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There are two more Tests to go against New Zealand in the ongoing three-Test series, but like against England — which won the first Test in Hyderabad before losing in Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamshala — the Rohit Sharma led home team will go to Pune 0-1 with a hope of causing a turnaround from the second Test. India has not lost a Test to New Zealand in 36 years and so the eight wicket defeat will hurt its players. New Zealand’s fast bowlers exposed the Indian batters’ vulnerability against speed and bounce on a pitch that was not really a deck for the fast bowlers. England chose rookie spinners left arm Tom Hartley and off-spinner Shoaib Bashir because of their height and skill and in Bengaluru — where India held a 3-0 record against New Zealand’s tall fast bowlers Tim Southee, Matt Henry and William O’ Rourke — brought down India to 46 in the first inning and took the last seven wickets in the second for a mere 54 runs. India has now lost one Test each to Australia, England and New Zealand at home in the last three years, it will be hard pressed to make the ICC World Test Championship final if it does not win the big points in Pune and Mumbai. Sharma made one mistake upon winning the toss and that was to bat. It has already cost India the first Test and if it does not show innovative ways to take wickets and some spunk while batting in the first inning, it may even face the prospect of going down in the series which will not be good augury travelling to Australia.
Not all is quiet in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) front, post its election defeat to BJP. Many within BJD put the blame on Naveen Patnaik for his blind faith reposed on his personal assistant VK Pandian, IAS officer from Tamil Nadu cadre. The man who was seen in every photo frame of Naveen Patnaik for over a decade now has gone off the grid post the election debacle. BJD insiders say though Pandian seems largely out of sight but he is not out of the picture. He continues to be Naveen babu’s eyes and ears and stealthily visits Naveen Nivas regularly. On his part, the former Odisha chief minister publicly acknowledged that “Pandian had served the state and party with utmost dedication, efficiency and integrity”. Sources say Pandian is like the late RK Dhawan, Indira Gandhi’s personal secretary, who knows too much and that perhaps explains why Patnaik continues to support him. Not surprisingly, his influence continued and led to more disgruntlement, dissensions and desertion within BJD. BJD’s former five time MP Prasanna Kumar Patasani who joined BJP says BJD has become a divided house because Pandian continues to guide BJD as he has Naveen babu’s protection. Patasani alleges that Pandian advised him not to raise the issue of conferring Bharat Ratna to Naveen’s father late Biju Patnaik in the Parliament earlier. Amidst all this finger pointing exercise many from BJD are crossing over to BJP.
For the first time in recent years, Tollywood has taken the Puja box office by storm in Bengal, outshining twin Bollywood releases. Three Bengali films — Srijit Mukherjee’s Tekka, starring and produced by superstar Dev, Shiboprasad Mukherjee-Nandita Roy’s Bahurupi, and Shastri, featuring veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty and Deboshree Roy—hit theatres on October 8 as a Durga Puja bonanza, and audiences flocked to cinemas, setting a new trend in festive box office dominance. Despite earlier scepticism, due to controversies and online trolls targeting Tollywood actors following the RG Kar incident, the three films delivered big time helping the industry recover from a difficult first half. It has been a tradition of releasing Bengali films during Durga Puja but RG Kar protests forced directors and producers to cancel trailer launches and promotions back in August. This led to disappointing collections for films like Raj Chakraborty’s Babli and Srijit’s Mrinal Sen’s biopic Padatik. The only notable box office success during that period was Prosenjit Chatterjee and Rituparna Sengupta’s 50th film, Ajogyo which crossed Rs 1 crore at national multiplexes. Bahurupi earned over Rs 3 crore in six days. In four days, Tekka achieved over 450 housefull shows making it the highest-grossing Puja release to date of Rs 2.75 crore. Trade analysts expect Tekka to surpass last year’s Puja hit, Dawshom Awbotaar which earned Rs3 crore in 10 days. Meanwhile, Shastri earned over Rs 1 crore. Bollywood’s two major releases Alia Bhatt’s Jigra and Rajkummar Rao’s Vicky Vidya Ka Woo Wala Video earned Rs 2.5 crore each, significantly less than their Bengali counterparts.
If there is one formula for the success of its third term in Haryana that the BJP would most likely use in Maharashtra assembly polls, it would be having a very limited campaign of its star campaigner PM Modi. Unlike the previous strategy of carpet bombing the poll-bound states and Lok Sabha constituencies with Modi’s rallies in the run upto 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the party has begun to restrict the number of Modi’s rallies from Haryana elections. Party sources indicate that PM Modi would not be addressing more than half a dozen rallies and at best such rallies would be spread across different regions in the state. BJP sources pointed out that the CM face for Mahayuti was more or less settled at the Chandigarh NDA CMs meeting when PM Modi asked Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to move the resolution lauding the return of the BJP in Haryana for a third term. Shinde was picked for the honour even as Devendra Fadnavis who represents the BJP in Maharashtra was present. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar also attended the Chandigarh meeting. The NDA CMs conclave started immediately after the swearing-in ceremony of Nayab Singh Saini on October 17 in Chandigarh. There were 13 Chief Ministers and 16 deputy CMs belonging to the BJP and other NDA allies in attendance. Besides CMs of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, states like Bihar, Sikkim, Nagaland and Meghalaya had also put in their attendance.
This year’s biggest grosser Stree 2 has found its place in the numbers book as pure entertainment riding a spooky plot. This film’s highlight is Tamannaah Bhatia enticing fans with her Aaj ki Raat item number, bringing in repeat audiences just to see her dance. Her earlier film Jailor item number Noovu kaavalaa is still rocking the audience. Tamannaah has her place as a saleable star who raises no controversies, does her work and moves on. But she may not have realised the deep trouble she was getting into by signing on as Brand ambassador for the Mahadev HPZ Token App, which has now become a legal nightmare for its owner Saurabh Chandrakar. His App and role in the alleged illegal broadcast of the IPL competition has turned into a Rs 5000 crore lawsuit, with Viacom claiming Rs 100 crore loss. Tamannaah is alleged to be part of the promos and events and now the ED is determined to question all those connected with the scam. Travelling to Guwahati with her parents, the ravishing film star was subjected to 5 hours of questioning. It is not known how this captivating lady withstood the ED grilling (or how the ED faced her voltage). But her visit to the famous Mahashakti’s Tantric power temple of Kamakhya, dressed in a white kurta accompanied by her parents, made more news.
National media attention over the Haryana/J&K state assembly elections blindsided the rest of India from political goings on in neighbourhood Punjab. Fully fit CM Bhagwant Mann quietly reshuffled his cabinet of ministers stamping his authority in Punjab notwithstanding changing intra-party dynamics. Chetan Singh Jauramajra with nine portfolios to include Defense Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, Horticulture, mining and geology, water resources, conservation of soil and water got the pink slip. AAP’s Jalandhar MLA Mohinder Singh Bhagat (who had left AAP for BJP pastures) secured ministership and first three of these portfolios. Another newly inducted Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal got the remaining departments and a place in Punjab’s council of ministers. Another big loser in the political stakes was Anmol Gagan Maan who held Hospitality, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism & Cultural Affairs till CM Mann replaced him with another biggie, Tarunpreet Singh Sond allocating to him Gagan Maan’s portfolios and department of industries and commerce as well. In addition to these Sond also takes charge of rural development and panchayat departments that another downsized minister Lalit Singh Bhullar held till September 23. Local Government and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Balkar Singh lost his portfolios but not cabinet rank and will administer the Jails department of Punjab. Ravjot Singh became minister and took over his erstwhile portfolios. Hardeep Singh Mundian is another big new ministerial find for CM Mann and takes charge of housing and urban development (CM held portfolios) along with revenue, rehabilitation and Disaster Management (held by Brahm Shankar Jimpa, who also got the axe. Harjot Singh Bains also found induction as the new Information and Public Relations minister in last month’s reshuffle. Was CM Mann pre-empting a coup? Only time will tell.
Are we driven to autopilot mode? Encircled by artificial intelligence and social networks, it appears that we are pushed into autopilot mode. What is the way out? Mumbai-based Dwarakanath Soundararajan, who promoted Neurosymfony Technologies Ltd, has hit upon a unique solution. A software engineer with deep expertise in web application development and Machine Learning, he has launched a web app that offers much-needed pause — a space for intentional reflection and cultivating a healthy information diet. He has launched www.sphatika.cloud, a structured spiritual journal and deep-thinking web app. It is designed to help one track his/her life’s goals based on yogic principles, specifically the pancha kosha theory, focusing primarily on the Vijnanamaya kosha — The Wisdom Sheath. The app also encourages cultivation of other koshas through spiritual practices. Designed for individuals seeking personal growth and self-awareness, the app serves both as a tool for structured reflection and a guide for pursuing life’s dreams. Its unique blend of spiritual principles and goal-oriented journaling makes it an ideal companion for those who value introspection while striving to achieve tangible results in their lives. Graduated with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Texas at San Antonio, Soundararajan is now focused on creating a social network for spiritual health management.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has taken a lead over other major parties by declaring its first list of a hundred candidates for the coming Maharashtra assembly election. The party is expected to contest around 160 seats in the 288-member house. Even as the partners in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi have been haggling for their individual share of the seats, the BJP’s decision to come out with the first list is considered strategic. Already preparing for the election immediately after the Lok Sabha election was over, the party machinery is geared up to take on its adversaries. Significantly, the first list has few surprises as almost all the sitting MLAs have been asked to contest. The list is topped by deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. A somewhat surprising nominee is state BJP president Chandrakant Bawankule, who has been accommodated in the legislative council after he was refused the assembly opportunity in 2019. He is considered a loyal follower of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. A few days ago, there were murmurs that Gadkari’s loyalists were being side lined. Following some such news reports, a meeting between Gadkari and Fadnavis took place. Bawankule’s selection to fight for the assembly is considered as an adjustment. While the BJP candidates have gone into an overdrive, the hopefuls in other parties are still groping in the dark about their future. Their fate will be declared latest by Monday (Oct 21) evening, it is felt.
