Pakistan,” Pawar told a meeting in Pune. He appealed to the people to think as Indians and remain united by forgetting any other differences on the issue of the nation’s unity. Pawar complimented Union home minister Amit Shah for owing up any lapse on the part of the intelligence agencies in regard to the terrorist attack and reiterated that this is not the time to think about religion or caste. He lamented that attempts were made by certain elements to give a religious tint to the tragedy.
The tour operator led mostly Hindu families to the Pahalgam terror site (aka mini-Switzerland) causing 26 male killings, well aware that visits to interior regions needed prior army sanction before tourists could be taken to the scenic meadow, nearby regions. Tour operators were intimated the area would be turned open to tourists from June 2025. The Hamas signature style terror strike upon India, preceded by public rally in Pakistan where Hamas operatives were in full view, vocally exhorting Pakistani state sponsored terrorists (including Hafiz Saeed) to carry out wanton attacks like they pulled off in Israel on October 7, 2023. In addition, terror attack fatalities included officers attached to the Indian Navy and Intelligence Bureau which has raised questions about whether local over ground workers (OGWs) were the resort of terrorists before the attack took place. The local pony operator’s death was confirmed as inadvertent since he was caught in crossfire. Scores of terrorist aiding suspects were rounded up in quick time after the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) took over investigations. “Even the 2008 26/11 attack upon Mumbai city was launched in similar pattern with local infrastructure support with then Mumbai police chief Hassan Gafoor admitting privately that 16 to 20 Indian locals were involved, before he was issued a gag order by the then state government that soon enough eased him out of his post,” sources reveal. A senior intelligence officer had then stated that the 10 Mumbai attackers only landed upon Mumbai soil with a cache of bullets and were provided weapons and hand grenades in Mumbai city itself, as revealed to this scribe back then.
PM Narendra Modi has planned something ‘big’ against Pakistan following the J&K terror attack upon innocent Hindu tourists. Pakistan’s army Chief Asim Munir, is on India’s crosshairs, like former Pakistan armed forces Chief Qamar Bajwa was after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack claimed lives of 40 Indian CRPF jawans. Then, NSA Ajit Doval employed his wherewithal to neutralize Bajwa following the Balakot strikes and soon Bajwa was eased out of service, like his predecessor General Asfaq Kayani who took refuge in Australia after being deposed. The Balakot bombings and aerial dogfight that cost Pakistan an advanced (American) F16 fighter plane brought down in aerial combat by Captain Abhinandan from the Indian Airforce operating his antiquated MIG (Russian) fighter plane even as the Balakot air strikes were concluded by his colleagues using other fighter jets. Bajwa’s exit as army chief was precipitated and he eschewed his homeland choosing France after suffering ignominy of a four-hour wait to meet Saudi Arabia’s political leader with his begging bowl seeking a $4 billion soft loan that was also declined. Asim Munir also finds himself in an unenviable position after internal strife engulfed the neighbouring country with terror attacks by Tahereek-e-Taliban against Pakistan police, army posts alongside eruptions of unrest in Balochistan. Munir’s desperation was evident when he resorted to a public forum while dwelling upon cultural differences between Islam and Hindus only days before the Hindu-religion-discriminated terror attack was launched. Bajwa got away lightly, being ousted from power but Munir’s fate will likely be worse with his very life at stake now. The political formations in Pakistan are also rallying up against Munir, whose days are surely numbered now.
All eyes are now on the Indian armed forces, as PM Modi vowed to avenge the killings of Hindu tourists in Pahalgam. Modi’s top ministers have discussed all options. But they have left it to Modi to decide on the action. They feel Modi will go for a sustained approach and not an immediate strike– because there is no pressure of any election like in February 2019. Modi had ordered the IAF to strike at the Balakot terrorist training camp in Pakistan after many CRPF men were killed in Pulwama. This time, Modi’s plan is: the end of the game for terrorists and their perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army has begun troop movement near the borders in Rajasthan and Kashmir and tanks and heavy weapons are being shifted from Afghan border to the Indian border. Pakistani fighter jets were seen flying along with cargo planes to transport troops and weapons to the Indian border. India has defeated Pakistan in three wars. Pakistan officials are worried that many Pakistani fighter jets are in poor condition because of a lack of spare parts. Pakistani tanks do not have enough diesel for long-distance attacks. Pakistan wants to show the world that Kashmir is no longer under India’s control, but the world is watching that nothing is under control in Pakistan — neither PoK, Balochistan nor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. If Pakistan carries out any misadventure, it must fight on four fronts. A former Pakistani army major, Adil Raja, has claimed that the killings of Hindu terrorists in Pahalgam were carried out on the directions of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir. Indian security agencies are evaluating reports that the people of Pakistan are not happy with their Army Chief, and to curb the growing voices of dissent, Gen. Munir chose the old formula to carry out a big terror attack in Kashmir to save his chair.
In an interesting move, Vice-President JP Dhankar reached Ooty to preside over as chief guest at a high-level conference of Vice-Chancellors at the Raj Bhavan with representatives from 32 universities taking part in the event. Since Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi assumed office, he has been organizing annual conferences involving V-Cs of both government and private universities. This year marks the fourth consecutive edition of the conference. Dhankar’s presence at the conference assumes significance as it comes in the backdrop of the Supreme Court order that gave Tamil Nadu government powers to appoint V-Cs. Official sources say that Dhankar could have possibly agreed to preside over the event only after some kind of suggestion from the Centre to consent to his presence. It remains to be seen what message the V-P delivers at the event. Local media reports suggested that there was pressure on several V-Cs from the DMK government to stay away from the two-day event. The main agenda of the event was to foster dialogue and collaboration among academic leaders to enhance the quality and reach of higher education in the state and across the country. Invitations were extended to 21 V-Cs from state universities, 25 from private universities, and three from central universities. Only representatives from 32 institutions had confirmed their participation. Dhankar, who is on a three-day visit to TN, will also be visiting the Muthanad Mund Toda Temple in Ooty. He will also be addressing the students and faculty members of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore on April 27.
