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Of late Rohit Sharma has been in the news for many reasons – notable being not in good nick in the IPL matches for Mumbai Indians, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) naming Level 3 in the Vithal Divecha Pavilion at the Wankhede Stadium in his honour and naming him the Ambassador of the Mumbai Premier League Season 3. Clearly the five- time IPL winner MI would like him to contribute with weighty performances in order to improve the team’s chances of making the playoffs, but everyone at the MCA was delighted with his presence at the launch of the MPLT20 league. In the course of a fireside chat Sharma — appearing down to earth — talked about the encouragement received from the MCA, breaking window panes in his neighbourhood, not intentionally but while playing cricket for fun, offered Rs 5 or 10 to play for different buildings in his colony, waiting at the Wankhede in the early years of the New Millennium to catch sight of players like Amol Muzumdar, Wasim Jaffer, Nilesh Kulkarni and others. One of the most elegant batters to emerge from the Mumbai Maidans, Sharma impressed upon Mumbai’s legacy and history citing its 42 Ranji Trophy title wins and pointed out the importance of the MPLT20 in shaping the careers of the budding talents in the city. He was touched by the MCA’s call to name a section of the guest stand after him. “It will be a very emotional moment when I see my name on the stand. When you start playing, you don’t think about such things to happen,” said the India captain who won the Twenty20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy.
Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray has undertaken a sustained plan to rejuvenate the organisation buffeted by continuous desertions by loyal Sainiks over the past two years. Initially, the campaign will focus on Mumbai since the existence of the Sena under him will depend upon who controls the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the richest civic body in India. The Sena (UBT) has been heading the BMC since 1985. On the other hand, the ruling BJP is equally determined to wrest the control from Uddhav, who is its enemy number one at present. Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde has been supplementing the BJP’s planning to end the hold of Uddhav in a bid to avenge the treatment he received when he was with him till 2022. As larger planning, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray is periodically wooed to help the saffron alliance to decimate Uddhav. Assessing the situation, Uddhav has decided to activate his lieutenants to launch efforts to inject new life into the organisation whose soul is the Sainik at the local level. According to the data compiled by Uddhav, there are over 50000 Sainiks and Shakha Pramukhs who are loyal to him and eager to reestablish the Sena’s hold in Mumbai. Over the past few weeks, he has been liaising with the rank and file so as to give shape to the strategy he will adopt for the BMC polls, likely to take place after the monsoon this year.
“We are Hindus, not Hindi,” thunders Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray. Reason: the government’s decision to make Hindi compulsory along with Marathi from the first standard in English medium schools. Though the move has started evoking protesting murmurs, major political parties have adopted a cautious stand till now. Just a few days after supporting chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wholeheartedly, the MNS leader has surprised his followers once more by opposing teaching Hindi in primary schools. Only a few weeks earlier, Raj had asked his workers to deal with those bank employees unable to speak Marathi. The stir was withdrawn after incidents of MNS workers assaulting bank staff over the issue of Marathi started spiralling. Although Raj has now declared his opposition to introducing Hindi, his wavering policy will make those with him wary. Expressing his opposition, he has warned the ruling alliance that MNS will stand by Hindutva but not imposition of Hindi. BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar has advised Raj to first understand the government policy details in this regard. Raj will be sent a copy of the National Education Policy, which he should study before making any statements against it, Shelar has said. Interestingly, Raj and Shelar are old friends. Even when the ties between the BJP and MNS were strained, Shelar was the conduit to keep the dialogue open between the two sides. Hence, how Raj proceeds with his opposition will be watched by the BJP.
West Bengal may be in hot spot over violence in Murshidabad where Hindus were targeted by mobs protesting over the Waqf Act. However, the news of senior BJP leader and a veteran RSS hand Dilip Ghosh’s marriage has brought a lot of smiles. There has been a flood of wishes for him. Many BJP leaders went to his house in a group on April 18 to wish him well. Among them were state president Sukanta Majumdar and Mahila Morcha general secretary Locket Chatterjee. However, no one knows yet whether Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari will visit Dilip’s house or not. Dilip-Suvendu relationship is not very ‘smooth’. Incidentally, Saturday, April 19 is Dilip’s birthday. Although his birthday is officially shown as August 1. But Dilip’s close friends say that his ‘real’ birthday is April 19. Dilip himself is completely against ‘celebrating’ any occasion with pompousness. Dilip turned 60 last year. Ever since his decision to marry has been on the social media, Dilip himself has been indifferent to it. According to sources close to Dilip, when he was a little depressed after losing the last Lok Sabha elections, Rinku was the one who proposed to him to start a family. A divorcee and housewife, with a son who works in the IT sector, Dilip initially did not agree to the marriage. She admits Dilip took three months, mainly after his mother’s insistence, to decide. A section in the Sangh wasn’t keen that Dilip should get married. Two members of the Sangh had even gone to Dilip’s house! However, Dilip was adamant on his decision. Finally, on April 18, Dilip became a ‘samsari’.
In a calculated political offensive ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly opposed the Centre’s proposed Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, positioning herself as a defender of minority rights. Speaking at a meeting with Muslim clerics and community leaders, she asserted that the bill threatens religious freedoms and undermines constitutional values. The move is widely seen as an attempt by the Trinamool Congress to solidify its traditional Muslim support base, which accounts for nearly 30% of the state’s electorate and holds sway in key districts like Murshidabad, Malda, and North Dinajpur. Banerjee framed the proposed law as part of the BJP-led government’s broader agenda to interfere in religious matters and weaken India’s pluralistic framework. However, internally, the TMC remains divided over the strategy. While some leaders view the issue as an opportunity to reinforce the party’s core vote bank amid the BJP’s intensifying Hindutva campaign, others express concern that an overt focus on religious identity could alienate moderate and secular voters. Meanwhile, Mamata’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the TMC of leveraging communal narratives for political mileage. On the other hand, Mamata’s ability to appeal to the Muslim vote comes at a cost for Congress and the Left, who have traditionally relied on Muslim support in Bengal. The Left, in particular, has faced criticism for failing to effectively challenge Mamata’s rising influence among the Muslim community.
The highly anticipated latest Hindi release Jaat which generated considerable excitement with its initial trailer release, ultimately fell short of expectations at the box office. Despite a strong opening, the film’s marketing strategy failed to maintain the momentum created by the initial euphoria. Released on Mahavir Jayanti, Jaat managed to collect Rs 9.5 crore on its opening day (Apr 10), but this figure dropped to Rs 7 crore on Friday (Apr 11). The weekend saw a slight rebound, with Saturday’s collection reaching Rs 9.75 crore and Sunday (Apr 13) peaking at Rs 14 crore, driven by positive word-of-mouth and favorable reviews. However, the following week revealed a decline, with Monday’s (Apr 14) earnings at Rs 7.25 crore and Tuesday dropping to Rs 6 crore, leading to a total domestic box office collection of approximately Rs 53.5 crore within the first six days. Given its production budget of Rs 100 crore, these figures are disappointing, especially since industry expectations were for Jaat to surpass the Rs 100-crore mark during its extended opening weekend. While the film may still prove to be a profitable venture for its lead actors, Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda, the filmmakers face significant challenges in recouping their investment. The average performance of Jaat highlights the importance of sustained marketing efforts and audience engagement beyond the initial release phase. As the film’s prospects now hinge on OTT platform releases and overseas markets, it underscores the volatile nature of box office success and the critical role of strategic promotion in maximizing a film’s potential.