It is reportedly the fifth busiest airport by passenger traffic and aircraft movements in India. It is also the third busiest airport by international traffic. In 2023–24, it handled over 21 million passengers. Well, the Chennai International Airport is turning out to be hectic by the day. Handling such heavy traffic and facilitating customs processes prove a big challenge for the authorities. Well, the government is quite aware of this. The Ministry of Finance has decided to appoint approved valuers for assessing gold, silver, jewellery and precious stones at Chennai International Airport. It has already come out with a notification inviting nominations for a panel of valuers responsible for assaying and valuing precious items for both accompanied and unaccompanied passengers, as well as for issuing export certificates. The appointed valuers will also handle the valuation of seized or confiscated goods. One of the requirements for appointment is that they should be available at any time. Qualified assayers, valuers or jewellers affiliated with recognized associations are eligible for submitting applications. “The assayer/valuer is required to present himself /herself before any adjudicating authority / appellate authority/ courts to give the evidence/ produce the relevant records, as and when required,” it said. A valuable initiative, it appears!
In an interesting initiative, PM Modi has established a monitoring group chaired by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to focus on reviewing the implementation of various schemes announced by him, its budgetary provisions, subordinate legislation, and other critical infrastructure projects. The inaugural meeting of this newly formed group took place on October 18 at the PMO. The meeting saw participation from all secretaries to the GoI, including the Chairman of the Railway Board, who attended in a hybrid format. This group is set to convene monthly at the PMO in South Block. The group has been tasked to examine the announcements made by Modi and also assess projects for which the foundation stone has been laid by him. Besides, Chouhan will also communicate expectations of the PMO to relevant secretaries, especially if any project appears to be lagging or requires inter-ministerial support. Modi was reportedly worried about delays in the implementation of government schemes, highlighting these issues in closed-door meetings with secretaries and senior PMO officials. His proactive approach to governance suggests a commitment to ensuring that all government initiatives are executed in a timely and effective manner. The establishment of this monitoring group is widely interpreted as a response to these concerns. Involving Chouhan with more governance responsibilities also reveals that Modi has more plans for the BJP veteran from Madhya Pradesh than what the RSS envisions for him. The Sangh has been pitching for Chouhan who had a near record run of three plus terms as Madhya Pradesh CM as next BJP chief. With his involvement in both day-to-day administration and global affairs, Modi will surely have his say on who will head the BJP next.
Vishwajeet Kadam, who jolted the MVA alliance in the recent Parliamentary polls, is set to ruffle feathers again in the forthcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Kadam, who backed Congress rebel Vishal Patil to victory over the MVA’s official Sena nominee, now seems to have the backing of the Congress high command this time too. The message was sent loud and clear when Rahul Gandhi flew down on September 5 to unveil his father –Patangrao Kadam’s statue in the presence of the entire top brass of Congress and even NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar. The prominent positioning of rebel Vishal Patil MP on the dais at the event, between the state Congress and NCP chief — Nana Patole and Jayant Patil — signalled Vishwajeet’s insistence to have things work his way. The high-profile event estimated to cost over Rs 50 crore, with over 1.5 lakh people housed in a Rs 8 crore canopy spread over 20 acres, was also meant to pitch Vishwajeet for the top slot in state politics. The absence of Uddhav Thackeray from the event clearly signalled that the friction between the Congress and Sena, is here to stay. Currently, of the eight legislative assemblies in Sangli, only two are held with Congress. Another two seats are held with the BJP, which is keen to wrest control of the prosperous sugar belt. The Congress, which has sensed victory in Maharashtra, after emerging with the highest tally among MVA partners in the recent LS polls, is in no mood to relent to their coalition partners’ demands. The NCP has been tamed while the recalcitrant Uddhav is being ignored. The Congress which wants to play the big brother could give Vishwajeet a free hand to chart party’s revival in the state.
Caste dynamics has political formations of India in a tizzy for the imminent Haryana state assembly elections with the BJP set to also launch a new poll strategy to dampen the Congress dream of a clean sweep in the Nuh belt of the state along with others where the minority vote plays a dominant role. The AAP and Congress vowed to fight solo after the zero-voter verdict their alliance evoked in Delhi’s seven Lok Sabha constituencies, then kissed and yet, to make up. While AAP wants 10 seats, Congress is willing to part with only seven. The SP too wants seats to field candidates in Muslim proliferated constituencies. Congress believes minority votes will accrue to itself, particularly in three assembly constituencies in Nuh region dominated Muslim voters. Only former Congress CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda appears worried over his political future. The BJP too, worried over anti-incumbency, wants to buck the political tide and announced 16 OBC candidates, 13 from Jat community with 17 reserved SC seats. Though the OBC community is the majority voter segment in Haryana, Jat community always holds sway over political affairs be it the Lal clan troika (Bansi Lal, Devi Lal) or the Chautala clan among dominant segments of farmer leaders. The BJP elevated another community leader Kiran Choudhary to the Rajya Sabha and will also accommodate her daughter for state assemblies. Similarly, late Jat leader Ajit Singh’s son Jayant Choudhary was inducted into the NDA alliance for the Haryana assembly. The BJP has topped up its poll plans by clearing a slew of farmer packages in the state before the elections were notified in the state to include most of the crops sown in Haryana under the ambit of its MSP protection.
At a time when the Congress in Kerala had hit the streets against the CPI(M) for not letting go of its actor Kollam MLA M Mukesh against whom a rape case had been registered in the wake of the unveiling of the Justice Hema Committee report on the basis of complaint by an actress, allegations of casting couch in the Congress by a former party functionary and PSC member, Simi Rose Bell John, seemed to have come at an inopportune time. That is because Simi John did not get support from women leaders within the party who may have suffered at the hands of their male colleagues. The Congress top leadership as usual managed to push everything under the carpet and promptly expelled Simi John from the party to contain the damage of her “revelations”. However, the “casting couch in Congress” may have come as a brief relief to the Pinarayi Vijayan government that was battling with its LDF ally CPI, which also wanted MLA Mukesh to resign. In a statement, Kerala PCC described Simi John’s accusations as being aimed at mentally harassing and defaming lakhs of women leaders and workers in the Congress movement. It was felt Simi John may have been allegedly in collusion with political adversaries. She had alleged that only those close to the leadership get opportunities in the party. She also made it clear that women who have dignity and pride could no longer work in the party. Challenging the party to release evidence of the alleged conspiracy with the CPI(M), Simi fondly recalled her close bond with former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Kerala Congress leaders feel Simi’s outburst will not hit the party in the state.
Their dreams of seizing power or even sharing it long over, the BJP and AIADMK are fighting a turf war for second place in Tamil Nadu in a bitter manner. The language of exchange between the two parties has hit a nadir with BJP TN chief K Annamalai calling former CM Edappadi K Palaniswami a ‘frog in the well’ and an ‘ignoramus,’ among other things. Not to be outdone in verbal calisthenics, AIADMK leaders took potshots at Annamalai calling him ‘an octopus’ and ‘a leech’ and burning his effigies routinely until he left for the UK for a 3-month sabbatical to join the Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence programme. It is hard to imagine the two friendly parties in J Jayalalithaa’s time and officially allies after her death in 2016 for seven years till Sept 2023 could turn out to be such sworn rivals. The fight is for second place in TN behind the ruling DMK, which both parties are aspiring for in the 2026 assembly polls though the dynamics in those elections may be churned by the presence of superstar Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) that will be splashing its entry into state politics this month. With Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh releasing a commemorative Rs 100 coin for M Karunanidhi centenary in Chennai, the rumour mills are working overtime imagining secret pacts between BJP and DMK. As they say, anything is possible in politics, more so in TN.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar’s ambivalence regarding his relationship with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has once again rubbed the saffron sympathisers the wrong way. The second deputy chief minister of Maharashtra is still somehow finding it difficult to align with the BJP fully, since time and again, he has chosen to keep his distance from the RSS. His latest two-day Nagpur visit was more in the news due to his absence from the RSS headquarters where chief minister Eknath Shinde and DCM Devendra Fadnavis bowed before the memorial to RSS founder KB Hedgewar than his party political activity. Interestingly, Shinde and both DCMs later held a marathon meeting behind closed doors to discuss and plan their strategy for the assembly election. Ajit’s cautious approach towards the BJP-RSS stands in stark contrast with Shinde’s unhesitant camaraderie with Fadanvis and Union home minister Amit Shah, among others. Shinde has been complimented by PM Narendra Modi during his Maharashtra visits, sending mixed signals. In Nagpur, Ajit held a series of meetings with his followers to assess his prospects in Vidarbha after his break away from his uncle Sharad Pawar. Although the BJP has reportedly promised to accommodate the NCP(A) in the post-election equation, the speculation surrounding him does not end. The Nagpur visit has only provided cannon fodder to Ajit’s detractors, who have been making use of such incidents to corner him.
Ajit Pawar is facing coalition compulsions of a completely different kind. Even as he faces a blatant dig by Eknath Shinde’s minister Tanaj Sawant that Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ideologues puke him off, Pawar chose to tamely ignore it. Known for his brash arrogant straight talk, his supporters were startled to hear him say that he would rather focus on his work, not forgetting to hint at how he continued to enjoy the confidence of Amit Shah. Along with Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar continues to be the only other senior leader in Maharashtra who has the ears of Shah. This is probably his trump card as also the reason for his restraint, despite a few loud voices in both the BJP and his own party, trying to raise the pitch against each other. That hasn’t stopped him from chartering his own independent path ahead though. He was the first leader from Mahayuti alliance, to tender an apology about the falling of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Konkan. Not stopping at that, NCP’s own workers staged dharnas protesting, clearly aimed at tapping into the strong anger in Maharashtra about it. Pawar is already on a state-wide campaign in his now-trademark pink jacket, even as he simultaneously continues to participate in rallies with Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis.