In a strategic move ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has revived the ‘Mentor’ position within Zilla Parishads, a role previously discontinued after the last panchayat elections. The State Panchayat Department’s initiative has already been implemented in districts including Howrah, Hooghly, East Midnapore, Bankura, Birbhum, and Bardhaman. While officially recognised, the ‘Mentor’ designation was initially introduced by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following their rise to power, primarily to accommodate influential leaders who could not be placed in formal governance roles. However, the role was quietly laid dormant after the 2023 panchayat polls. The revival of these positions is widely interpreted as a strategic move by Didi to strengthen the party’s grassroots organization. Party insiders suggest it serves to provide senior leaders with influential roles, potentially mitigating factional rivalries. Notable appointments have included figures such as former state minister Rajib Banerjee (Howrah), former minister Akhil Giri (East Midnapore), and former MLA Arup Khan (Bankura). However, objections have reportedly surfaced in at least two districts, with concerns that these mentors, despite lacking formal administrative authority, could become alternative power centres. This raised fears of potential disruptions to both Panchayat operations and internal party dynamics, given the mentors’ individual support bases. Some party leaders also believe the revival is a pre-emptive measure to manage the growing number of MLA ticket aspirants for the Assembly poll. Adding to the political complexity, the TMC has yet to implement a long-pending organizational reshuffle. Discussions indicate that Didi may soon expedite this process, which is expected to include changes within several party wings.
Closeted with his lawyers after leaving the Assembly session early, Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji was wondering when to put in his resignation. Given a sharper deadline by the Supreme Court to either resign or risk losing the bail given to him after more than a year in jail, the minister for prohibition as well as electricity — major portfolios through which large amounts of money flow — may have boxed himself into a corner now. A Jaya loyalist who once made a name for efficiency as well as an ability to keep everyone in the cabinet happy, Senthil Balaji made himself an invaluable member of Stalin’s government. Having defied the edicts of the top court which gave him bail only on the grounds that Article 21 may have been breached in continuous imprisonment as an undertrial and thus denied his human rights, the minister might become the first victim as the tide turns in judicial circles for Tamil Nadu. The state is still celebrating verdicts in its battle against Governor RN Ravi. While time may have run out for Senthil Balaji who had tested the court’s patience after becoming a minister just a few days after getting bail in a money laundering case, other TN ministers are also in trouble with the judiciary. An old disproportionate assets case has come back to haunt senior minister Duraimurugan. Another minister, K Ponmudy earned the wrath of the Madras High Court after disparaging comments against the religious sects of Brahmins and women seemed to disappear from public memory. The judge has asked the court to take suo motu notice of his offence of hate speech and asked for a FIR to be filed.
PM Narendra Modi who chaired the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on the back of terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed, took a series of steps to corner Pakistan and express India’s anger over Islamabad’s mischief in killing the innocents. Delhi began with what could hit Pakistan the hardest; it declared holding the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect, until the recalcitrant neighbour credibly and irrevocably abjured its support for cross-border terrorism. In another significant move, the Integrated Check Post Attari will also be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1 2025. It was also made clear Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Any SVES visa issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India. Cracking down on the Pakistani High Commission, the CCS wanted the Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi to be declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions to be effective from May 1. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.
PM Narendra Modi who flew into New Delhi early April 23 morning after curtailing his Saudi Arabia visit by a day in view of the Pahalgam terrorist strikes in J&K decided to get cracking as soon as he reached the capital. Security officials who were preparing to brief Modi on his arrival at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg were surprised, when they were asked to reach the Palam Air Force base by 6 am for the meeting at the airport itself. He took stock of the situation along with EAM Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other top brass of security agencies. Meanwhile as the world mourned the massacre of 28 innocent tourists, Pakistan and Turkey have drawn outrage by using the tragedy to rake up the Kashmir issue. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara thanked Turkey for its “unwavering support” on Kashmir—just hours after the terror attack. The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, has claimed responsibility for the massacre. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will meet once HM Shah reaches Delhi and FM Nirmala Sitharaman returns from the U.S. In a post on X, Modi said the attackers would not be spared. “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” said Modi. While the CCS could possibly discuss a range of options and authorise retaliatory strikes; timing of such a step would of course be strategised by our security forces. After all, if we recall Pulwama attack that claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans in February 2019 was retaliated with Balakote airstrike a good 10 days later.
In an unusual move, the Congress suspended its Buxar District Cong president Manoj Kumar Pandey indefinitely and stripped him of all organisational posts for “inaction” or low turnout at party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s Buxar rally. The party apparently decided to suspend Pandey from all posts he was holding in the organisation, including that of Buxar District Congress president, with immediate effect due to lack of coordination and irregularities on his part in connection with “the Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” rally held at Dalsagar Stadium in Buxar on April 20, which was addressed by Kharge. Pandey himself made it clear that it was not lack of coordination but the sweltering heat — about 42 degrees — that had made people stand in the shade. Efforts to get people to occupy empty chairs had failed. Bihar Congress leaders are stunned that Pandey was even being blamed for low-turnout.” Action should be taken against the PCC leadership and AICC in charge Krishna Allavaru who chose this time of the year to organise these rallies. How can you organise these Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan rallies when villages are getting busy with weddings? Besides, most of these areas are Brahmin dominant — Buxar, Madhubani and Darbhanga where rallies are being planned, ” pointed out a senior Cong leader. It was also felt that recent organisational changes have been quite ineffective. The new PCC chief Rajesh Kumar — who fulfils Rahul Gandhi’s goals of filling up Dalits in all party posts– has substantially weakened the Bihar unit. At this rate, under the new set-up Cong men fear their tally which is at present in double digit with 19 MLAs is bound to fall in the upcoming Bihar assembly polls.