In a short span of four years, Sairaj Dhond, the brain behind Wakao Foods, a jackfruit-based vegan food company, has made waves in the food industry. This Goa-based company, launched in 2021, is India’s first plant-based product company. It has made successful business out of jackfruit, considered to be one of the most wasted fruits in the country. With jackfruit the company is offering ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products which are 100% natural, without any artificial colouring, chemicals or preservatives. His range of offerings like Teriyaki Jack, Butter Jack, BBQ Jack, and Jack Burger Patty found easy takers as it was nutritious and delicious. Interestingly, the food needs no refrigeration and has a shelf life of nearly a year. His products are available in the USA, Singapore, Dubai and the Netherlands. Now, emboldened by this success he is now exploring the UK market. UK’s MH12 Foods which runs an e-commerce retail platform has expressed keen interest for a tie up. Dhond will soon begin manufacturing Jackfruit flour. With demand on the rise, the company which already operates a plant in Kerala is setting up a new plant at Kudal in Maharashtra. It recently introduced the ready-to-eat Jackfruit Biryani that is delivered through Zepto in India. Dhond, it is learnt, dabbled his hands in one too many things, before he found his life calling in the food industry.
The Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM), a much-awaited street race held in the third week of January every year, has delivered over Rs 53.62 crore for charity from its 20th anniversary race. On most occasions the ebony hued men and women athletes from Africa dominate the running spectacle over a distance of 42.195 km; they take home $s aplenty and tell great human stories. But the TMM, so diligently and passionately promoted by Procam International and in particular, sports aficionados Anil Singh and Vivek Singh, is just not about achieving success in a little over two hours of human potential demonstrated by thousands of runners; it’s also about people’s involvement in alleviating the lives of the have nots and those suffering from life-threatening diseases and illness. As a doctor treating people with neurological ailments said at the TMM2025 Philanthropy Awards “it’s not easy to raise money” and hence the effort made by over a thousand people, NGOs and the corporate world has warmed the cockles of many a heart. Among NGOs, the Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care raised a whopping Rs 13.67 cr, Light of Life Trust Rs 5.12 cr, United Way Mumbai Rs 4.74 cr, ADHAR Rs 2.36 cr and Isha Education Rs 1.88 cr. The highest fund fundraising Corporate Team were Me-Hin Tech Edge Solutions, Godrej & Boyce and Panasonic Life Solutions. A number of individuals — from young collegians, top executives and professionals — raised money in several lakhs and crores that will go for many causes, but most importantly for people suffering from cancer, dementia, Alzheimer, epilepsy and other health issues. The TMM has raised, over a period of 20 years, Rs 483.20 crore — all for the ultimate aim of caregiving.
When businessman Robert Vadra appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for the second day in a row on April 16 in connection with the Gurugram land case, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s public display of affection (PDA) was evident as she stepped out of her car and gave a warm hug to her husband. Later, as the probing agency began questioning Vadra, she sat in the waiting room at the ED headquarters. Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the ED for questioning in a 2008 Haryana land deal, linked to a money laundering case. It was interesting to see Priyanka rush back from her foreign trip to be with her husband. Only last week she had skipped the extended Congress Working Committee meet held in Ahmedabad on April 8. Earlier, on April 4, she hadn’t participated in the Waqf Bill debate in the Lok Sabha. The party explained that Priyanka had to travel abroad, presumably the UK, to visit an ailing friend. Party leaders feel Priyanka should have at least attended the Ahmedabad CWC meet — something that was planned since January 2025. But then sources say Priyanka increasingly found both her mother Sonia and brother Rahul were not giving her much space in the organisation. They were not elevating her as working president or secretary- general. The Muslim League, the Congress ally in Kerala had protested against Priyanka’s absence during the Waqf Bill debate as she is Wayanad MP. Congress sources said if Priyanka is not given her due in the organisation by her family, the party could face consequences in the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala. Interestingly, Robert Vadra felt ED investigations against him had gathered pace only because he was speaking up for the minorities.
Twenty20 has always been a “high-risk, high-reward” game, in particular for the batters, and Abhishek Sharma’s go-for-broke knock of 141 when the Sunrisers Hyderabad was seemingly looking down the barrel — chasing Punjab Kings’ 245 at a venue in Uppal in Charminar City — is a case in point. Sharma who plays for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy went through a 5-match poor run, making a mere 51 at 10.20 an innings, but his bellicose-like pounding of the PKS bowlers took his average to 32.08. It was the Sunrisers’ second win in six outings of the Tata-IPL-18, and once again the southpaw opening pair in Travis Head and Sharma took a heavy-duty risk to pave the way for their side to surpass a big target. Teams aim to achieve the maximum potential in the first six over power play and in doing so risk the peril of gifting their wickets. Among the opening pairs, Gujarat Titans’ Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have made 320 which is a high 27.87% of the team score in six matches; next is the Sunrisers’ Head-Sharma pair which has made 255, followed by the Lucknow Super Giants’ Aiden Markram and Mitchell Narsh pair that has collected 226 and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s opening pair in Phil Salt and Virat Kohli who have contributed 217 to their team aggregate. But the highest run-production has come from the GT’s second wicket pair in Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler who have made 292 which is equivalent to nearly 30% of the team score. The second best here is 274 by LSG’s Marsh and Nicholas Pooran.
Ever since DMK galloped to power in Tamil Nadu, some of its policy decisions have shocked and shaken many established institutions. Let’s just take one such incendiary issue. The recent decision of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Ministry (HR & CE) headed by DMK MLA PK Sekhar Babu has stirred a hornet’s nest over reclamation of temple lands from “encroachments”. When the minister announced that Kishkinta Amusement Park, one of the most popular mass attractions theme park and water world is built on 130-acre of temple land belonging to Pappachathiram Kasi Viswanathan temple, he might as well have bunged a Molotov cocktail at the park. This park conceived and promoted by producer-director MC Punnose (aka as Navodaya Appachan) in 1995, gained huge popularity for tourists across TN, and adjacent states. Sekhar Babu claims that his government is focussed on reclaiming all such properties built on temple lands. And till date, he says, they have already reclaimed Rs 900 crore worth of such temple real estate. The popular, 100-year old Mylapore Club has also been impacted as the HR & CE Ministry says it stands on Kapaleeswarar Temple land. Babu’s action has raised a fundamental question as to why only Hindu religious places and their properties are being singled-out. Is there any hidden commercial/ real estate agenda behind this reclamation move? Only time, many PILs hold the answers.