The media’s reporting lingo is now being picked up by political leaders, it seems. Nowadays, several leaders on both sides are seen claiming that the information they are sharing has been ‘learnt’ by them. Like the media, they do not disclose the source of the information. Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has now joined the galaxy of such leaders. He has claimed in an interview to a private television channel that the Maha Vikas Aghadi will win around 180 seats in the coming assembly election, according to surveys conducted by Central agencies. Of course, he has not named any such agency. Based on his own revelation, Chavan has predicted that President’s Rule will be imposed in the state for some time to cool down the atmosphere, in which the ruling Mahayuti alliance is facing flak due to various reasons. Elections will be held after that cooling period, he has stated. Similar predictions have been made by many opposition leaders, forgetting their own statements the next day. Before the Lok Sabha election, almost every opposition leader worth his or her salt had alleged that the EVMs will dominate the election results in favour of the Modi government. After 4 June, hardly any opposition leader has lambasted the EVMs. An otherwise inactive Chavan’s sudden efforts to court controversy of one kind or another has raised eyebrows, mostly in his own Congress party. Especially as he has not been known for making outlandish statements.
In the backdrop of the recent roll out of Mazhi ladki bahini yojana by Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde it was interesting to see PM Modi, taking a break from reticence of not taking names of officials and acknowledging roles women officers played in building institutions. Lauding the state government for its women-led development approach, Modi said that Maharashtra had laid the path of women empowerment for the nation. Referring to women officers doing an excellent job in many high positions in the state, PM Modi for the first time took names of all the officers who were helming their departments and contributed to Maharashtra’s governance. He mentioned Sujata Saunik who was guiding the state administration as Chief Secretary for the first time in the history of the state. He referred to DGP Rashmi Shukla leading the state police force, Shomita Biswas who was heading the state’s Forest Force and Suvarna Kewale handling the responsibility of the state’s Law Department. He also mentioned Jaya Bhagat who had taken charge as Principal Accountant General of the state, Prachi Swaroop leading the Customs Department in Mumbai and Ashwini Bhide as the MD of Mumbai Metro. Referring to women in Maharashtra in the field of higher education, PM referred to Lt Gen Dr Madhuri Kanitkar, the Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra Health University, and Dr Apoorva Palkar, the first Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra’s Skills University. “Successes of these women are proof that women power of the 21st century is ready to give a new direction to society,” Modi remarked adding that this woman power is the biggest foundation of Viksit Bharat. He was speaking at Palghar.
The BJP appointed a 6-member Coordination Committee to run its party unit in Tamil Nadu, in the absence of state president K Annamalai who left for the United Kingdom on a three-month sabbatical. Veteran leader and former MLA, H Raja was made Convenor of the Committee. State vice-presidents M Chakravarthy, P Kanagasabapathi, State general secretaries M Muruganandam, Raama Sreenivasan and State treasurer SR Sekhar “will be the members of the committee,” said a circular. For the next three months (Sep to Nov), H Raja-led 6 member panel would run the party, after consulting the State Core Committee. The party also made it clear that the committee will hold discussion with the “State Core Committee and take decisions about party activities.” Party sources said with this H Raja, the former MLA and NEC member had once again returned to the limelight after a decade. The current re-entry of H Raja is due to his closeness with Annamalai. “H Raja, who was almost sidelined in the party, has now got due recognition. It was Raja who tried hard to become the state president and governor. Although he is the Convenor of the Coordination Committee, Raja will only listen to Annamalai and take decisions. Annamalai hopes that by appointing H Raja as convenor who is a hardliner, he can overcome the crisis of other leaders including Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan who are against him in the party. It will be interesting to see how ties between BJP and the DMK pan out. Like Annamalai, H Raja too is known to play a straight bat.
The Maharashtra poll battle has reached criticality of purpose with both the MVA (Congress, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, UBT Sena) and Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP) alliances fine tuning their seat sharing plans. The BJP has resorted to a party cadre-based assessment over professional surveys this time, and feels assured of breaching the 100 benchmark for a record third consecutive time. The party intends to field at least 135 candidates but is negotiating hard to increase this number to 160, the Shiv Sena led by Shinde may have to accept around 70 seats while the NCP will need to be satisfied with 45 odd seats in its kitty. On the other hand, the Congress, using a survey, has pitched for 160 seats while expecting Sharad Pawar to accept around 70 seats with the remainder for Uddhav Thackeray. UBT spokesman MP Sanjay Raut had stated earlier that the party was scrutinizing 126 assembly constituencies followed by his Chief Thackeray calling upon the Congress high command in Delhi that has apparently come to naught. Thackeray may still bag maximum seats in Mumbai and Thane. In the 2019 assembly elections the Sena that fought 126 seats, emerged victorious in 56 may likely feel slighted by Congress’ discrimination. CM Shinde also may demand a higher than 70 allocation for the assembly polls while Ajit Pawar eyes more in Western Maharashtra. Meanwhile, BJP in Delhi quietly celebrates its Rajya Sabha victories (11 out of 12 seats) and will improve its majority in the upper house of Parliament through four more President Draupadi Murmu nominated MPs soon. This political gambit was reported by the Short Post recently.
UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath was much in the news recently for launching Uttar Pradesh Digital Media Policy, 2024, under which it was decided to prepare a list of social media influencers who will receive state advertisements for promoting schemes and achievements of the state government. Those sharing information on government schemes, initiatives and projects were offered a choice of earning up to Rs 8 lakh through government’s advertisements. The influencers were to be rated according to the number of subscribers and followers they have on online platforms. These influencers were to be paid a maximum of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh for their accounts on X, Facebook and Instagram. Yogi’s move provoked a caustic post from Congress leader Priyanka Vadra who tweeted saying, “Jo tum ko pasand vahi baat kahenge,tum dinko agar raat kaho to hum raat kahenge.” She went on to ask in which category will the voices of women seeking justice fall in the social media policy of the UP government? Netizens promptly trolled her as they found that it was not the first time that a state government was using social media influencers. Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot had relied on influencers in the run-up state elections in 2023. AAP ruled Punjab had already incentivised influencers. Around the same time as Yogi, the Congress government in Karnataka too had announced it would engage influencers and other digital media entities with 1 lakh followers to promote its schemes and programmes. In Telangana, CM Revanth Reddy has hired former Deccan Chronicle Editor Sriram Karri as media & communications director. Of course, media outreach that began in the states has a Delhi dimension too. It is being said PM Modi has already initiated his series of informal interactions with journos.
A purported internal survey carried out on behalf of the Congress party has reportedly forecast that the party will be the largest partner of the three-party Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the coming assembly election. This will lead to a stronger bargaining position of the Congress when seat sharing equations are discussed. The survey, it is said, has predicted that the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray will be the smallest partner with just around 35 seats in the 288-member house. The NCP led by Sharad Pawar will get nearly 60 seats while the Congress will emerge as the major claimant with an estimated 85 seats. This calculation, if it materialises, will mean that the MVA will win 180 seats and will form the next government. Meanwhile, the race for the next CM of the state is already on the cards. Uddhav’s appeal to the other two partners to declare the name of the possible chief minister has been ignored by both. Pawar has made the scenario murkier by declaring that his party will not be interested in occupying the hot seat. This has boosted the Congress party’s morale since it could win the largest number of Lok Sabha seats from the state. The first likely obstacle to be overcome in the negotiations could be the seat sharing in Mumbai, where the Sena wants to contest 22 of the 36 seats from the metropolis. The two other parties are awaiting to open their cards.
Even before the dates for the Maharashtra assembly election are finalised, strategies to discredit each other and spread confusing information to hurt the other side are gaining speed. Although the exact electoral adjustment plans of MNS leader Raj Thackeray, Republican leader Prakash Ambedkar and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi are unclear, there is no dearth of speculation about which way they can go. To cash in on this suspense, NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s nephew Rohit Pawar has made a prediction that is bound to confound the picture. Rohit has claimed that the BJP bigwigs have hatched a plan to create a third front in the state to ensure that the opposition votes are splintered among several candidates. Rohit says that his uncle Ajit Pawar will be a major factor of this so-called formation and even Raj Thackeray could join it. Rohit has emerged as Pawar’s chief spokesman ever since Ajit broke away from the parent NCP. Rohit’s prediction comes after Ajit expressed regret over the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja’s statue at Malvan in the Konkan a few days ago. Mahayuti, the three-party alliance government led by Eknath Shinde has been under fire for this serious mishap. Against this backdrop, Ajit’s unilateral decision to undergo penance has been interpreted variously. The damage control efforts of the alliance are said to be underway, sensing the potential of the stature mishap.