The general trend among politicians who move into spacious Lutyens bungalows in Delhi as ministers is to ensure that their children are married in style before their term ends. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal who was voted out of Delhi government on February 8 this year after a three-term stint may have planned well for that; he did not expect to lose power. He was voted out as he built a “Sheeshmahal” for himself and failed to deliver on promises that had disillusioned voters. Yet, he ensured that his daughter Harshita is married off in style. Never mind the propriety of it all. Or else how does one explain that within two months of losing power, Kejriwal was back in the news in connection with Harshita’s wedding with Sambhav Jain, her batch mate from IIT Delhi. What raised eyebrows was the manner in which the wedding and other ceremonies were held at the Kapurthala House, the official residence of Punjab CM in Delhi. Apparently four different events were held. The jaimala and reception were both solemnised at Kapurthala House. A day before the wedding, the engagement ceremony was held at Shangri-La hotel in Delhi on April 17. A video of Kejriwal and his wife Sunita dancing to Pushpa 2 songs has been doing the rounds on X. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, in his tweet, took a dig at CM Bhagwant Mann for the manner in which Kapurthala House had morphed into a ‘marriage palace of eminence’…before Kejriwal’s daughter’s marriage, AAP MP Raghav Chadha’s pre-wedding ceremonies with actor Parineeti Chopra had been held at the same venue in May 2023. It’s just a matter of time before CM Mann decides to monetise Kapurthala House” — a model of ‘kranti’ to earn revenue by bankrupt Punjab for solemnising marriages — in Khaas Aadmi style.
The electoral victory of former cricketer Yusuf Pathan from Baharampur rekindled the long-standing debate over whether celebrity status alone could shape an effective politician. Pathan, a political novice, was fielded by the Trinamool Congress (TMC)—reportedly at Abhishek Banerjee’s behest—and went on to defeat Congress heavyweight Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. However, his silence during unrest in Murshidabad led to criticism of his political detachment. A social media post of him sipping tea amid tensions drew backlash, highlighting concerns about celebrity MPs’ lack of engagement. This reflected a broader trend of celebrities being fielded for name recognition or to balance party equations, often without expectations of long-term political commitment. While some like Kirti Azad transitioned successfully, others faded from active roles. TMC’s Satabdi Roy, Dev, June Maliah, Sayoni Ghosh, and BJP’s Locket Chatterjee, Agnimitra Paul showed sustained dedication. Conversely, Moon Moon Sen and Sandhya Roy won seats but failed to leave a mark. BJP stars Hema Malini and Sunny Deol also faced absenteeism charges. Among Pathan’s cricketing peers, Lakshmi Ratan Shukla exited politics; Manoj Tiwary, despite a ministerial post, remained largely inactive. BJP’s Ashok Dinda, however, stayed visible. Though TMC defended Yusuf, arguing that the unrest occurred in a Congress MP’s area, even party insiders admitted only a few celebrities remained actively engaged. BJP’s Dilip Ghosh remarked that most celebrities joined politics for perks, not service. CPM’s Mohammed Salim emphasized that real leadership demanded grassroots work and personal sacrifice—values rarely found overnight.
The AIADMK supremo Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) could not have asked for more. Every wish of his was granted by the BJP that was seeking an alliance in Tamil Nadu with a major party at any cost. The first concession that EPS made in return was in withdrawing the case against Sasikala’s nephew TTV Dhinakaran that he had filed at the height of the battle for the party and its ‘Two Leaves’ legacy symbol. This is the first sign that some sort of rapprochement might come about between EPS and his bete noire O Panneerselvam, who has stood by Sasikala. It is, however, unlikely that any of the Sasikala clan and cronies will be allowed back into the party. At most, they may be accommodated in the seats that the BJP gets from AIADMK. Earlier, the BJP had empowered EPS after it became known that Vijay was bent upon going into his poll debut on his own with his fledgling TVK. EPS and his party have been named the leaders of the grand coalition that the BJP was desperate to cobble together to take on the DMK that has further entrenched its position by being a fierce voice of opposing the ruling national party. Former BJP TN chief Annamalai may have fought tooth and nail to improve the party’s vote share in the Lok Sabha polls but BJP had to ditch him to get EPS on its side. Today, EPS is bold enough to state that there will be no coalition government in TN even if the alliance wins a majority even though Amit Shah had hinted at a sharing of power in the state.
PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Look South’ policy may see former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai’s induction as Union cabinet minister (Rajya Sabha) or general secretary of southern states (TN, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala) like Hemanta Biswa Sarma took charge of North Eastern states. Three-time MLA, N Narendran, elected as AIAIDMK MLA twice under Amma’s tenure, turned BJP president of TN playing a crucial role for fostering improved coalition relationship with his former party. Similarly, four to five state BJP presidents are likely to be replaced before BJP announces its national president by the end of this month. Manoharlal Khattar, Bhupinder Yadav are still front-runners for post, even as Manoj Sinha, Dharmendra Pradhan candidatures were seriously considered. Consultations with RSS next week will finalise the name of the next incumbent. An open secret in BJP that Shah effectively was backseat driving BJP’s politics even while JP Nadda held the post, adding grist to rumour mills over his candidature for presidential responsibility. His holding crucial ministries (Home and Cooperation) is the only hitch. Next incumbent will lead BJP’s election juggernaut at the 2029 general elections so appointment will require persuasion of the Hindutva brigade. Pertinent to note here, Nadda was RSS prerogative in 2014 when PM Modi imposed Shah as national president. Shah’s heightened activity of addressing Parliament, visits to Maharashtra, Kashmir and West Bengal on a single day exposed the fact that he runs BJP’s national politics as de facto president. The May-June cabinet reshuffle may see BJP leaders from Bihar elevated with an eye on the forthcoming state assembly elections.