After its failure in pulling down the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, the BJP has decided to rejig its strategy by stepping up attacks against the government and portray it as corrupt and inactive. The decision to adopt this strategy was taken after the state unit was given go ahead by the central leadership. Apart from exposing the alleged scams and corruption involving ministers, it is learnt, the BJP – led by leaders like Kirit Somaiya – will target Shiv Sena and the party controlled BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ahead of upcoming elections slated for 2022. The agenda is quite clear: to tarnish MVA’s image and create a perception that the incumbent government is not interested in the State’s progress but only keen on minting money – and in the process, neglecting people. Political observers hold that Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress seem to be lacking a comprehensive strategy and proper coordination to counter BJP’s charges. Despite almost two years in power, the MVA partners were unable to expose alleged scams and corruption involving the BJP ministers during 2014-19. Ahead of the BMC elections, it will be a free for all as both the sides are expected to ramp up their efforts to attack each other to meet their political goals. In this tug-of-war, it is the poor citizens who will continue to be neglected.
Even though the BJP is out of power, it has its say in the functioning of the government, say Mantralaya insiders. A case in point is that the contracts given in the information technology sector during Devendra Fadnavis’ rule continued to be carried forward. This, despite repeated pleas by a section of Maha Vikas Aghadi partners to change the contractors and developers in IT. It seems project implementation officers appointed by the IT companies up to the village level continue to work and get their perks without any problem. Fadnavis and company are therefore happy as they continue to get access to important documents without much hassle, say insiders. This perhaps explains why BJP has been able to take MVA head on in several issues. IT is just the tip of the iceberg; there are other departments including home, finance, irrigation, revenue and public works where BJP’s ‘say’ is still given enough weightage. Recently, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was targeted by NCP for holding meetings with the IAS and IPS officers. This is yet another example of Fadnavis clout in the state administration, which has grown sharply after the Antilla bomb scare exposed the role of rogue cops and lawmakers.
The Maharashtra Government has sought legal opinion on the suspension of former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh and how to declare him an absconder. This is in the wake of Singh not appearing before the Chandiwal Commission, as also a lookout notice served to him in relation to various cases. The trigger was Singh not reporting to his duty in his capacity as the Director General Home Guards. Top government officials have had a series of meetings involving home department, senior police officers, law and judiciary department, and battery of lawyers as the government wants to tread cautiously so that its actions will pass the test of law. A division bench of Bombay HC on September 16 rejected Singh’s plea challenging two probes launched against him by the Maharashtra government. The HC asked him to approach the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) as the inquiries were of administrative nature pertaining to his conduct as the Police Commissioner. Sources said he will have limited options including either to challenge the HC order in the Supreme Court or approach the CAT or appear before the Chandiwal Commission to plead his case. Some senior officers point out that Singh’s arrest is imminent in cases related to extortion and bribery. Time and options are running out for an officer who despite serving over three decades in Maharashtra Police has to come clean of all charges.
The DMK boss Stalin is caught between a rock and a hard place as he joins the battle against the national common medical and dental entrance test. Having upbraided the AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa for years about The National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the student suicides it has triggered in the state as students fall short against the challenge of multiple-choice tests, DMK took a stand before the polls that it would abolish NEET the day it came into office. It isn’t quite that simple as this is a national test now and outside the ambit of the State list which has Education but the Concurrent list rules medical studies. Stalin has tried everything, from a retired judge-headed committee to study the invidious test that beats rural and State Board students to counselling sessions and yet another resolution in the Assembly to exempt Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court has, however, ruled that NEET should prevail and the President had twice sent back legislation from TN on the subject in 2017. The TN Chief Minister MK Stalin is hoping other non-BJP states would pick up on its stand on the test that has excluded the rural and urban poor while it hasn’t stopped the elite rich from buying private medical college seats. The suicide rate is stinging the state but right now it is a lone fighter against NEET.
There are one too many aspirants in Maharashtra to file their nominations for the Rajya Sabha election necessitated in the wake of the death of Rajiv Satav, a close confidant of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Some of the names that are doing rounds are: Former leader of opposition Gulam Nabi Azad, Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, whose name figured in G23 of disgruntled party members, former Union Minister Mukul Wasnik, former in charge of Rajasthan Avinash Pande and Satav’s wife Pradnya. Pradnya, who has been recently appointed as the vice president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, may be considered being Rajiv’s wife and her inclination to play a decisive role in active politics. Wasnik has lost local touch although he is in the inner circle of Gandhi family. Whether Congress will nominate one of these contenders or spring a surprise by giving a ticket to a new face will soon be known.
The overnight transfers of three governors to Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttarakhand by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently aims to continue the new political doctrine of proactive governors (not rubber stamp governors) to tackle ground level political realities in these states. Modi demonstrated this strategy in West Bengal, Delhi, and Maharashtra. The appointment of Ravindra Narayana Ravi, retired IPS officer and former Governor of Nagaland as TN Governor, comes as BJP perceives the new DMK government as an anti-Hindu dispensation, in addition to an increased incidence of conversions and to curb the resurgence of insurgency in the south Indian state, says BJP think tank constituent Mahendra Jain, based out of Mumbai. Similarly, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) has been given the responsibility of Uttarakhand. A former deputy chief of army, Singh is an expert on China affairs (Uttarakhand shares the international border with China) and was part of at least eight delegations to visit China and was a research fellow on the subject. Banwarilal Purohit had additional charge of Punjab as TN governor but is now given full responsibilities of Punjab where the Congress is in apparent disarray. Unlike old times (pre Modi era) the role of governors is recast to tackle challenges politically as part of the new Modi doctrine. Meanwhile it is learnt Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has expressed a desire to retire from politics.
Om Prakash Chautala, a former Chief Minister of Haryana from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and son of Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal, has opened communication channels with various political parties to form a Third Front ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections. Chautala, who had walked free from Delhi’s Tihar Jail after serving a 10-year jail term in a teacher’s recruitment scam, wants to play a new innings at the age of 86: To provide an alternative to the BJP and the Congress. However, Chautala will have to strive to win the confidence of small, regional and like-minded parties to form a third front as BJP has already launched an exercise to lure such parties. Chautala’s party INLD has lost its presence in Haryana while regional satraps may not like to accept his leadership considering his past. Third front has been a disaster in Indian politics. A veteran BJP leader, however, holds that there may be an opposition front, third, fourth or fifth front, BJP’s victory for the third successive term is sure. He did not forget to add “Modi Hai to Sab Mumkin Hai.”