Is Ram Madhav being readied to take over the role of the next BJP national president? His recent appointment, along with Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, as overseers of political affairs for the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections to 87 constituencies is a silent indicator in this regard. While general knowledge about Madhav’s last assignment in India’s forehead region state of J&K painted him in bad colours, the truth is farther from the apparent facts. “Back then, information was muddled over apparent issues relating to his unsolicited interest in an Indian corporate’s foray in J&K, which could not be further than the truth. On the contrary, Ram Madhav, had actually been tasked with making quick inroads with the Mufti Mohammed led PDP and he succeeded in his assignment. The BJP formed a government with PDP as a result, albeit a short tenured one,” says senior BJP leader Mahendra Jain. Following this Madhav was tasked with another important assignment that took him to foreign shores, including Iran, where he was entrusted with the task of fostering better ties abroad. During his foreign assignment, Madhav, who was presumed to have been relegated to the backwaters of BJP politics, was actually interacting with international scholars, RSS functionaries and meeting up with offshoots of the Sangh Parivar there particularly, in Islamic nations. His mission was accorded the tag of having been a ‘good show’ in terms of achieved results as a BJP asset deployed abroad. The buzz in BJP circles, in the wake of Madhav’s appointment to oversee the J&K assembly elections is that he is being primed up for the top post as National BJP president to replace JP Nadda, who has been inducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi into his Union Cabinet of Ministers.
What is the conflict of interest? How do you define it? It defies a strict definition. Nevertheless, it lends itself for varied interpretations. When India Cements chairman N Srinivasan was heading the BCCI (Board for Control of Cricket in India), the conflict of interest issue hit the peak and he was forced to quit his post. The conflict of interest issue assumed gargantuan proportions when he (rather India Cements, the company promoted by him) was also the owner of the Chennai franchise of the IPL (Indian Premier League) team, Chennai Super Kings. The conflict of interest issue in this instance became a full-blown legal war and moved up to the highest court of the country. The term conflict of interest has become very popular thanks to the squabble in the cricketing world in the context of the ownership of the IPL world by a BCCI functionary. Are we not witnessing this in a different field now? The country’s leading lawyer Kapil Sibal is now appearing for the West Bengal government before the Supreme Court in the doctor rape-murder case that has shaken the whole country. He was part of the Congress party but now he is an Independent Rajya Sabha MP. He is also a Member of Parliament, which frames laws to protect women. He wears multiple hats. Is he not bound by any conflict of interest constraint? How strictly can he quarantine each of his roles without necessarily stepping into the conflict of interest terrain? A purported letter terming the incident “symptomatic malaise” and signed by Kapil Sibal under the letter-head of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA)is in circulation. A counter letter is also now in circulation purportedly signed by a former president of the SCBA, which questioned Sibal on the legitimacy of issuing such a letter under the guise of SCBA resolution and also his subsequent decision to appear for the West Bengal Government in this case. When one is wearing contradictory hats, what kind of a message will that send out down the...
A weighty book release turned into a stunned arena when Superstar Rajinikanth took the mic to speak and set out a big cat among the pigeons. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin presided over the book launch Kalaignar Enum Thai penned by his minister E Ve Velu. Rajini was at his punching best. He lauded that CM Stalin had inherited much from his founder father and learnt even more through osmosis. Winning elections was the proof. But Stalin is like a school teacher. He is comfortable with the new crop of youngsters. But 10 or 15 old students are making it hard for Stalin to go ahead with his strategies…mind you these are not “failed” students but entrenched power holders who are working for themselves. Especially an old warrior, Duraimurugan who could take on Kalaignar himself. Pat came Duraimurugan’s reply, “Like old actors with falling teeth and scrawny beards want to keep on acting. Not allowing younger talent to rise”. This old boys club proved to be the roadblock for Stalin to decide on a succession plan…anoint his son Udhayanidhi as deputy CM. Rajini shattered the perception that Udhayanidhi’s ascension was delayed by Stalin. The obvious inference, on the contrary, the son wants a clear field …an Augean stable pitted with roadblocks and challengers, urgently in need of clearing up. The applause from the cadres was as resounding as Stalin’s response. “Yes, I am aware of all this. I am vigilant and shall act, soon”. TN is now flummoxed….is Rajini, the Sutradar unfolding the play or is Stalin playing puppeteer? Rajini has flung a pebble in the DMK waters…how far will these ripples spread?
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party Chief, Ajit Pawar has announced the names of six candidates for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections out of a total 15 to be fielded for the polls out of a total 90 constituencies. While setting to rest intense political speculation around the prodigal nephew’s return to Uncle Sharad Pawar’s political formation, DCM Pawar has exposed his intentions to grow his party and possibly secure national recognition. National general secretary of NCP, and freshly minted J&K Vidhan Sabha 2024 poll in-charge, Brijmohan Shrivastav confirmed the candidatures of Sajjad Ahmad Mir (Anantnag West), Kirpal Singh (Ramban), Mushtaq Ahmed (Banihal), Mohamad Yusuf Hazam (Tral), Ishtiyaq Ahamad Sheikh (Pulwama) and Arun Kumar Raina (Rajpura) assembly constituencies. A source reveals that Shrivastav was assigned the task over the last six months to flesh out the NCP’s foray in J&K inviting comparisons with the 1999 effort by former party president Sharad Pawar, who had similarly and, originally formed the NCP in 1999 to face up to the Lok Sabha elections within six months of leaving the Congress party. Out of the six candidates fielded three each will contest in the Jammu and Kashmir regions respectively for the first phase of the assembly polls, while another nine are to be fielded during subsequent phases of the elections. The NCP seeks to consolidate its position in the BJP-led NDA alliance, while seeking the allocation of a full Union cabinet berth for the party president Praful Patel in New Delhi. Ironically, the NCP move comes amidst a disenchantment registered by J&K voters during general elections against the usual political suspects (Congress, NC and PDP candidates).
Chief Minister MK Stalin was bemused when the media accosted him about news of a possible cabinet reshuffle on the day that actor Vijay was unfurling the flag of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The rumour may have been floated by someone in the bureaucracy to draw media attention away from the much-anticipated Vijay entry into politics, which is worrying the established parties because he is capable of commanding a 15% share of the votes straightaway, which would be mostly that of the youth. But the TN cabinet is so fixated on their former minister in jail, Senthil Balaji, being free once again to resume duties that a cabinet reshuffle has been put off until then. He had been a minister without portfolio while in jail for a while before he resigned. There were indications that the politician, a known handler of ‘funds,’ who was with the AIADMK when it was in power before successfully changing loyalties to the ruling DMK, would be released soon from jail as the PMLA case against him has made no headway. They value his silence under heavy interrogation so much that they can’t wait to see him back. The CM will be leaving this week for the USA for inviting investments as well as a health master check while naming only who will be in charge when he is away. It would be interesting to see whether that would be the senior most minister Duraimurugan or his son Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Political poaching by various parties is gaining traction in Maharashtra, in view of the forthcoming assembly election. Now that the Election Commission has given indications that the election, otherwise due in October, could be held after Diwali, all political parties are gearing up to face the five-year test. After the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of the three opposition parties trounced the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the Lok Sabha election, the politicking began in earnest. Veteran leader Sharad Pawar is leading the pack. A couple of days ago, Kolhapur’s influential BJP leader Samarjeet Ghatge announced his decision to enter Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. Even as the shockwaves are subsiding, rural Pune’s prominent BJP leader Harshwardhan Patil is said to be on his way to Pawar. Significantly, Patil is an ardent opponent of Ajit Pawar. Seizing the opportunity, Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule has recalled her lifelong association with Patil. The trigger for Patil’s likely change of loyalty is said to be Ajit’s announcement to field his lieutenant Dattatraya Bharne once again from Indapur, Patil family’s fiefdom. Patil is expected to declare his final resolve in a couple of days. Sensing the possibility, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has made it clear that if Patil wishes to walk out, nothing will stop him. On the other hand, trafficking between the two Shiv Sena factions is on an increase while the Congress, too, is looking for an influx. The picture will be clearer after the 10-day Ganesh Festival is over by mid-September.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown his earlier self again, exhibiting his trademark confidence by challenging his detractors. At the same time, Modi’s unambiguous endorsement of the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme and the Mahayuti’s proposed election strategy is expected to heighten the morale of the ruling dispensation to retain power after the next assembly election, too. Modi was in Jalgaon in north Maharashtra for ‘Lakhpati Didi’ gala launch on Sunday. “Compare my 10 years with the seven decades of the previous governments,” Modi said aggressively while addressing a massive women’s rally at the venue. Just back from a visit to Poland and Ukraine, Modi once again underscored the role of women, receiving huge applause from over one lakh women present at the rally. To rub in the message more strongly, Modi condemned the atrocities against women while calling for the most stringent action against the perpetrators. Though he did not name any state or leader by name, his target was obvious. He sent clear signals that the campaign for the coming state assembly election in the state would dwell on garnering women’s support. The Maha Vikas Aghadi of the three opposition parties has focussed its campaigning against the Mahayuti government by time and again highlighting the Badlapur school atrocity against two tiny girls. CM Eknath Shinde has charged that the MVA is rattled by the unprecedented response received to his ‘Laadki Bahin’ scheme from women around the state and hence indulging in reprehensible tricks to attack his government.
In a surprising political development, the BJP backed, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led Maharashtra government has included the Kunjda (Muslim) community under Other Backward Castes (OBC) categorization alongside the Mali, Baagwaan and Raien communities. “Nothing unusual about this,” says former Congress CM Prithviraj Chavan adding, “The BJP had done this in Gujarat also.” Another political observer counters this and said, “It is surprising given BJP’s avowed stance against Muslims getting reservations under SC, ST and OBC categories. Former Telangana CM KCR introduced 5% reservation for Muslims and BJP vociferously opposed it. In Maharashtra, former Congress CM Sushil Kumar Shinde introduced 5% (reservation in education) for Muslims that was put in abeyance by former BJP CM Devendra Fadnavis. Why has the Maharashtra government accepted the recommendation of the State Backward Caste Commission in this regard under the watch of DCM Fadnavis?” In 1990 the Mandal Commission’s recommendations were enforced to include Muslim caste categories including the Pinjari, Khatik (meat cutters), Shikalgaar communities. “The current inclusion of the Kunjda (Muslim) community is likely a gambit by DCM Fadnavis to carve out a segment of the Muslim community as a vote bank just before state assembly elections or, pushed by DCM Ajit Pawar who claims a Muslim voter base by offering OBC reservations. What about offering the same OBC categorization to backward, poor Maratha Community?” a political source asked. Maharashtra BJP executive committee member Mahendra Jain said, “This is a good move. Going further we must conduct a caste census of the Muslim community also to identify more such backward segments like the Pasmandas (Dalit Muslims (Arzals) and backward-caste Muslims (Ajlafs) were identified by PM Narendra Modi, so they too can benefit from reservations.”