A dog biting a man (and not vice versa), hit the headlines in Maharashtra reflecting on the way things have changed these days. A stray dog bit Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide, who heads the Shivpratishthan Hindustan. As the octogenarian Bhide, hit the hospital for treatment, the Sangli local municipal corporation launched a massive drive against stray dogs on the streets of Sangli. News channels not just reported about the dog bite and the resultant campaign but they also zoomed in visual shots of that particular dog that had bitten Bhide and had led to the furore in town. Some reports even suggested that the local civic administration had been working zealously overnight for almost 36 hours to track the particular dog that had bit the Hindutva leader, even as they detained some 10-12 dogs in the process. All this ado was enough to spark much sardonic commentary from the political class in the state. While Congress legislator Vijay Waddetiwar demanded a SIT inquiry be instituted on why a loyal animal like dog knew not whom he bit. Jitendra Awhad hoped that dogs in his area had the sense to bite some VIP in order to get the authorities to act. An advocate from Ulhasnagar, Jai Gaikwad offered to adopt the canine for his deed. Incidentally, this incident comes on the heels of the controversy over the statue of the pet dog of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Waghya, installed near Raigad Fort. While a scion of Shivaji had been demanding its removal citing no historical evidence about the dog’s existence, Bhide has been vociferous to let the dog’s statue be retained. Clearly, the Sangli stray dog did not know Bhide’s love and support for his fellow dog.
No surprises here in this election but it did create a record. For the 9th consecutive time Naveen Patnaik was re-elected as the President of Biju Janata Dal. So, will he herald a change in governance style considering that the party got a severe drubbing both in the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections? It is public knowledge that there is a murmur of protests, growing factionalism especially at the district level. The challenge is how to ensure the party regains its pristine glory? Is it possible? Yes and no. The immediate task is to resolve the factionalism at the district level including certain select senior levels. This issue assumes importance because as of now there is no clarity who will serve as BJD’s District Presidents. Sources within the party opine that the state executive committee of BJD will now pave the way to restructure the party’s from the grassroot level which will include women, students and youth. Patnaik will need to pick future leaders to lead the party in all districts. The need of the hour is to manage the internal dynamics of the party wherein communication cascading and party discipline will play an important role. All in all, what seems apparent is Patnaik’s man Friday VK Pandian who has been under the radar is back in the play. He continues to serve Naveen babu in a personal capacity and looks after his master’s health needs. Pandian continues to play albeit a significant role in advisory capacity to Patnaik but ensuring no direct intervention with the party bigwigs.
Maharashtra’s political scene is abuzz with renewed discussion on the possibility of the two Thackeray cousins coming together. After MNS leader Raj Thackeray gave such an indication, he received a positive response from Uddhav. Both have said that the interests of Maharashtra are paramount and not any personal grouses. Raj sent out this feeler in an informal TV chat with producer actor Mahesh Manjrekar two days ago. Within hours, Uddhav also responded by claiming that there was no quarrel as such. The discussion has been revised in view of the coming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election since it will determine the fate of the Shiv Sena under Uddhav as well as MNS led by Raj. In the recent assembly election, both Senas had performed dismally, creating a question mark about their future. Several top leaders from the Sena (UBT) have joined either the BJP or the Shiv Sena led by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde after the assembly election. If and when the two Thackeray cousins come together, a formidable pro-Marathi political combination can emerge, in Mumbai-Thane belt at least. Over the past week, Raj has spearheaded a campaign to oppose teaching of Hindi in primary schools in the state. Afterwards, the Sena (UBT) also joined the chorus. Hence Sainiks from both the Senas are awaiting any specific signal. Senior leaders from both sides argue that there should not be any problem in uniting on the issue of Maharashtra’s interests. This has revived the shake hand talk.
Top Congress leader Sangram Thopate’s decision to join the BJP has dealt a severe blow to the party not just in Pune district but in the state as well. Elected on behalf of the Congress ticket thrice, Thopate lost the recent assembly election. Thopate’s father Anantrao was a staunch Congress worker who had always opposed the domination of his foe Sharad Pawar, who was in the Congress till 1999. Pawar’s efforts to pose a challenge to senior Thopate in Bhor assembly constituency in the district had not been successful. After Anantrao’s demise, Sangram donned the mantle and experienced similar difficulties. So much so that he was never made a minister in Maharashtra. His humiliation was unbearable when his claim to become state assembly speaker was ignored by the high command after then incumbent Nana Patole resigned the post suddenly. Owing to Pawar’s strategy, the Congress party has not been able to influence Pune district’s politics. Still, a handful leaders like Thopate have tried their best to stall Pawar’s monopoly but the Congress party has never acknowledged their single-handed battle. Only recently, former Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar in Pune had joined the Shiv Sena led by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. Even then, the Congress party had remained silent. Exasperated by such treatment, Thopate has announced his decision to join the BJP, rendering the Congress still weaker in the district which was once upon a time its stronghold.
Karma has its own way of catching up with transgressions and calculated hurt strategies. Nearly 10 days have passed since K Ponmudy, senior DMK leader made his kamasutra speech insulting not just women but a religious sect and devotional symbols of the so-called majority. Hindus, especially Brahmins have been silently suffering this outrage as they lack unity and as always expect the state law and order machinery to come to their rescue. They were lucky. A Madras High Court Judge was not going to watch this hate attitude passively. Even as Ponmudy’s disproportionate wealth case came up for hearing, this HC Judge took up this “lewd comment” issue which went viral. A weak apology was tendered…“it happened without thinking, it won’t happen again,” said Ponmudy. The HC Judge said, “it is like an arrow that has already left the bow…but no action taken so far…that is worrying.” Such talk by any other person would have erupted into a rash of cases, and he put the video on view for all to see. If action is not taken immediately, officers shall face contempt. Interestingly, the Tamil Nadu DGP did not appear but Advocate General PS Raman was in his place. Even as opposition and political leaders protested and thundered at this bias, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin who stripped him of all his powers and suspended him, is said to have called Ponmudy to his room at the Assembly and warned him to lie low, and see this storm through. As you sow, you shall reap.
Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray has undertaken a sustained plan to rejuvenate the organisation buffeted by continuous desertions by loyal Sainiks over the past two years. Initially, the campaign will focus on Mumbai since the existence of the Sena under him will depend upon who controls the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the richest civic body in India. The Sena (UBT) has been heading the BMC since 1985. On the other hand, the ruling BJP is equally determined to wrest the control from Uddhav, who is its enemy number one at present. Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde has been supplementing the BJP’s planning to end the hold of Uddhav in a bid to avenge the treatment he received when he was with him till 2022. As larger planning, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray is periodically wooed to help the saffron alliance to decimate Uddhav. Assessing the situation, Uddhav has decided to activate his lieutenants to launch efforts to inject new life into the organisation whose soul is the Sainik at the local level. According to the data compiled by Uddhav, there are over 50000 Sainiks and Shakha Pramukhs who are loyal to him and eager to reestablish the Sena’s hold in Mumbai. Over the past few weeks, he has been liaising with the rank and file so as to give shape to the strategy he will adopt for the BMC polls, likely to take place after the monsoon this year.
“We are Hindus, not Hindi,” thunders Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray. Reason: the government’s decision to make Hindi compulsory along with Marathi from the first standard in English medium schools. Though the move has started evoking protesting murmurs, major political parties have adopted a cautious stand till now. Just a few days after supporting chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wholeheartedly, the MNS leader has surprised his followers once more by opposing teaching Hindi in primary schools. Only a few weeks earlier, Raj had asked his workers to deal with those bank employees unable to speak Marathi. The stir was withdrawn after incidents of MNS workers assaulting bank staff over the issue of Marathi started spiralling. Although Raj has now declared his opposition to introducing Hindi, his wavering policy will make those with him wary. Expressing his opposition, he has warned the ruling alliance that MNS will stand by Hindutva but not imposition of Hindi. BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar has advised Raj to first understand the government policy details in this regard. Raj will be sent a copy of the National Education Policy, which he should study before making any statements against it, Shelar has said. Interestingly, Raj and Shelar are old friends. Even when the ties between the BJP and MNS were strained, Shelar was the conduit to keep the dialogue open between the two sides. Hence, how Raj proceeds with his opposition will be watched by the BJP.
West Bengal may be in hot spot over violence in Murshidabad where Hindus were targeted by mobs protesting over the Waqf Act. However, the news of senior BJP leader and a veteran RSS hand Dilip Ghosh’s marriage has brought a lot of smiles. There has been a flood of wishes for him. Many BJP leaders went to his house in a group on April 18 to wish him well. Among them were state president Sukanta Majumdar and Mahila Morcha general secretary Locket Chatterjee. However, no one knows yet whether Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari will visit Dilip’s house or not. Dilip-Suvendu relationship is not very ‘smooth’. Incidentally, Saturday, April 19 is Dilip’s birthday. Although his birthday is officially shown as August 1. But Dilip’s close friends say that his ‘real’ birthday is April 19. Dilip himself is completely against ‘celebrating’ any occasion with pompousness. Dilip turned 60 last year. Ever since his decision to marry has been on the social media, Dilip himself has been indifferent to it. According to sources close to Dilip, when he was a little depressed after losing the last Lok Sabha elections, Rinku was the one who proposed to him to start a family. A divorcee and housewife, with a son who works in the IT sector, Dilip initially did not agree to the marriage. She admits Dilip took three months, mainly after his mother’s insistence, to decide. A section in the Sangh wasn’t keen that Dilip should get married. Two members of the Sangh had even gone to Dilip’s house! However, Dilip was adamant on his decision. Finally, on April 18, Dilip became a ‘samsari’.
In a calculated political offensive ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly opposed the Centre’s proposed Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, positioning herself as a defender of minority rights. Speaking at a meeting with Muslim clerics and community leaders, she asserted that the bill threatens religious freedoms and undermines constitutional values. The move is widely seen as an attempt by the Trinamool Congress to solidify its traditional Muslim support base, which accounts for nearly 30% of the state’s electorate and holds sway in key districts like Murshidabad, Malda, and North Dinajpur. Banerjee framed the proposed law as part of the BJP-led government’s broader agenda to interfere in religious matters and weaken India’s pluralistic framework. However, internally, the TMC remains divided over the strategy. While some leaders view the issue as an opportunity to reinforce the party’s core vote bank amid the BJP’s intensifying Hindutva campaign, others express concern that an overt focus on religious identity could alienate moderate and secular voters. Meanwhile, Mamata’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the TMC of leveraging communal narratives for political mileage. On the other hand, Mamata’s ability to appeal to the Muslim vote comes at a cost for Congress and the Left, who have traditionally relied on Muslim support in Bengal. The Left, in particular, has faced criticism for failing to effectively challenge Mamata’s rising influence among the Muslim community.
When businessman Robert Vadra appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for the second day in a row on April 16 in connection with the Gurugram land case, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s public display of affection (PDA) was evident as she stepped out of her car and gave a warm hug to her husband. Later, as the probing agency began questioning Vadra, she sat in the waiting room at the ED headquarters. Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the ED for questioning in a 2008 Haryana land deal, linked to a money laundering case. It was interesting to see Priyanka rush back from her foreign trip to be with her husband. Only last week she had skipped the extended Congress Working Committee meet held in Ahmedabad on April 8. Earlier, on April 4, she hadn’t participated in the Waqf Bill debate in the Lok Sabha. The party explained that Priyanka had to travel abroad, presumably the UK, to visit an ailing friend. Party leaders feel Priyanka should have at least attended the Ahmedabad CWC meet — something that was planned since January 2025. But then sources say Priyanka increasingly found both her mother Sonia and brother Rahul were not giving her much space in the organisation. They were not elevating her as working president or secretary- general. The Muslim League, the Congress ally in Kerala had protested against Priyanka’s absence during the Waqf Bill debate as she is Wayanad MP. Congress sources said if Priyanka is not given her due in the organisation by her family, the party could face consequences in the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala. Interestingly, Robert Vadra felt ED investigations against him had gathered pace only because he was speaking up for the minorities.