Nationalist Congress Party Chief Sharad Pawar’s “zamindar” dig at the Congress party has been hailed by many G-23 group leaders who are making a strong case for the reforms and rejuvenation of the organization lest it loses political relevance. Interestingly, save for Gautam Patole, Nitin Raut and Balasaheb Thorat from Maharashtra, none of the Congress leaders across the country slammed Pawar for his observation that Congress’s situation was now like impoverished zamindars (landlords) who have no land and cannot maintain their havelis (mansions). Pawar chose to target Congress at a time when there has been unanimity among opposition parties excluding BSP, AAP and MIM to join hands to take on BJP in the run up to the next general elections. Pawar has, however, clarified that such a front won’t be possible without the Congress party playing a crucial role. Former union minister Verapppa Moily, who was among the 23 leaders who wrote to Sonia Gandhi last year seeking organisational overhaul, opposed the institutionalisation of the G-23 saying the group has “no role and has become irrelevant.” However, leaders during private conversations admit it is “now or never” situation for the Congress leadership to act fast for its revival or witness more desertions. And what intrigues everybody is the deafening silence of the Gandhis.
The appointment of Ravindra Narayana Ravi, a former bureaucrat and Governor of Nagaland, as Tamil Nadu Governor seems to have hit the DMK in the solar plexus. This development comes post the meeting of AIADMK’s Edappadi Palanisami and O Panneerselvan with Prime Minister Narendera Modi wherein they had expressed fear of a witch hunt by the Stalin government. Analysts say Stalin was surprised by this appointment. Generally, the relations between the Governor and Opposition parties-ruled Chief Ministers have always been blow hot blow cold. It may be recalled when Banwarilal Purohit was the TN Governor, the DMK dug up sleaze on a certain Nirmala Devi and tried to tarnish his image. But, once Stalin took over as CM the relationships were cordial. But is the appointment of Ravi a la Kiran Bedi who had frequent face-offs with Puducherry Chief Minister? So, what does Governor Ravi bring to the table? As a former IPS officer, with deep throat experience in counter-terrorism and intelligence, he is definitely no push over Governor. Stalin who initially made politically right statements, later via his party MLA KS Alagiri, attacked the Governor. Stalin has been pushing for more federalism and has dared the Centre by moving a Bill to scrap NEET. Till date it was easy going for Stalin, but it may not be so in the coming days with the new Governor.
Is actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar who joined BJP in 2020 prior to TN Assembly polls in 2021 looking to go back to DMK which launched her political career? At least that’s what political analysts in Tamil Nadu feel, reading her message on Teacher’s Day. The 51-year Khushbu who lost assembly elections from the Thousand Lights constituency tweeted her immense respect and devotion to DMK Founder, the late Kalaignar Karunanidhi. “I must thank my mentor, my Great Teacher, Dr Kalaignar for teaching me, politics is not about hate or despair, but hope and service.” We can comprehend the hope part about casting your net again in the treacherous political waters and look for yet another comeback chance into the DMK fold. But this service part? What service? Is it self- service? Obviously, the BJP has not recognised her “service“potential” or her political chutzpah. Film stars so addicted to the arc lights and adulations, are on constant comeback mode. So are politicians it appears. But Khushbu has gone the entire merry go round circuit – DMK to Congress to BJP. Time, she hung up her periscope. She is an educated, talented and savvy woman of substance. Surely, there is a variety of creative opportunities out there for her gift of the gab and grab.
Former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh has gone absconding, according to the Maharashtra home department. A home department official told this website, “A team of police officials visited his residence in Punjab where we were told he is unavailable. He is wanted for questioning in a number of cases registered against him at several police stations of Maharashtra.” A well-placed central revenue intelligence official also confirmed that Singh, who proceeded on leave after being transferred as chief of Maharashtra Home guards, in the wake of several complaints of corruption against him was unavailable at his residence in Chandigarh. Singh did not respond to phone calls, SMS and WhatsApp communications. A well-placed source in the Maharashtra police department added, “A lookout notice had been issued against Singh by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) that had also informed the Bombay High Court that Singh also faced the prospect of arrest despite being the complainant in the case registered against former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh, against whom also a lookout notice was also issued recently. Singh is also accused of running a den of corruption with his stint as police commissioner of Thane city is believed to have been enjoying the patronage of political satraps from Maharashtra that allowed him to operate with impunity for several years before he fell foul of his political mentors.
Afghanistan is headed to becoming the next Syria, hold experts, since infighting broke out between the Taliban factions, Pashtuns and Haqqqanis besides ISIS, which has also now jumped into the fray to apparently assert its rights over the spoils of war. A well placed MEA source said, “Unlike media reports of freshly initiated backroom parleys with the Taliban, Jaishankar was a very busy man for several weeks and months now. India engaged in talks at the instance and initiative of Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the official head of the Taliban political leadership in exile based out of Qatar.” While Stanikzai repeatedly pressed for official political relations with India and recognition from the Modi government, India focussed on evacuations of minorities (with only 3,500 now still remaining to be airlifted) and even the Afghan nationals trapped in the mess. In turn, India has been able to get the Taliban to promise that no terror attack upon India would be permitted or supported from Afghan soil. However, now infighting has broken out between the three major players, namely the Taliban (factions in exile), the Haqqani group and the Pashtuns that is threatening to escalate into a full-scale war even as an unprecedented famine-like situation has become prevalent in Afghanistan.
After 14 years, the best Teachers of Tamil Nadu were awarded a certificate plaque, on Teachers Day, without a Chief Ministers picture! Instead, the citation carried the photo of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, savant, philosopher, educationist, recipient of Bharat Ratna, first vice president and second President of India. This is seen as a refreshing change in TN political culture where jarring photos, banners and cutouts intrude the significance of every occasion, constantly reminding the people of the “greatness and relevance” of that politician! The poster culture has taken a vulgar and in your face evolution here, and the public could do nothing but stare, may be curse and move on. Is Stalin heralding a new political culture by giving due acknowledgment to the leader or historical greats who have silently worked for the development of India? If Stalin is on a self-effacement, graceful public mode, this bodes well. A welcome change from loud, crass and jarring publicity and high-profile stunts of both AIADMK and DMK heavyweights that made people squirm and chortle at their vanity.
Days after dinner hosted by veteran Congress leader and member of the G-23 group Kapil Sibal and lack of party’s initiative for the election of a new chief, a section of the disgruntled leaders want the former Union Minister and Nationalist Congress Party Chief Sharad Pawar to lead them. A former Union Minister and a prominent member of the G-23 indicated that Pawar is a leader who believes in consensus and has stature in national politics. Some of them point out that if the Congress splits due to disagreement over the leadership issue, these leaders can accept Pawar’s leadership without officially joining NCP but as a leader of a non-BJP front. However, there is a major hurdle as Pawar insists that Congress should play a central role and it cannot be sidelined to have a united front of like-minded and secular parties. Further, G-23 leaders are also unhappy over the brother-sister duo Rahul-Priyanka for creating further divide in the party. They do admit interim president Sonia Gandhi’s initiative to convene a meeting of Congress and like-minded parties, but they claim it is not enough unless the mother and siblings are prepared to decide the leadership issue without any further delay. They fear that it will cost party heavily as Congress will witness further divisions and desertions across the country which will be a good news for BJP.