Veteran leader Sharad Pawar has once again confounded the political situation in Maharashtra. Known for his practice of making surprise moves and statements at the most unexpected occasions, Pawar has now declared that the Nationalist Congress Party faction under him is not interested in claiming the chief ministerial chair. The statement is significant since the other two Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners – the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress – are seen haggling over the next prospective state CM after the assembly election. Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray’s repeated entreaties to declare the name of the likely candidate and the Congress party’s stern refusal to respond to him have already created an impression that all is not well in MVA. Pawar has set the cat among the pigeons, it is felt, by warning all CM hopefuls not to take things for granted. Political observers recall how Pawar had compelled the then Congress leadership to replace Vilasrao Deshmukh in 2008 as chief minister after the Pakistani terror attack on Mumbai. Pawar had asked his party leader RR Patil to step down as the home minister, leaving no choice for the Congress but to ask Deshmukh to relinquish. The Centre’s decision to deploy Z-Plus security for Pawar has already generated curiosity among his followers and opponents alike. On top of that, his latest statement has only added to the complexity of the situation. This is typical of Pawar, both sides concur.
Maratha caste reservation demand’s chief proponent Manoj Jarange Patil has now decided to wage a battle to ensure that loans of the farmers in the state are written off. Already hitting headlines for his various announcements about fielding candidates in most assembly constituencies in the state, Jarange has now announced that he will tour Maharashtra to mobilise support for securing support for the new demand. The stand taken by Jarange before the Lok Sabha election earlier this year had cost several seats to the ruling Mahayuti. Ever since, leaders of all political parties are treating every statement by Jarange with caution. In recent weeks, two former Maharashtra CMs called on Jarange “to enquire after his health.” While Ashok Chavan has recently joined the BJP, his successor CM Prithviraj Chavan is seen becoming active. His supporters feel that in case Maha Vikas Aghadi has a majority after the election, he can emerge as a consensus candidate. Though belonging to the Group– 23 earlier, Prithviraj has mended his fences with the Congress high command after Mallikarjun Kharge took over as AICC president. Though Jarange’s demand for the Maratha reservation is still entangled in a judicial battle, Jarange is becoming more and more intransigent by the day, sensing the political uncertainty. His next plan of action will be declared on 5 September.
The recent brutal rape-murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has put Mamata Banerjee’s government under immense pressure, marking perhaps one of the most significant challenges of her political career. The Supreme Court which took up the issue suo moto saw veteran advocate representing West Bengal government Kapil Sibal facing a barrage of questions. Throughout Didi’s three-term tenure, cases of rape have periodically ignited outrage in Kolkata. In 2012, only a year into her tenure, she dismissed the Park Street gangrape as a “shajano ghotona” (fabricated incident). Similarly, the 2013 Kamduni gangrape saw delayed police action, prompting Mamata to respond only after protests erupted. Recently, the Sandeshkhali incident ahead of Lok Sabha elections, where several women accused local TMC strongmen of sexual harassment. Despite these controversies, TMC saw its seat share increase. This time it seems, public’s ire is particularly directed at her, given that she holds both the Home and Health portfolios—two areas central to the incident. Internal discord within TMC is becoming evident. Party’s general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata’s nephew privately expressed deep dissatisfaction with the state government’s handling of the case, criticizing the internal politics of the health administration. Additionally, veteran leader Sukhendu Sekhar Roy tweeted about the police’s role, leading to a brief controversy with Kolkata Police summoning him. However, after the party’s senior leaders — Sudip Bandopadhyay and Subrata Bakshi– intervention, Roy deleted his tweet. In a significant move, both Mamata and Abhishek called for strict anti-rape laws, urging swift and harsh punishment for perpetrators within 50 days of such crimes.
Come September, Tamil film superstar ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay has positioned his intense leap from films to politics. GOAT is hitting the crazed fans with promos not seen before (it is not Aadujivtham, a goat’s life that got awards).It is Vijay’s penultimate film Greatest of All Time from the house of AGS…much anticipated and hyped. September 5 is D Day. September 23 Vijay launches his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam with the greatest gathering of eager party cadres at Vikravandi Assembly constituency…a red letter day for him. Vijay is poised to enter the 2026 election arena as a challenger for the Dravidians, BJP – a fourth dimension to churn up the ocean of murky politics. He has already launched the flag and anthem. In case the flag is seen as nondescript Vijay ensured that the Spanish flag with two red borders and a band of yellow was his choice…to make it even more attention catching it carries the Tamil Sangam period Vagai flower held by two elephants. His political ambitions are clear and present a danger to current equations in Tamil Nadu. Vijay has worked super energetically. Is he hoping to wear the Vagai flower garland of victory like the conquering kings of the Sangam era? GOAT is all set.
Opposition political formations especially, the INDIA Bloc, are euphoric after the prompt formation of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for consultations, legislative progress on the Waqf Board reforms bill introduced by PM Narendra Modi’s government. They bask in political glory having forced the government to backpedal and JPC scrutiny. BJP strategically exhibited due alacrity in JPC formation, keen to fast track, re–introduce bill before parliament again. “The bill seeks reforms including inclusion of non–Muslims in the appellate tribunal regarding Waqf Board issues ushering transparency into the functioning of the board. The draft bill was circulated over a month back so, the sudden furore is surprising,” a senior BJP leader says adding that opposition’s predilection with proposed bill on Waqf Board, the largest land holder in India after Indian Railways, and defence allowed BJP to bring in another amendment related to the CAA Bill as well as focus on forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections for 12 MP scheduled in the first week of September. “The BJP expects to grow the number of Rajya Sabha MPs to around eight out of the 12 seats to be filled up including presidential nominees. Misplaced focus of opposition formations out–of–sync with India’s changed political template under Modi means they have missed the boat, so to speak,” the leader noted. With effected amendment in 2024 to the already legislated CAA Bill of 2019, the Union government has removed stringent requirements of banking account details, (Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Afghanistani) passports among other prerequisites for persecuted Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Christians to now simply enrol for Indian citizenship. The murderous coup in Bangladesh followed the amendment earlier this year for compassionately absorbing persecuted minorities there into India.
The Bengali film industry has been hit hard by Bangladesh crises and the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata. The turmoil has led to the postponement of film releases, teaser launches, and promotional events, causing significant setbacks to the industry as it gears up for the festive season. As a mark of respect for the Kolkata tragedy, popular actor Dev has postponed the teaser release of his highly anticipated Pujo film Khadaan. Acclaimed director Srijit Mukherjee’s film Padatik has also been affected. Despite having a strong connection to Bangladesh through its lead actor, Chanchal Chowdhury, the film was only released in West Bengal, and the Bangladesh premiere has been indefinitely postponed. Chowdhury, a celebrated Bangladeshi actor, was unable to attend the Bengal premiere. Director Raj Chakraborty’s film Babli managed to hit the screens, but notably, no promotional events were organized. Another director Shiboprasad Mukherjee has announced that his film Bahurupi will not be released during Durga Puja. Similarly, the music launch of celebrated actor Sashwata Chatterjee’s much awaited movie Jamalaye Jibanta Bhanu, a tribute to yesteryear Bengali comedian Bhanu Bandopahdya was postponed. The Bengali film industry is now at a crossroads, with major films release date delayed and promotional activities scaled back. Tollywood which has strongly supported the rape victim and called for justice, is still facing backlash from netizens on social media. Raj remarked that the entertainment industry has become an easy target, with some people expressing their frustration online despite the industry’s protests and solidarity with the “Night Reclaim” movement.
Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, a Hindu holy figure, has unintentionally triggered a war of words between the BJP and the NCP(Ajit) over his certain controversial remarks about another religion. The Mahant’s purported statement had led to a serious law and order situation in Nasik in north Maharashtra. While a few criminal cases have been filed against him, spokesmen of NCP(Ajit) and the BJP have added fuel to the fire by their respective utterances. Pawar’s confidant Amol Mitkari, MLA, has made certain objectionable comparisons of the Mahant while advising him caution. The use of the word dog in that comparison has enraged the Mahant’s followers. BJP legislator Ram Satpute has asked Mitkari not to forget that his party, the NCP(Ajit), is a constituent of the Mahayuti. Alleging that Mitkari has had an aversion against Hindutva, Satpute said, “Commercial thinkers like Mitkari have no business to tell Hindu religious leaders on what position to take about such matters.” Even as the duel was raging, a BJP demonstration against deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in Pune district has provided another pointed angle to the Mahayuti equation. Maharashtra NCP (Ajit) president Sunil Tatkare has angrily asked the BJP protestors not to do something that could sour the relationship between the two parties. The BJP workers were upset since only Pawar’s image was flashed at an official event’s venue, ignoring CM Eknath Shinde and DCM Devendra Fadnavis.