Two months after President’s rule was imposed in Manipur, West Bengal’s Murshidabad riots converted Hindu families into refugees pouring in exodus to neighbouring Malda district. Possibilities of imposition of Central rule in West Bengal have turned probable now as mobs of masked (mostly juvenile delinquents) carried out coordinated attacks upon the majority community. Hindu homes were targeted with stones, sticks, sickles by rampaging mobs threatening mass rapes of women in the TMC administered state. They were apparently only venting anger over amendments to the Waqf Board law legislated by the Indian parliament last week. On Friday (Apr 12), right after Muslim congregations offered prayers, coordinated protests were witnessed across Mamata Didi’s West Bengal followed by the targeted Murshidabad terror attacks upon Hindu families that continued well into Saturday. Highly placed sources tell shortpost.in there is clear and present danger of West Bengal being engulfed in communal frenzy as part of the tool kit being perpetrated from across the borders (from Bangladesh and Pakistan). “The BJP led Central government bit the bullet in Manipur, sacking its own party CM Birendra Singh, imposition of President’s rule there. West Bengal is steadily deteriorating over Mamata Didi’s reluctance to act against Muslim hardliner elements (including illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingya immigrants) comprising her core voter base,” sources reveal adding, “For long the possibility of WB’s balkanization into north and south Bengal over communal fault-lines has loomed large. Central rule may become the only option to prevent disintegration of India’s Bhalo Bhashi state. “The Calcutta High Court also ordered immediate deployment of central forces in Murshidabad district. after the incidents of widespread violence, vandalism and arson in the region over the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.
Telangana Congress leaders wonder if the new AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan will do them any good. Natarajan replaces Deepa Das Munshi, who is now in-charge of election-bound Kerala. Deepa who helped to bring Congress to power in 2023, faced the brunt of factionalism. The house for which Telangana PCC was paying rent for Deepa in Hyderabad had even become a subject of controversy. In contrast Telangana Congress workers admit that Natarajan is completely low-maintenance. “There hasn’t been much of a lifestyle change in her since she began her career in the Congress two decades ago — when she used to commute by three-wheelers for party work. She has opted to stay in MLA guest house whenever she visits Hyderabad,” said a Telangana Congress leader. She apparently insists on meeting all leaders including ministers in the party headquarters. And dissuades party people from receiving her at the airport. Yet no one is sure if her down-to-earth activism will be able to tame chief minister Revanth Reddy as he didn’t seem to be bothered about Meenakshi. Many Congress leaders wished the party had a high-ranking leader, say a former CMs like Digvijay Singh or Bhupesh Baghel as in-charge of Telangana. However, since Rahul Gandhi is comfortable only with those close or loyal to him, he has opted for Natarajan. Of course, for the past two months Natarajan has been maintaining an equi-distance from all factions and sent a strong message to the party heads that party cadres should get highest respect as it was on their sacrifices that the party came to power.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin is a “stated atheist” though his wife Durga is an entrenched devotee of the Hindu pantheon. Even those who cluck at this family dichotomy admit that right now the stars, satellites, Gods and The Economist are all smiling at him. The UK-based news magazine, The Economist in its April 4 edition has posted a very objective piece on the “delimitation” plan of the Centre after the census. For those who are yet to catch up with this constitutional upheaval, if this delimitation is implemented, TN and the four peninsular states except AP along with Punjab may lose representation in Parliament due to the success of their family planning efforts. And the overpopulated Hindi heartland states with their bursting demography and low living standards may benefit by getting an increased number of MPs in the Lok Sabha. Stalin was the first off the block to form a Joint Action Committee to vociferously protest this plan…a move that has earned him the admiration of the Southern states. As it is he is battling the “imposition” of Hindi in TN. Even Home Minister Amit Shah’s reassurance “Southern states will get a fair share” has been dubbed by Stalin as vague and not substantial. The icing on the cake came with the Supreme Court’s verdict questioning the Governor’s role …stymying and stalling bills passed in the Assembly. TN is currently on top in many growth indices, a key contributor to the national economy, its share being 9.21% to the country’s GDP in 23-24. After being elected in 2021 with a significant majority, Stalin has often voiced his dream of making TN a $1 trillion economy by 2030… but has he laid a strong foundation?
Union minister Amit Shah’s 2-day Mumbai visit has posed more problems for the ruling 3-party Mahayuti alliance than it has solved, it seems. Shah visited Raigad Fort to pay tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Later he held discussions with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and both DCMs, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, together and separately. Within minutes of his departure, social media platforms were abuzz with posts that Shinde had complained to Shah that the departments allotted to his party were not obtaining financial provisions. While Shinde has kept mum about this, Ajit Pawar, who holds the finance portfolio, has explained that nothing of the sort has happened. Pawar said he had accompanied Shah throughout the latter’s visit and was not aware of Shinde complaining to the top leader. Significantly, Fadnavis, too, has not commented on the posts. After the Raigad Fort visit, Shah lunched at the residence of NCP (Ajit) leader Sunil Tatkare, who is among the main adversaries of the Shiv Sena led by Shinde in Raigad district. His daughter Aditi is a cabinet minister while Shinde’s ardent supporter Bharat Gogawale from the district is still awaiting a ministership. Shah’s visit was expected to unravel the complication. Instead, leaders from both sides have started coming out with their own versions, once again creating an impression that the Mahayuti is still struggling to iron out its internal wrinkles.