Maharashtra’s ex-home minister Anil Deshmukh is on the lam, after the Enforcement Directorate issued a look out notice for him a week ago. A well-placed source confirmed, “Repeated failure to comply with ED summons in an ongoing investigation (five times) resulted in the notice being issued to pre-empt any attempt to leave the country.” Ironically, a lookout notice was also issued earlier against former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh, on whose complaint, the case against Deshmukh was registered. Singh has also gone underground in the wake of multiple criminal cases registered against him by multiple Maharashtra police stations. Former Maharashtra home minister, who belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar, is believed to be outside Maharashtra, holed up in under the active care of a very powerful Congress leader in that state. On September 1, Deshmukh’s son-in-law and lawyer were detained by the CBI that subsequently released the former while arresting the latter. Also arrested was a CBI sleuth for leaking a preliminary report regarding investigations against Deshmukh, apparently indicating his innocence. The CBI subsequently issued a disclaimer. Deshmukh is also being probed for alleged money laundering through shell companies based out of Kolkata with the central revenue intelligence agency already having attached properties worth over Rs 4.20 crore belonging to the five time MLA from Nagpur, a close confidant of Sharad Pawar.
The civility will remain, but it is the end of the bonhomie between the Opposition AIADMK and the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu. When former chief minister O Panneerselvam, on his wife’s death, wept in the close presence of current chief minister MK Stalin, it was a sign that maturity in Tamil Nadu politics is here to stay. But the DMK is bent upon pursuing its own interests as a few actions betraying agenda pursuits were witnessed. The first was the move to affiliate the Jayalalithaa University in Villupuram to the Annamalai varsity, which is seen as a move by the rulers to suppress Jaya’s name. The second was the announcement that the Karunanidhi statue would be restored to its original place on Mount Road from where it was removed during the Jayalalithaa regime. “Traffic hazard” was quoted as the reason to move a centrally placed tribute to the late DMK patriarch in his bronze statue with the trademark tinted glasses to cover for a childhood eye injury. Stalin was more than civil in allowing ration and condiments bags with the portraits of Jaya and EPS to be in continued use until they are exhausted in order to save Rs 10 crore for the government. But he is pursuing other things close to his dad’s heart like hiding the Assembly in the Omadurar building rather than Fort St George.
With the appointment of former Union Finance Minister and veteran leader P Chidambaram in charge of Goa, the Congress party seems to be learning from past mistakes and cash in on anti-incumbency against the BJP led government to regain power in the upcoming assembly elections. Immediately after his appointment, Chidambaram dissolved state and district level party committees to start anew. He has increased his visits to Goa and in every meeting, he insists that factionalism and intra party feud will not be tolerated while making a strong case to put up a united fight against BJP which is struggling to combat the pandemic and groupism within the party. Recently, BJP’s core group met and asked the embattled chief minister Pramod Sawant to further tighten the grip on the government and strengthen coordination between the party organization and the government. Chidambaram has asked the senior leaders to reach out to the voters to expose BJP’s misgovernance and divisive politics. Interestingly, this time round the party is engaged with smaller and like-minded parties to stitch a pre-poll alliance to avoid the mistake it committed after the last assembly elections. So, Chidambaram is heading Congress party’s Mission Goa and the party hopes to win back the state.
Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK Coordinator, O Panneerselvan’s (OPS) wife P Vijayalakshmi, suddenly died of massive cardiac arrest at a private hospital on September 1. Even as OPS, sons Ravindranath (MP), Jayapradeep, and family were mourning her sudden loss, a call from VK Sasikala, ousted AIADMK general secretary and confidante of the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, informed the family that she was on her way to pay her respects in person. Former TN chief minister and arch-rival of Sasikala, Edappadi Palanisami, who was around offering his condolences, made a quick exit from the hospital. The grandstanding Sasikala arrived to much excitement among the huge throng of party workers. They could sense the regrouping of new political forces. And sure enough, a grief-stricken OPS was consoled. The crafty politician held his hands and OPS turned to putty. They say, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in politics, only permanent interest. Sasikala, it seems, could turn this overwhelming grief-stricken time into a potential opportunity to capture her lost glory and the party. And a malleable OPS too! Why not? Vijayalakshmi’s mortal remains were taken to Periyakulam in Theni District. Among the gathered family, prominently present at midnight was Sasikala’s nephew and AMMK party founder, TTV Dinakaran! How to win enemies and decimate friends!
On August 24, when the state BJP General Secretary KT Raghavan was “allegedly exposed by Youtuber and self-styled BJP mouthpiece Madhan Ravichandran” by his sting operation sleaze tapes, Raghavan did not publicly rave and rant. He just resigned his party post and said he would meet the allegations, legally. Ok, so what’s so unusual about sexual proclivities and shenanigans …of people in power? This exactly is the question asked by Naam Tamilar Katchi founder and high-profile orator, Seeman, who is now openly nicknamed BJP’s B Team. Ha, this gets murkier and murkier when the unravelling of this sting expose came to light. Said Ravichandran, “I sought party president Annamalai’s ok, played the tapes to him and then only went public.” Now the penny drops. Former IPS officer, now newly minted BJP TN party president K Annamalai is in a hurry to establish himself as the unquestionable power center. Bade miyaan tho bade miyaan, Chotte miyaan subhanallah! The old guard and entrenched opinion makers are naturally riled. So was this sting operation remotely controlled? Is this an open admission that all is not well in the TN BJP, which now orchestrates a single point agenda — the only alternative to the Dravidian voice? The Indian crab mindset is alive and busy pulling down potential challenges.
Just a few days back, the Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi gave a call for unity among opposition parties to take on the BJP. Ironically, it’s her party’s warring factions in Punjab and Rajasthan who need this unity the most. Sonia was briefed by both Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot factions. Gehlot, it seems, is in no mood to entertain Pilot and his demand for cabinet expansion. In Punjab, a different drama is being played out and looks like the party is on the verge of a vertical split. The new state chief Navjot Siddhu seems to be a man in a hurry while Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh is in mood to surrender. He is prepared to fight internal rivals and BJP. Harish Rawat who is in charge of the Punjab unit, at the behest of the High Command, has asked Siddhu to get rid of his advisors to avoid further rift and controversies. But Siddhu seems equally adamant and belligerent. He is seeking a report card of Captain’s five-year rule. Rahul and Priyanka who were responsible for convincing Pilot not to quit the party are unable to come out with viable solutions either in Rajasthan or Punjab. Says party insiders, Congress is not just directionless but has lost vigour to save the government. Meanwhile both BJP and AAP are enjoying the fight.