You can’t keep an ambitious and feisty woman out of power and profile in politics. BJP leader Khushbu Sundar has proved yet again that she is a woman of substance and stature. She had resigned from NCW in July, but her resignation was accepted only on August 14. It is said that certain high powered BJP leaders were on her side to speed up her resignation acceptance. A sparkling, animated and emotional Khushbu sashayed into the BJP TN HQ Kamalalayam on August 15, after one and half years of Vanvas. Khushbu is known to have fought her way through many political upheavals and frustrations, the best recalled ones about her party hopping and stormy encounters with TN heavyweights. Her talent as a brand ambassador is unique…and her fans have built a temple in her name. Her cinematic and small screen status is as intact as her self–confidence. Even today, she commands Rs 10 lakhs per day. But there are personal undercurrents to Khushbu turning Na Khush at this point. Even as she was almost being erased from popular memory, Radhika, her contemporary, had climbed several steps up the BJP pecking order, along with hubby Sarathkumar. Khushbu was acutely aware that her lost public ratings had quickly found a new lady brand in Radhika. At a recent Tiruppur event, Saratkumar was given pride of place on the BJP dais, an event where Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan was not invited. Time for intervention. Like Mamata, Khushbu challenged. Now the game starts. Khela Hobe?
A Times-Matrize pre-poll survey has predicted a hung assembly in Maharashtra while forecasting about 100 seats for the BJP, to emerge as the single largest party. According to the survey, neither the ruling Mahayuti alliance nor the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will be able to win a majority. The Congress, it says, will be the largest partner within MVA. Between Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray, more respondents (27%) have preferred the incumbent CM than the former CM (23%). The forecast says the saffron Mahayuti will be able to garner around 130 seats against 110 by MVA out of the total 288 seat. This means, nearly 40 seats will be out of reach of either side. In other words, the key to power will be controlled by unattached or independent MLAs in the next house. The MVA is hoping to win at least 160 seats, based on its performance in the Lok Sabha election. Mahayuti leaders are confident that they will be able to turn the tide by convincing the electorate that it had been duped with the help of a fake narrative by MVA leaders. The Election Commission’s position about Maharashtra is interpreted to mean that the assembly election will be held in December and not in October, when it should be due. Although the survey has not evoked much political debate in the state, both sides have intensified their campaigning.
Uddhav Thackeray’s insistence on declaring the CM’s candidate is not going well within his Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners. Uddhav’s Shiv Sena is insisting that the MVA finalise a CM face before polls. His logic — a similar strategy with his then alliance partner, the BJP, had backfired badly. This had led to coalition partners working against candidates of their own alliance partner, to bag the CM’s chair, he says. Clearly, the Congress, which netted the highest tally of 14 seats among their allies, in the recent Parliamentary polls, remains unimpressed. Then there is also the whispered rift between the Uddhav Sena and senior Pawar over the Adani issue, at play here. Uddhav’s strong outbursts against favouritism in land allotments to the Adani group, across Mumbai City, for Dharavi redevelopment, has not gone down well with the Pawar, known to be close to the Adani group. Recently, Sharad Pawar made an unexplained visit to CM Eknath Shinde at his official residence, where Adani officials were believed to have made a PowerPoint Presentation ostensibly on the Dharavi issue. Uddhav is known to be friendly with the Mukesh Ambani family and his younger son Tejas Thackeray was seen dancing in the Ambani marriage function. Not surprisingly, Uddhav Thackeray doesn’t want to take chances about who will get the CM’s post.
The rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata has sparked unprecedented protests across West Bengal and the country and in the process pushed the West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee into a corner. Citizens and political parties, including the CPI(M) and BJP, have taken to the streets, criticizing the state government for its handling of the case. In an uncharacteristically defensive stance, Didi lashed out at her political rivals, accusing them of exploiting the tragedy for “cheap politics” where instead of standing with the family, they think they can do “a Bangladesh” here and even spreading fake information about the case using artificial intelligence (AI). Interestingly, she has refrained from directly attacking the Congress, even after Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi voiced their concerns over the incident. The controversy took a new turn when the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI investigation into the case bypassing the state police. While a section of the ruling TMC sees this as a potential “relief” from the escalating crisis, others within the party view it as a clear sign of dissatisfaction with the state police’s role in the investigation. In a bid to downplay the CBI’s involvement, TMC leaders have questioned the agency’s track record, citing past failures such as the unsolved cases of Taapsee Malik’s rape and murder, the death of Rizwanur Rahman, and the theft of Rabindranath Tagore’s Nobel Prize. As doctors strike continue it’s the patients across the state who are suffering from a lack of medical care. Political experts are asking whether Didi, known for her ability to turn adversity into advantage, will be successful this time around.
Followers of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar are livid at Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for likening their leader to a pink chameleon. Raut made this comment at an election meeting of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Mumbai on Friday. Though the obvious reference was to Ajit’s decision to wear pink jackets following a PR firm’s advice, what Raut meant was the way the NCP leader had been changing his statements over the past few days. Ajit had expressed regrets in a channel interview just a couple of days ago for fielding his wife Sunetra against his cousin Supriya Sule in Baramati for the Lok Sabha election. His latest statement that he may not contest the assembly election himself from Baramati seat has miffed his party workers since the constituency has been loyal to him since the 1990s. Some of his close associates are reportedly in two minds about continuing with him. Launching a broadside against him, Raut said the pink colour never succeeds in politics. He gave the example of the rout of KCR’s Bharat Rasthra Samiti. Raut said, “Only the saffron or the tricolour succeed in politics.” By this, he indicated the party flags of the Congress and the Sena (UBT). Raut’s remarks evoked instant reactions. NCP(SP) emerging leader Yugendra Pawar made it clear that such criticism was not desirable. He reminded the Sena MP that Ajit Pawar was his paternal uncle after all.
Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray’s call to the two other Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners to declare their joint candidate for the next chief minister of Maharashtra has gone unanswered by the Congress and the NCP(SP). Looking at veteran leader Sharad Pawar and former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan while addressing the first MVA campaign meet for the coming assembly election in Mumbai on Friday (Aug 16), Uddhav said, “Declare any name here and now and I shall support it. Let it be Uddhav or anyone else.” The open indication has been interpreted as a feeler to the Congress and the NCP(SP) to project Uddhav as the prospective chief minister. State Congress president Nana Patole responded, “This decision will be taken by the top leaders.” Pawar did not touch upon the issue at all. Shiv Sena (UBT) has never cloaked its wish to see Uddhav back in the saddle to run the state. However, Pawar and Congress leaders have adopted a cautious approach by maintaining that a decision in this regard will be taken at an appropriate time. Already, a letter purportedly signed by Uddhav’s right hand Milind Narvekar has gone viral. “Uddhav should campaign for the MVA only after he is declared as the next CM choice,” the letter says. Thus, internecine tussle within MVA has started rearing its head.
Chennaites are maha vexed with ‘unauthorised’ NO PARKING sign boards put all over the city by house owners and housing societies. These illegal signboards are further reinforced by potted plants and the traffic police seem to overlook it. Every busy neighbourhood …Mylapore, RA Puram, Adyar, T Nagar, Velachari is a nightmare for shoppers and residents, constantly quaking in fear of the vehicles being towed by traffic police. Some famous landmark roads have heightened problems. A recent Tamil film ‘Parking’ brilliantly captured this misery, won critical and commercial acclaim. The film unfolds the serious confrontation between two tenants, one who buys a car and the other who resents it being parked in front of his house. The pent up anger turns almost lethal. The vexed landlord tells both to vacate, then advertises for a prospect with no vehicles! While Poes Garden accumulated name, fame and status, Gopalapuram, the Agraharam turned Dravida stronghold found its place the year the late Kalaignar turned into its most featured denizen. Many stand-alone bungalows have turned into an apartment complex and NO PARKING signs are prominent on most gates. And the narrow 6th Street, G Puram is chock-a-block with roadside eateries. After J Jayalalithaa passing away, the exclusive Poes Garden entry road is now a jostling parking lot for the college students. The Madras High Court Bench of CJ D Krishnakumar and Justice PB Balaji are hearing a PIL filed by a lawyer CS Nandakumar of Dharmapuri. The Bench has asked the Traffic Police and Chennai Corporation to file a report as to what actions they have taken to remove such unauthorised NO PARKING boards, illegal placing of flowerpots and barricades by housing societies. The irony, hitting the public starkly is this prominent Corporation notice “sidewalks are for walking”.
There was a refreshing change in Tamil Nadu politics involving Governor RN Ravi as chief minister MK Stalin called on him before his Independence Day ‘At Home” tea party. They met, exchanged pleasantries and interacted for a clear 10 minutes. The insider news is that the DMK feels it will need the Governor’s clearance for a few things including the continuation of Senthil Balaji as a minister in the Cabinet as soon as he is released on bail, which the top court seems likely to do soon. The ruling DMK, which will be shifting focus to the upcoming Assembly polls of 2026, would like to have a smoother working relationship with Raj Bhavan. Having announced a boycott of the Governor’s tea party in joining other DMK+ allies Congress, VCK and MDMK, the DMK backtracked when the CM made his intentions clear that he wanted to smoothen out ties. Also, since he is going to be away in the U.S. where he is headed not only to attract investments but also go through a full medical checkup and physiotherapy, he would not like to see a confrontation taking place between his ministry and the Governor in his absence. Of course, it remains a matter of speculation if he would make his son Udhayanidhi Deputy CM before he leaves or waits for the more auspicious Tamil month of Thai (from January 14, 2025) which his wife might be recommending.