The next Chief Justice of India is tipped to be Justice Bhushan Gavai, who started his legal career from Amaravati in Maharashtra. He is the son of veteran parliamentarian late Ramkrishna Gavai. According to indications available here, Gavai will be administered the oath of office on 14 May when present CJI Sanjeev Khanna retires. He is due to retire on 23 November 2025. Born on 24 November 1960, Gavai started practising in Mumbai High Court. For some time, he was junior to senior lawyer Raja Bhosale, who later worked as a HC judge for some time. Gavai was first appointed as a judge at the Nagpur bench of the HC and later elevated to the Supreme Court on 24 May 2019. Gavai has been known for many of his landmark judgments, especially those upholding fundamental rights. He will head the judiciary soon after earlier Maharashtra jurist DY Chandrachud, retired. While his father, YV Chandrachud, was CJI, Gavai’s father RS Gavai was a member of the Maharashtra legislature as well as Parliament of India. He also functioned as governor of Bihar, Sikkim and Kerala. Justice Gavai initiated some new trends in the Apex Court. For instance, he fixed one day every week for hearing public interest litigations. Gavai’s criticism of the government on deploying bulldozers to raze properties of some of the accused in Uttar Pradesh had proved to be an eye opener.
Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde currently enjoys a special place at the ruling BJP’s table, thanks to the key role he is scheduled to play in the forthcoming crucial BMC polls for them. A straight victory has evaded the BJP in the Rs 59,000-crore budget civic body till date. Politically too, winning the BMC polls for BJP has become crucial since dislodging Uddhav Thackeray from here would truly deliver a big blow to the Uddhav Thackeray Sena and decimate them. Not surprisingly, Amit Shah held a one-on-one with Eknath Shinde at Mumbai for a good half an hour without his own chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in attendance. Shinde has already got down to the task at hand and has been poaching Uddhav’s key supporters quite regularly. Shinde is using the opportunity to get his way around too. Shinde’s men have started grumbling about budgetary cuts introduced by the finance minister Ajit Pawar that have impacted their ministries. Shinde, who had funded many welfare schemes while as a CM, finds many of his schemes being curtailed, folded up or ignored by the Fadnavis government. His pet scheme, the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, still continues, albeit with many restrictions. Shinde also has Sanjay Raut breathing down his neck, comparing him to a goat with nowhere to go and awaiting his butchering. Unlike the Ajit Pawar’s of NCP, who have warmed up to each other, the Sena factions continue to a collision drive breathing fire and fury against each other.
It was clearly a day of hard work and some tough negotiations. Success came at the end of hours of backroom negotiations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has networked and negotiated several alliances on behalf of the BJP, may have never spent more than a day to finalise the agreement, has been working on the fine details of the pact with AIADMK for nearly two days. Initially there was anxiety that Shah’s presser that was originally scheduled to be held by noon got delayed by a few hours. He held a wide range of consultations with Thuglak editor S Gurumurthy. He was determined to secure an alliance with AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) before he left Chennai; his tenacity paid off. He wanted to make sure that the AIADMK and the BJP contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as part of the NDA alliance. He also ensured that when he announced the AIADMK-BJP pact, both the Gounder leaders — EPS and Annamalai — were present with him. “This election will be led nationally by Narendra Modi and in Tamil Nadu by EPS and AIADMK,” Shah said. Shah also made it clear that EPS had not made any pre-conditions. He pointed out that the AIADMK has been part of the NDA since 1998, and that PM Modi and former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had worked together in the past. Even though he didn’t specify, Shah made it clear that EPS would be the Chief Ministerial candidate for the alliance. Avoiding any question on Annamalai’s future role, Shah made it clear that he did not want any speculation about it now. “As of now he is by my side.” Whatever may be the details of the alliance, at the end of the day a happy EPS was hosting dinner for Amit Shah.
With Home Minister Amit Shah in Chennai sort of overseeing transition in Tamil Nadu BJP from K Annamalai to Nainar Nagendran ahead of state assembly polls next year and ensuring sealing of the AIADMK-BJP alliance, there were ripples in the DMK over sexist and anti-Hindu utterances of a senior party functionary and forest minister K Ponmudy. A video clip of his derogatory remarks made on April 6 had gone viral. While senior leader and Udhayanidhi loyalist, Duraimurugan refused to sign a letter sacking Ponmudy from party post, it was left to TN chief minister MK Stalin to sign the order stripping Ponmudy of party post. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Shiva replaced Ponmudy. It is being said Stalin was advised to take action against Ponmudy by his religious minded wife Durga as his anti-Hindu remarks were found very offensive. Interestingly, the person who first flagged the protest against sexist remarks of Ponmudy in the family was Stalin’s sister and DMK MP Kanimozhi. In a X post, Kanimozhi hit out at Ponmudi and said his remarks were unacceptable. Meanwhile Duraimurugan issued an apology for calling “Divyangs” as handicapped and speaking irresponsibly. However, what these random changes in the DMK indicate is that discontent against Udhayanidhi and the other influential relative (Stalin’s son-In-law is bound to grow in the run-up to assembly elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah are looking South now to replicate their winning ‘Look East’ political gambit from North East India. BJP leader K Annamalai, their go to man for the job, may be appointed Chief of four southern states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana just like Assam CM Hemanta Biswa was entrusted seven sisters (states) comprising the NE region of India. Annamalai, while securing 4 lakh votes lost Coimbatore’s Lok Sabha seat in 2024, tendered resignation as BJP Tamil Nadu president after Shah’s TN visit stitched up political alliance encompassing AIADMK factions, rival Shashikala grouping (including former CM J Jayalalitaa’s adopted, then disowned son VN Sudhakaran). Amma’s medically unfit companion Shashikala endorsed nephew Sudhakaran as her party’s face even as BJP broadens its voter base by emphasizing politically influential ‘Thevar’ community. BJP went with Annamalai’s political ‘going solo’ advisory to register 11% of TN’s voter preference while DMK secured 40% to storm the state assembly. BJP now seeks to leverage its voter base alongside the 20% voter preference for AIADMK factions and Shashikala’s ‘Thevar’ community that had elevated late GK Moopanar in TN’s Congress ruled dispensation of the 90s. Superstar Vijay’s new political party TVK will eat into DMK’s vote-bank helping BJP. Senior BJP leader Mahendra Jain says, “Annamalai’s political elevation, like Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s, is a given although he may personally be unaware of the dynamic political development within the party just like ‘Mamaji’ was, till appointment to head all development projects by PM Modi for India. Annamalai’s name also figures now in the list of potential National BJP Presidential candidates.”