Firebrand and street smart leader Narayan Rane is now BJP’s missile against estranged ally Shiv Sena in the run up to the BMC elections. His arrest and bail have increased his stock value in Delhi. Modi and Shah have not only neglected demand for Rane’s resignation as predicted in the media after recent clashes, but they are also thinking of giving him more responsibility to revive BJP in the Konkan region which is a Sena bastion — and also delivering a befitting reply by winning BMC election. Even though a few BJP and RSS leaders are unhappy with Rane’s glorification, a thinking among majority of the leaders, given the current circumstances, is to back Rane. He is the best bet to take on the Sena in its backyard. However, a negative point is that Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena is heading the MVA government. Thackeray may use the power of his office to checkmate Rane’s feisty politics vis a vis expose BJP’s politics of opportunism in neglecting the loyalists. A senior BJP leader says that if the party fails to dislodge Sena from the BMC then Rane will have to take the blame, but if it wins then all credit will go to Rane. This brings the million-dollar question: Will he pose a challenge to Devendra Fadnavis and others in the future? Wait for BMC polls!
There is a strong buzz in the Congress circle that the 72-year old veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad who retired from Rajya Sabha as the Leader Of Opposition on February 15, 2021 may re-enter the House Of Elders. He, according to knowledgeable sources, may be elected from Tamil Nadu. The Rajya Sabha election is scheduled on September 13, 2021 for the vacancy caused by the death of AIADMK Rajya Sabha member, A Mohammedjan. Political analysts feel since DMK and its allies enjoy a clear majority their nominee is bound to win. It may be recalled that while bidding him farewell, all leaders had praised Azad for his outstanding contributions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became emotional too. In his farewell speech, Azad shocked and surprised everybody when he said he was among the fortunate people who never went to Pakistan. “When I read about the circumstances in Pakistan, I feel proud to be a Hindustani Muslim,” he said. Many Congressmen, who respect him, feel he was side-lined as he was one of the signatories to G 23. As always, this former chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir is asking the Modi government to restore statehood before holding assembly polls. One has to wait and watch whether Azad who has always been a picture of grace and dignity will make it again.
With the Calcutta High Court ordering CBI probe into West Bengal Post Poll violence and directing the Mamata government to immediately process the compensation for the victims, the political uncertainty has deepened in the state. Add to this the fear of the Third Wave of pandemic hitting the country during Durga Puja; and importantly, the need to hold bypolls in seven assembly seats before November 5 or else, technically, Didi may have to step down, if not re-elected within six months. The Election Commission (EC), looking at the ground situation in terms of pandemic and post-poll violence, is yet to announce the date. After announcing the poll dates, the EC takes at least 24 days before voting can take place. The EC has been accused of delaying the election at the behest of the Centre. But, those accusing the EC of bias, may note that in Uttarakhand, a BJP ruled state, Tirath Singh Rawat who took over as the Chief Minister on March 10, 2021 had to step down on July 2 as the EC was not ready to hold bypolls before his six-month period to get re-elected was coming to end on September 10. It may be recalled that even though her party TMC won the Assembly elections with thumping majority, she lost her seat from Nandigram to BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, her one time confidant.
Passing his first 100 days in office with the felicity of a seasoned politician destined to hold the highest office in his state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is drawing praise even from his opponents when his regime is long past the honeymoon stage. He showed how he values his dad’s contribution with a Rs 40 crore tribute in a grand memorial on the Marina Beach while retaining the one lesson M Karunanidhi taught him. There is no need to be vituperative in politics; and cordial relations with the Centre are conducive to the State’s welfare because the purse strings are in New Delhi. Stalin backs Opposition unity with the same intent as he did in promoting Rahul Gandhi as his choice for PM if the coalition forces make it but he will not be a street fighter in the Mamata mould. He makes his political points in cool language and devoid of theatricals. The Tamil Nadu CM lets the power of data figure in everything that his government does, which is probably something he has picked up from his finance minister. Statements are laced with facts and figures to support arguments made in sane fashion. He leads the Treasury benches saving most of his talk for the Assembly while delegating powers to his ministers. Stalin is in the running for the CM of the year accolade.
The 2017 Kodanad case is back in the limelight years after J Jayalalithaa died and one of her drivers led a break-in on the tea estate nestling in the Nilgiris. The latest turn in the case may be entirely political with the new regime headed by MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu seeking to put pressure on former CM Edappadi Palaniswami wondering if he could be named a conspirator but the fact remains that a Hitchcockian suspense over events were never satisfactorily explained. Two major gang leaders of the break-in met with road accidents at virtually the same time on the same day. While the prime accused Kanagaraj died in a two-wheeler crash in Salem, the first accused MV Sayan survived a car crash but lost his wife and daughter on a Kerala road when another vehicle bumped suspiciously into his. The key to the mystery lies with Sayan now who is much wanted as the ruling DMK seems very interested in the outcome of reinvestigation. A hunt is on for the main conspirator who may have set a gang of nine to break in and see if they could get into locked rooms of the bungalow which were supposed to contain great treasures including jewels and cash. The CCTVs were conveniently off at the time leading to the suspicion of an inside hand.
After parleys with the Central leadership and RSS veterans, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tweaked his style of functioning both at the government and the party level. Party insiders point out that Yogi has decided to reach out to his deputy chief minister, ministers and disgruntled ministers, legislators and MPs in a bid to avoid factionalism ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Yogi has visited Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a couple of other leaders and ministers to discuss organisational and policy issues. The agenda is getting nods for the party nominees for members of legislative council and for the much-awaited cabinet expansion. Four people are in the fray for MLC. These include: Jitin Prasada who recently joined BJP from Congress; former UP BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpai; and Sanjay Nishad of the Nishad Party. This is Yogi’s second visit to the national capital in a month. Interestingly, Yogi’s move is to get maximum Centrally-funded projects to be completed ahead of the polls and also kick start new projects already in the pipeline. A recent Mood of the Nation survey conducted by India Today ranks Yogi next only to Modi in popularity as the next choice as India’s Prime Minister. Hopefully, the new style will help him expand his appeal further (Yogi polled 11% votes up from 3% in August 2020)
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s close confidants KC Venugopal, Gaurav Gogai and others are furious over the dinner hosted by a G-23 member and former union minister Kapil Sibal on his birthday and inviting opposition party leaders. Sibal has said it was not an attempt to launch a non-BJP front without Congress playing a lead role. But Rahul supporters are not ready to accept; they strongly feel it is further attempt to embarrass Rahul who is already taking initiatives to mobilise opposition parties in and outside the Parliament against the Modi government. A former minister, who was present at Sibal’s dinner, said Sonia-Rahul Gandhi duo is an integral part for any non- BJP front but G-23 will step up its efforts to mobilise like-minded parties ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections. “A fresh demand will be made for convening the plenary session of the All India Congress Committee to elect a new president and thereafter launch a nationwide drive to build up front against BJP. Already some leaders have sent signal to Sonia, if she agrees party will get a new president.” Another leader, who was minister in both UPA I and II government, used cricket lingua to convey his message. Agreed, the wicket is sticky, but there are enough veterans and experienced players within the Congress party who can give a new spin and win the match.