Even as the political upmanship within the MVA alliance partners (UBT Shiv Sena, Sharad Pawar NCP and Anamika as yet Congress) heightens in the run up to the Maha state assemblies scheduled in October/November 2024, the ‘Marathi Manoos’ party founded by journalist turned politician Balasaheb Thackeray is confounded by the recently concluded Lok Sabha poll results. According to Senior BJP leader Mahendra Jain, the Shiv Sena that predominantly enjoyed a healthy 15 to 16% vote share in Mumbai and Thane comprising loyal Marathi speaking voters saw this dwindling down to a mere 6%. They enjoyed the advantage of their MVA alliance (read Dalit and Muslim votes in four parliamentary seats otherwise accruing to the Congress and NCP) but, their core voter base has gone down. As reported in shortpost.in, both Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar’s political formations have now officially staked claim to the CM’s post in Maharashtra even as the BJP has deployed the Raj Thackeray headed MNS to further cut down the UBT Sena voter base in the forthcoming state assemblies. To spite the UBT Sena, Sharad Pawar has also begun engaging more proactively with Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde while the Congress is as yet non-committal about its CM face that post elections the same would be addressed. A UBT Sena affiliated political analyst insists that the BJP dominated ‘Yuti’ alliance exposes their political desperation to try to alter the inevitable outcome of the forthcoming state assemblies by employing political diversions that will most likely come to naught once again.
Kollywood gave her a special place as an artist who bloomed late. When Jyotika starred in her first Tamil film Vaali in 1999, with a plump, almost girl next door look, she was nowhere as well-known as her more trending sister Nagma. But Jyotika did justice to every role and soon emerged as a bankable actor. More than her films, her romantic link with Kollywood heartthrob Suriya were tracked by film buffs. And it finally happened…the movie that starred them as the pivotal pair, Kakka Kaakha whizzed into film annals as one of the most watched and liked. With on screen chemistry crackling, Jyotika and Suriya married in 2006, and father-in-law, thespian Shivakumar and family’s initial fears later transformed into acceptance. Jyotika’s 50th Tamil film Udanpirappe was praised but her box office status seemed to have plateaued. And the need to seek new environs for Suriya and herself became a compulsive need. She moved to Mumbai, her original home, claiming better education for her kids, and more film prospects for the pair. Of course, the murmur of family discord could be heard too. Jyotika it seems wanted to revive her career and relaunch herself and Suriya in Bollywood. Shaitaan, the Hindi horror with Ajay Devgn and Madhavan did not do much for her. But suddenly, and most unwittingly Jyotika, caught the attention of netizens for her dress choice at the Filmfare awards. A group trolled her brutally for showing off her inner wear. Jyotika and her style statement got her the attention she craved. Will film offer flow?
Controversy seems to be the middle name of VK Pandian, ex-private secretary of former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik. After a big setback to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Pandian had gone under the radar. But he is not lucky. BJP is hell bent on exposing his abuse, misuse and misappropriation of state machinery, public money and power. According to the BJP, Pandian has taken advantage of Patnaik’s failing health and is seeking a probe. It seems Pandian used the State helicopter services round-the-year — to visit 147 constituencies during elections. He is not entitled to such a facility going by the protocol. Former chief minister Patnaik defended his “helicopter ride” saying he had asked Pandian to visit the people at their doorsteps and understand their grievances. “There was no misuse of public money on Pandian’s helicopter ride as the state spent Rs 1-1.5 crore per month on chopper rides all through the year,” said Patnaik. But, this number contradicts with former BJD’s minister Tukuni Sahu’s figure of Rs 10-12 crore on an average spent in a year. Congress seems to have welcomed BJP’s move to investigate Pandian’s expensive tours. According to current Odisha’s Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena as per the government rules, the Governor, Ministers, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, MLA’s, Development Commissioner, Deputy Chairperson of State Planning Board and Chief Justice of Odisha High Court are authorised to use helicopters for official duty. This apart, CM can also give special approval to any other person on merit. Strangely, even after filing RTI, no data has been made available of the expenses incurred by Pandian on his chopper tours. There is speculation mining companies may have funded Pandian’s helicopter election tour.
Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran broke down while consoling people looking for their missing family member days after the devastating landslides in Wayanad district. The minister, who visited the landslide-hit areas, spoke to a father and son who were seen searching at the spot where their house once stood. Saseendran turned emotional while listening to the painful words and concerns of the hapless family and embraced the boy to console him. “I never thought in my life that I would have to see such a sight. What reply should I give them?” Saseendran asked. Meanwhile, there was high praise for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Wayanad where he spent two hours more than scheduled at the relief camp for survivors where he saw and heard firsthand the extent of the landslide tragedy that struck the area, killing at least 300 people (official tally 229) and another 200 (official tally 130) still missing. The entire state machinery having swung into action to tend to survivors, there has been no dearth of empathy for what happened to the people living in the eco-sensitive region. The PMs genuine message that he would spare no effort in helping Kerala and sending financial help towards rehabilitation after receiving a report from the state was welcomed by the CM.
Looks like none of the political coalitions in Maharashtra, be it the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) or Mahayuti, wants to face that prickly question. No one really wants more chaos than what is already playing out in Maharashtra politics and importantly no one wants to rock the boat of coalition politics. While Sanjay Raut fired the first salvo to raise the pitch for Uddhav Thackeray as CM candidate followed by Uddhav taking to New Delhi with wife and son in tow, to meet the Congress leadership on this. The Congress though chose to ignore his bid, choosing to state that the party with the highest tally would get to hoist its CM. The NCP too has refused to get into this issue, instead pointing at how the ruling Mahayuti has failed to name its nominee for the top seat in state. Though the BJP has decided to go to polls under the leadership of Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, its chief leader here, Devendra Fadnavis, expected to move to New Delhi to take over as the new party president. Fadnavis himself had mentioned that true to the new trend set by their party in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, pretty much anyone could become the CM here. The ambitious Ajit Pawar, did publicly voice how despite being senior to both Shinde and Fadnavis, he had missed out on the CM bus. While politically things continue to be vague about the face of the next CM, smaller leaders commanding much lesser legislator support numbers like Raj Thackeray (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena), Bachchu Kadu (Prahar Janshakti Party) and even Imtiaz Jaleel (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) have got banners proclaiming them as future CM.
This is a story that must be told at least a day ahead of PM Modi’s visit to Wayanad. It is about his Minister of State from Kerala George Kurian and BJP leader who was put to work on the day of landslides itself. Yes, he was woken up by a phone call from the PM’s office at 3 am on July 30. With instructions to go to Wayanad and oversee rescue operations. He flew to Bengaluru by the 6 am flight, then to Kozhikode by army copter. From there to the landslide affected area by road .From the morning of July 30 till August 4, just a few hours after the landslides, this man has been walking and working nonstop in the affected areas. Traversing risky roads with the army and rescue teams, making arrangements for rescue operations, the Bailey bridge, lending an ear, a shoulder, a helping hand to the affected. Also coordinating with the central government. He has been operating below the radar without giving a media byte or addressing the media. The Kerala press has also ignored his work as he hasn’t highlighted his work via FB posts. His down to earth work was briefly noticed when there were memes during the visit of Gandhi siblings to Wayanad.
The DMK, it must be acknowledged, has mastered the art of winning voters and influencing segments. Here, TASMAC, a company owned by the Tamil Nadu government, has a monopoly over wholesale and retail vending of alcoholic beverages. And TASMAC keeps the men coming unfailingly to quench their spiritual thirst, simultaneously filling up government coffers. TASMAC revenues keep zooming up every year, an abiding testimony to happy TN men. But the women are an unhappy lot as men save their income for slaking their thirst. And drunken behaviour had its social fallout in ill-treatment of women. But MGR cannily aimed his AIADMK welfare programmes at women, and Jayalalithaa too did likewise. AIADMK now headed by Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) took this women’s loyalty for granted. Not anymore. After humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha EPS has been doing intense stock taking of defeat and strategic run up to 2026 Assembly election. Intense powwow with his core group has thrown up some clues as to why Camelot was lost. Meanwhile, TN chief minister MK Stalin aims to make women in his state happy, and turn them into devoted vote banks. On 15th of every month Rs 1000 is credited to the homemaker’s account by the TN government. After women, the government is focussing on youth and putting a stop to cash handouts. DMK’s Tamil Nadu Manavar (Student) Thittam Scheme has in one fell blow, the practice of cash out handouts during election time. DMK feels regular open payments from the exchequer is the best incentive for vote bank loyalty. Looks like Stalin and his party came up with creative solutions that have put EPS on the backfoot.
CPI(M), once a dominant force in West Bengal, is finding it increasingly difficult to connect with the masses in the current political landscape. After the party’s significant loss in the 2011 state elections, the presence of veteran leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee at rallies and public gatherings continued to provide a semblance of continuity. However, as Bhattacharjee’s health began to fail, the CPI(M) had to adapt modern ways to send out his messages. During the recent Lok Sabha election 2024 campaigns, the party relied on his video statements and even experimented with AI-based videos to keep his message alive. It may be recalled that Bhattacharjee’s controversial land acquisition policies in Singur (Hooghly district) and Nandigram (Purba Medinipur district) remain a significant blot on his legacy. These events, which led to widespread protests and violent clashes, symbolized the disconnect between his vision for industrial development and the concerns of the rural populace. Ironically, the same party that once criticized Bhattacharjee for his “perform or perish” attitude and his opposition to the bandh culture promoted by the Left’s trade union wing, CITU, has repeatedly turned to him in times of crisis. His televised video and audio addresses to the masses, particularly his call for a judicious decision to defeat the “undemocratic” Trinamool Congress and the “communal” BJP in the 2021 assembly elections, were seen as efforts to resurrect the party’s dwindling influence. As the CPI(M) navigates a rapidly changing political environment, the challenge of connecting with the masses without the charismatic presence of Bhattacharjee looms large after his death on August 8.
With Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing the country, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee finds herself in a tough spot. Known for her sympathetic stance towards refugees, Mamata is now confronted with the daunting challenge of managing the influx of people. Hasina’s departure has thrown Bangladesh into a state of uncertainty, prompting many to seek refuge in West Bengal. This surge in refugees could disrupt the state’s already fragile demographic balance. It may be noted that during the Annual Martyr’s Day Rally on July 21, Didi had declared that she will welcome any person coming from Bangladesh due to the ongoing turmoil. Her announcement was not only criticised by the Central government, but even the erstwhile Hasina government as they felt it was sending the wrong signal to Bangladeshis. Mamata has been facing the heat from BJP about sheltering illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and giving them official recognition in order to increase her minority vote bank. However, deviating from her soft stance, Didi has sent out a strict directive to her party leaders to not make any provocative statements on the Bangladesh crisis. Political observers state that if Didi is not careful about the influx of refugees, it is likely to disturb the delicate balance of religious diversity of the state, which has a Muslim population of 27%. BJP leader and LoP in Bengal Suvendu Adhikari is claiming that the state is set to witness the entry of 1 crore Bangladeshi Hindus who are likely to face discrimination and hostility in the Muslim dominant districts of Bengal.
The Bangladesh cauldron of political confusion engineered by Pakistan’s Inter-Services-Intelligence (ISI), at the instance of China, culminated with the exile of duly elected 76-year-old Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (Aug 5). India’s Neighbourhood First policy implemented since 2014, after PM Narendra Modi took charge of Indian affairs, caused the Indo-Bangladesh most preferred nation status over trade and intelligence sharing to the acute chagrin of Pakistan’s military establishment. Recently, the US-Russian cold war restarted after the Ukraine war commenced in February 2022 and, the USA keenly pursued plans to set up an airbase in Bangladesh to counter Russia. Sheikh Hasina, under active protection and guidance from India, time and again thwarted the nefarious designs of the Pakistani intelligence that proliferated her nation, even successfully contested, and won the elections for the seventh time. Timely intelligence support extended by India (read Ajit Doval) was more than a little help for the Bangladesh PM, during repeated offensives launched by then ISI Chief Bajwa. More recently Hasina visited China over promises of financial aid of a few billion dollars and returned disappointed after Chinese conditions sought to be imposed in return for the financial aid. The Bangladesh PM was not even afforded the basic courtesy of a proper reception with protocols. Miffed, Hasina returned to her nation and promptly reignited her India connections, handing over a port and three more projects to Indian entities through PM Narendra Modi. Now, the exiled Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, having already been accommodated with temporary refuge by India, has to decide. Even as NSA Ajit Doval immediately met up with Hasina, it would be up to her entirely to formally seek asylum from India before India makes its stand clear. Ironically, even as the leftist brigade of India blames Modi for being anti Muslim, the premier of a Muslim nation finds India as the safest haven when radical...
Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is a man in a hurry. With a view to create 350,000 jobs in the next five years he is going all out to set up industries and woo private sector investment. To his utter surprise, he learnt that the iron ore rich district of Keonjhar does not have a mega steel plant. Here one may recall expelled BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra’s public statement that “Mining lobby was standing in the way.” Clearly, lack of political consensus between the ruling party and Opposition parties explains this state of affairs. On his part, CM Majhi has given an in-principle for a mega steel plant to be set up in Keonjhar district so that it can provide employment to locals. Parallelly, he has also set up a high level task force under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary to discuss with business houses for setting up a steel plant in Keonjhar district on a priority basis. If CM succeeds in drawing investment in the steel project he would have pulled off a coup. Keonjhar will be third time lucky after the failure of Vedanta Group in 2004, Arcelor Mittal in 2006 and Uttam Galva could not move beyond MoU signing stage. An environmentalist commented that even though big time steel plant investment eluded Keonjhar district so far but mining has proliferated leaving its lush green hills damaged and locals languishing in poverty. The challenge for the Majhi government is not only to bring in big time investment in the sector but also ensure that it does not damage the environment and at the same time boost employment opportunities.
Maharashtra had long been facing criticism that it did not have a woman chief secretary although claims were always made about its progressive outlook and social justice, especially concerning the womenfolk. While some states had appointed women as chief secretaries, Maharashtra was always facing taunts on this count. Turning the tables, the state is now boasting that it has three women officers in topmost posts. Chief secretary Sujata Sounik finally got the top job. She was in the running for the past several years but the coveted post went to her husband, Manoj Sounik, despite her seniority on technical grounds. She finally succeeded him. The 1987-batch officer, Sujata will retire in June 2025. Similarly, senior IPS officer Rashmi Shukla was earlier appointed as director-general of police, Maharashtra by the Shinde government. Caught in some telephone tapping controversy, Shukla could escape unscathed. She will stay in office till June 2026. The triumvirate has been completed by top forest official Shomita Biswas, who has taken over as principal chief forest conservator. She is the first woman incumbent in the post. It is noted that several competent women IAS officers were kept away from the CS post over the years and one of them, Neela Satyanarayanan, had openly represented to the chief minister about the injustice to women. The track record of officers including Medha Gadgil and Chandra Iyengar was outstanding but they, too, could not smash the glass ceiling. A long-standing imperfection, thus, has been set right. Now, Maharashtra is the only state having three women leading three arms of the government.
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin is to go to the U.S. on an official trip to attract investments to the state. Also, he will undergo medical tests and health evaluation when he is there. As the CM wishes to hoist the flag on Independence Day at Fort St George, his departure has been planned for around August 18 or later. But before then he must take a decision on the appointment of a deputy CM who will preside over cabinet meetings in his absence that could stretch to a couple of weeks if any therapy is needed in the U.S. The party has left it to him to nominate a deputy CM or a senior minister to preside over the cabinet. But it is on the cards that the CM will name his son Udhayanidhi as the Deputy CM, a decision that could have been taken much earlier but was postponed due to a few murmurings among party seniors and loyalists. Now that there is a need to name someone, Stalin may take the opportunity to make his son his deputy and open a path for him to be his political heir to head the party. Stalin has been under more pressure from within his family to take the call to make Udhayanidhi the Deputy CM than from his party.
The open war between Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and former home minister Anil Deshmukh has reached another level. At the centre of the freshly erupted duel is arrested police officer Sachin Vaze. Some of his latest claims are going viral. Vaze had written to Fadnavis a couple of days ago that Deshmukh had been asking his personal staff to collect money for himself when he was the home minister. Vaze has volunteered to face a narco test. In police custody for a long time now, Vaze came into the limelight as he was reinstated in the police department ending his long suspension by the government of Uddhav Thackeray. He used to report to Deshmukh, who was then the home minister. It was reported that Vaze, a fairly junior officer, was bypassing many seniors in the hierarchy and had a direct link with Deshmukh. A huge furore followed several sensational disclosures around that matter. Owing to the seriousness of the case, an enquiry panel under Justice Chandiwal was appointed. Deshmukh has now claimed that Vaze had admitted before the panel that no money had been collected by him (Deshmukh). Moreover, the former home minister has charged that Fadnavis had been using a criminal (Vaze) for attacking him. He has alleged that Fadnavis was not making the panel report public since it had exonerated him.
Maverick Republican leader Prakash Ambedkar’s advice to troublemakers in Maharashtra to smash vehicles of the likes of Sharad Pawar, Devendra Fadanvis, Ajit Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray rather than attacking political small timers has become viral. Known for his outlandish utterances made without caring for consequences, Ambedkar this time has surprised his own supporters with this statement. He was addressing a public meeting in Parbhani district when he came out with this strange sermon. The backdrop to his outburst was the attacks against NCP (Sharad) MLA Jitendra Awhad and NCP (Ajit) MLC Amol Mitkari earlier this week. Both legislators had made certain statements which had enraged the followers of those criticised by the duo. While indulging into mudslinging, both sides have adopted a violent posture and threatened each other of retaliation in the same coin. Ambedkar has dismissed these two legislators as ‘chillar’ (two-bit), rubbing salt into their wounds. Mitkari had criticised MNS chief Raj Thackeray, calling him ‘suparibaj’ or a contract hitter. To avenge this remark, Mitkari’s car was damaged though he escaped unhurt. For Awhad, the attack by a purported Maratha organisation was to condemn certain of his reported remarks against a scion of the Bhosale clan of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In this sensitive situation, Ambedkar’s fiery advice has only added to tension.
TRENDS & VIEWS
Editor’s Note: Big Punch In Small Pack
It is the Third Anniversary of Short Post and as a news media startup launched during the Covid-19 pandemic it certainly feels better than good to find ourselves where we are today. Here, I must cite the unstinted support of our seasoned contributors, all senior editors in the country, who brought a great degree of maturity and sagacity to the Short Post newsroom. But for them, our tagline “Authentic Gossip”, an Oxymoron, would not have matured viably. Our user numbers may be small but our stories have created the desired impact among people who matter — decision makers and influencers. We offer a big punch in a small pack and Short Post with its 225-word stories has been punching above its weight category. Having posted close to 3,000 stories in the last 36 months, Short Post, I feel, is an idea whose time has come.
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If you look at the media landscape – print, TV and digital — it is a mixed bag. There are job losses as some outfits have closed down while a lucky few were bailed out by large corporate houses. Yes, there is a lot of action in the digital space. However, the entry of corporate houses has raised the question of independence of news media outfits. Sadly, there are just a handful of independent media outfits in the country that are highly respected for their neutrality. At Short Post, our credo is not to take sides, prejudge issues or be biased but, informing readers of behind-the-scenes happenings. In essence, Short Post strives to be a neutral editorial platform — neither anti-establishment nor pro-establishment.
As I said last year, disruptions in the media world are moving at a fast and furious pace. Technology is playing a very big role in how content is generated and consumed. But, we are neither alarmed nor perturbed as it is all a part of the evolution process. What gives us comfort is that AI is unable to create original gossipy content. And that is the news arena where we have achieved a distinction.