The crucial role played by the illustrious Maharashtra police officer Sadanand Date, who belongs to the 1990 IPS batch, has been recalled by his colleagues and admirers in bringing back Pakistan-born terrorist Tahawwur Rana. Presently the National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief, Date had arranged and implemented the hanging of Ajmal Kasab in Pune’s Yerawada jail. The execution of the entire plan was so secret that then Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde was perhaps the only person outside the team that took Kasab to Pune from Mumbai’s Arthur Road prison for the final moment. Date has been known as an upright officer, famous for his physical fitness and clean image. He is due for retirement on 31 December 2026. Before taking over as NIA chief, Date headed the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Maharashtra. Date was among those who were injured on the night of 26 November 2008 during the Pakistani terror attack on Mumbai. When Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail, two of the attackers, were showering bullets at south Mumbai’s Cama hospital, Date rushed to the spot with a small contingent. Although others were injured, Date alone fought with the terrorists for over 40 minutes. He was gravely injured after a grenade was thrown at him. Thanks to Date’s courage, several people could escape and save their lives. Date is now heading the NIA, which is masterminding the prosecution of Tahawwur Rana. It is believed that his meticulous building up of the case against the 26/11 plotter will pass the judicial scrutiny and Rana will be sent to the gallows soon.
The late sixties Western movie, The Good, The Bad And The Ugly starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef made it into a cult classic. Can Tamil movie’s popular star Ajith repeat this style and panache? Already Tamil media is referring to his just released movie Good Bad Ugly as GBU. As always there was the usual Ajith fan mania, with music, drums and fan craze. Pre bookings were full and frenetic. Imagine a minister from the DMK government in Tuticorin cutting a cake and celebrating in the cinema hall with her throng of followers. Yes, that’s right…Geetha Jeevan, minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, celebrated Ajith’s film in style. Aadik Ravichandran directed Good Bad Ugly has Trisha, Arjun Das and Prasanna in supporting roles with GV Prakash scoring the music. Ajith films for years had pure Tamil titles like Paramasivan, Kreedam, Valimai, Vidaamuyarchi, Nerkonda Paarvai, Thunivu. Red in 2002 was the only film not titled in Tamil. Now, after a gap of 23 years, Thala has a film titled stylishly in English. There is an interesting story behind this…director Aadik had started shooting, yet had not found a catchy title. Ajith casually asked him what’s movie’s title? The director told him, I am really fishing around for one but all that I can say is the film has three episodes. Pat came Ajith’s response…why not Good Bad and Ugly? It is still too early to judge the movie as Good, Bad or even Ugly but for Ajith’s fans he film’s logic or creative excellence does not matter. For them seeing Thala on the screen is enough especially as they feared that his second profession, car racing would put paid to his filmi career.
A significant internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalated, marked by the abrupt cancellation of a key disciplinary meeting in the West Bengal Assembly. This cancellation, despite prior notices, signalled a deepening party crisis, attributed to the burgeoning tensions and power struggles among senior MPs. The disciplinary committee meeting was intended to address the issue of absenteeism among MLAs, with threats of stern action against over 30 absentee MLAs, including ministers like Manoj Tiwari, during the final two days of the Budget Session. The meeting, intended to address MLA absenteeism, was postponed indefinitely by chairman Shovandeb Chattopadhyay. The catalyst was a public attack by MP Kalyan Banerjee against Saugata Roy, Kirti Azad and Mahua Moitra accusing them of unethical conduct. Banerjee’s personal accusations referenced past controversies involving Roy’s involvement in the Narada sting operation and Moitra’s suspension from Parliament. Prior to Banerjee’s outburst, Moitra reportedly sent a complaint to party chief Mamata Banerjee. Kalyan Banerjee alleged Moitra attempted to have him arrested. Moitra’s camp denied this, claiming she sought security assistance after verbal harassment. Saugata Roy publicly supported Moitra, criticizing Banerjee for overstepping his authority. Banerjee retaliated, labelling Roy “a man with no character.” The disciplinary meeting’s cancellation was seen as a strategic retreat amid this chaos. Party sources acknowledged that disciplining MLAs would be counterproductive while MPs publicly flouted discipline. An insider stated that any action now would only embolden others to question the central leadership. All eyes are on Mamata Banerjee’s response, whether it involves public statements, suspensions, or internal reshuffling.
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Editor’s Note: Short Post Noticed By People Who Matter
Four years have zipped by and we are crossing another milestone on 31st January 2025 – it’s our 4th Anniversary. It feels good.
Looking back at the 1460 days, I must say Short Post has made its mark with people who matter via 4000 stories published in the areas of politics, business, entertainment and sports. All made possible by the unflinching commitment and dedication of our senior editors, most of whom have been part of this journey from Day One.
Small pack, big impact is in essence the story of Short Post which was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. It shows our conviction. In all humility, I can say, we have created a new niche in the news segment space like Hindustan Unilever which created a new segment, when it launched CloseUp Gel.
Yes, we have created a brand (in a limited sense), created demand (readers) and created supply (senior journalists). But we are facing teething problems like all start-ups. What makes us happy and confident is the recognition of our efforts. For instance, we have an arrangement with the OPEN Magazine, part of the $4.5 billion Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka-RPG Group. This arrangement sees around 10 Short Post stories posted on OPEN Magazine website every week. This arrangement is testimony that our content has been well received! Also, I may add that the Maharashtra government has recognised Short Post and has allowed our senior editor to cover the Assembly sessions. Ditto: Odisha.
Our goal is to ensure that Short Post becomes a habit. I would like people to keep checking their smartphones to know the latest Authentic Gossip. As regards AI and the fear of it disrupting all businesses including media. On that, personally, I have no such fear as I am confident AI cannot smell news particularly Authentic Gossip. That’s the place we are well entrenched.