BJP has put Mission Topple Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra on hold and instead is focusing on securing the country’s richest civic body — the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and win the mayoral poll. With strong backing from the RSS parivar it has launched Samarth Booth Abhiyan which lays emphasis on reaching the voters up to the booth level and thereby strengthening the party to take on Shiv Sena’s vibhag or ward level network. There are 227 wards and 12,000 booths. BJP proposes to contact every voter at the booth level in a serious bid to counter Shiv Sena in the upcoming BMC elections. It has already started booth-wise revision of voters’ list and one-on-one meetings with voters. The BJP insiders claim the party has taken care to appoint committed workers as booth and shakti sthal pramukh to avoid groupism and factionalism. The party leadership’s diktat is not to entertain division. Interestingly, the Modi-Shah duo are closely monitoring the developments. Party President JP Nadda has already reviewed the ground level preparations with former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, city unit chief Mangal Prabhat Lodha, and state unit chief Chandrakant Patil. Meanwhile there are strong rumours that Ashish Shelar, former minister and party legislator is tipped to take over as the state unit chief following his several rounds of meetings with Home Minister Amit Shah.
The new dispensation at Tamil Nadu headed by MK Stalin has unveiled first of its kind, exclusive budget for agriculture to transform the state’s farmers. A resounding electoral win, wresting power after 10 long years, a think tank cabinet of intellectuals, a White Paper on the abysmal state of the TN coffers (a timely disclaimer in case promises can’t be met), a budget that tries to put both revenue and deficit in perspective…. no wonder Stalin has raised expectations. This exclusive agricultural budget has a slew of schemes that could transform TN’s agriculture sector over next 10 years. If implemented, it could give the state a distinct identity. It envisages value addition for farm products, millets to be procured at better prices, incentives to sugarcane farming. The most striking aspect is the importance given to organic farming by creating a separate department for integrated push to take up organic farming. Another ambitious plan is to convert 11.75 hectares of fallow land to cultivable land, an increase from 60% to 75%. The scheme to give a solar powered pump set has been lauded. Above all, the scheme is focusing on training farmers to meet value added market demand as Agri Entrepreneurs. Clearly, Stalin’s agrarian focused approach could be the answer to what successive Tamil Nadu’s government was looking for a long time now.
The Income Tax Department lost the Vodafone case because it didn’t contest well in the Supreme Court, held the lawmakers. And to address this, the then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee introduced the retrospective tax in the Income-tax Act in 2012, though he was not happy with the decision when he understood the implications. (Vodafone was asked to pay $3.79 billion, including $2 billion in tax, interest and penalties – a claim called incorrect by an international arbitration tribunal). The retrospective tax is gone, but its ghost may remain. Seasoned observers say the decision to do away with the controversial tax provision is purely a political one. The Central Board of Direct Taxes officials maintain that income arising out of the sale of assets on Indian soil must be taxed in India, and they will keep doing so. Now that the I-T provision is gone, it would be interesting to see how the existing cases are handled by the taxmen. The Income-tax Act is a powerful piece of legislation that gives the tax department immense powers to deal with any case in the way it wants, if it is decided at the top level of the Board. The companies involved in the retrospective tax cases may feel happy that the provision has been quashed, but they should wait for some more time before it turns out to be a final respite.
You may love him or hate him but you can hardly ignore him. That is the message Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh may have learnt from his long running feud with the cricketer-turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu. The maverick opener’s innings as politician has transformed into a formidable presence from a quiet beginning much like his cricket career in which he was dubbed the “Strokeless Wonder” before he trained himself to become “Sixer Sidhu.” Debuting in the World Cup 1987 in Chennai, he thrashed the defending Aussies for an explosive 73, studded with five sixes. This was followed by three consecutive half centuries, all marked by the big hits that have become the staple of white ball cricket today. Having called truce in the war for Punjab Congress turf, the Gandhis are still seen encouraging younger Sidhu, 57, against Captain, 79, though the latter was the powerful regional chieftain who brought them to power in a big state. Sidhu’s threat of leaving for the AAP seems to have rattled the younger Gandhis who backed him to the hilt against the stalwart CM. Now Captain is scurrying to New Delhi to complain once again that Sidhu is still baiting him in public even after he had conceded ground to allow Sidhu to become the Congress Committee chief in Punjab. Truth is Sidhu will never tire of speaking.
The story of the rise and fall of one of the most powerful Democrats of the USA might culminate in his impeachment as Governor of New York: Andrew Cuomo is also facing possible criminal charges that he sexually harassed 11 women. Once married to Robert Kennedy’s daughter Kerry, with whom he had three daughters, Andrew, son of Mario, a three-time New York Governor, was once seen as a possible replacement for Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination for President. At the height of the pandemic last year, a staggering 60 million used to tune into his daily briefings on the Covid outbreak as he promised leadership in the crisis. He won an Emmy and a book deal and had the admiration of half the nation until the women emerged with horror stories of work inside a toxic Governor’s office environment. Cuomo is now under threat of becoming a poster boy for reviving #MeToo movement. Cuomo says his actions had been misconstrued, his words misunderstood. He said it was cultural: He hugs, he kisses, he says, “Ciao, bella.” He said it was generational: Sometimes he lapses into “honey” or “sweetheart” or tells bad jokes. Now even President Joe Biden is calling for his head as the 63-year-old went from hero to zero with a speed only ultra-ambitious politicians suffer.
The growing proximity between Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has surprised not only the traditional Congress leaders but also Shiv Sena’s erstwhile ally BJP. Both Sena and Congress are keen to further consolidate their ties not just for the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections but also for the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Despite BJP’s Mission 2022 and resentment from Mumbaikars on a couple of issues, Shiv Sena is hopeful of retaining power in BMC and for that it needs Congress and NCP by its sides to lure non-Marathi speaking voters. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi have been regularly interacting over phone but Raut has directly opened channels with Rahul and thereby has sent signal to the Maharashtra Congress leaders to fall in line and stop ”going solo” talk. Raut who was part of the core team that saw the formation of Maha Vikas Aghadi gave Rahul a complete run down as to how Sena functions. An impressed Rahul is likely to visit Maharashtra soon and meet up with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Essentially, Sena is sending a message to BJP that even as it hobnobs with Congress it is not moving away from its Hindutva and Marathi Manoos agenda. Political analysts see this high profile meeting as optics and say nothing concrete will emerge until NCP supremo Sharad Pawar takes a lead.
Two years ago, on August 5, 2019, the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a bold decision to revoke Article 370 that granted special status to J&K. As expected, two well-entrenched political parties/ families of J&K – National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party raised hue and cry and not surprisingly Pakistan also joined the chorus. But Modi soldiered on. Now, the government is talking about holding elections and restoring statehood status for J&K, among other things. But the moot point is: When will you allow the five lakh Kashmiris driven out by ethnic cleansing to return? That’s the question BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy asked Hasnain Masoodi of National Conference at NewsX Roundtable Debate. Dr Swamy said that post 370 the situation at the ground level has improved but the local leaders (read pro Islamists) have not expressed any apology nor regret over the biggest genocide. “Five lakh Hindus were driven out and nobody from the valley has shown any sympathy.” He called for a new strategy: Modi government should seek the withdrawal of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s petition that sought UN intervention in Kashmir. He added: the petition is illegal as it has been filed by Nehru without cabinet approval. And his parting shot was that the all-party meeting on J&K chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi could have been avoided.
Voices of disapproval and social media whining were heard after the grand Centenary celebration of the TN Legislature on August 2. There were murmurs of protest as political leaders felt that the Chief Minister MK Stalin had turned the event into DMK, and first family affair. Five time chief minister M Karunanidhi’s portrait was unveiled by President Ram Nath Kovind. But was this august assembly which had enacted many far-reaching laws and transformed Tamil Nadu was presided over only by Karunanidhi? What about the great Savant C Rajagopalachari or Karmaveer K Kamaraj who brought the highest principles of ethical governance to this assembly? CN Annadurai who inspired Karunanidhi and M Bhaktavatsalam, an erudite politician who was CM? What about MGR, the darling of millions who popularised the concept of mid-day meal schemes in schools? The precursor to this Assembly was the Justice Party, which at least got its due as the new Finance Minister P Thiaga Rajan could bask in the glory of his grandfather PT Rajan, one of the founders of the Justice Party. The least Stalin could have done is to have portraits of these earlier stalwarts also unveiled by the President. When public money is spent on a big event no ruling party should appropriate it. They must cut across party lines and give dues to all leaders who have built Tamil Nadu.
NCP MP Supriya Sule once said: ”My father is unpredictable.” That was experienced this week not just by his partymen but even opponents. Sule’s father and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, on the one hand, has taken up the role of bringing Opposition parties together to put up a joint front against BJP while on the other hand he met PM Narendra Modi a fortnight ago on the issue of amendments to the Banking Regulation Act. Two days ago he led a delegation to meet the newly appointed Cooperation Minister Amit Shah to draw his attention to problems plaguing the cooperative sugar industry in Maharashtra. To avoid speculation Pawar released a letter in which he had sought Shah’s appointment. Further, he has offered to help West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Khela Hobe’ call in all the states. Parallelly, he met RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. All these actions seem to have puzzled his close confidant, BJP leaders and other political leaders. Everyone is trying to decode Pawar’s actions. Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania, senior bureaucrats believe that Pawar will join hands with BJP soon and ditch Shiv Sena and Congress. Pawar’s purported meeting with Shah a couple of months ago at the residence of a leading industrialist at Ahmedabad had triggered the talk of two parties coming together. Like cricket, nobody can say until the last ball is bowled.
Seems like this Delhi-based advocate Manohar Lal Sharma loves to court controversy. He picks up controversial cases and files Public Interest Litigations (PIL) in the Supreme Court. He hit the national headlines when he appeared as a defence lawyer for one of the accused in 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case. According to livelaw.in, a leading legal news portal, the Supreme Court on Thursday (August 5) pulled up serial litigant Advocate ML Sharma over the PIL filed by him seeking probe into the Pegasus snooping controversy. “Mr Sharma, except newspaper cuttings, what is there in your petition? What purpose you have filed the petition for? You want us to collect the material and argue your case? This is not the way of filing a PIL. We also read newspapers,” CJI expressed displeasure at his PIL. This is not the first time Sharma is being hauled up by the Apex Court. In August 2019, he got slap on his wrist for filing a shoddy petition challenging the August 5 Presidential Order on Article 370 on the very next day of its issuance. Likewise in May 2015, SC asked why he should not be debarred from filing and/or canvassing any Public Interest Litigation on account of the “irresponsible and scandalous allegations levelled by him” against the members of Parliament. He later apologised and was allowed to file PILs with certain checks.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s breakfast meeting with the Opposition parties barring Akali Dal, MIM, AAP and BSP to decide strategy to take on BJP-led government on Pegasus spyware snooping, farmers’ agitation and rising auto fuel prices is being looked by the participants with a lot of reservations. Some of the participants recall that similar efforts were made ahead of 2019 elections, but Opposition unity remained merely a slogan largely due to ego and prestige issues of regional parties and Congress party’s rigid stand that they are first among equals. Some of the participants argued that the Opposition unity in a bid to put up a solid front against mighty BJP and especially against Modi-Shah duo will not happen as some parties fear retributive action by central investigating agencies. However, participants were unanimous to accept one thing that Rahul is now approachable and ready to listen to them. But for how many days, how many months, is still a million dollar question. Some of the leaders who attended the meeting hoped that such meetings do not become a non-starter like in the past. They feel there should be a concrete action plan instead of breakfast meetings which are mere photo ops. Clearly, my enemy’s enemy is my friend does not fly today. You need unity and strategy.
Kamala Harris has become the most unpopular U.S vice president six months into an administration since at least the 1970s, according to polls. The disappointing numbers are worrying Democratic strategists who were hoping she would run for President in 2024. Recent polls showed only 46% of Americans approved of Kamala with 47% and 48% disapproving of her. In contrast, Joe Biden’s approval rating in a polls average is 51.3%, and disapproval 44.9%. The only recent vice president to have such poor ratings after six months was Mike Pence, but he did not have more people disapproving than approving him. Kamala’s unpopularity among young people is a source of concern to the White House. As many as 41% of young voters (18 to 29) held an unfavourable view and she is seen particularly struggling with the Hispanic voters because of her role in the U.S. border policy and her reluctance to go to the border where migrants are eternally trying to enter the USA. Ahead of midterm elections in 2023, the White House might send her on foreign visits to boost her image. Indian Americans who played a major role in getting her on to the Biden ticket and helped enable the victory of the Democrats are a worried lot now.
August 16, 1946 is mourned by millions as a day of catastrophe: Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s call for Direct Action Day in Kolkata – with the threat of ‘We shall have India divided or India destroyed’ – led to mind-numbing slaughters as bazars and homes were torched, thousands massacred. The carnage also broke the resolve of the secular leaders, who decided to buy peace by conceding to Jinnah’s demand. According to Freedom at Midnight by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins: “Mountbatten was haunted by the spectre of Direct Action Day staged in Calcutta in 1946 by the Moslem League in which 26,000 Hindus were killed in 72 hours.” The consequence of the Great Calcutta Killings should have been the arrest and trial of the perpetrators, but it ended up rewarding them: talks accelerated for the creation of West and East Pakistan, which became a nightmarish reality a year later August 14, 1947. Against this traumatic background, West Bengal’s ruling party Trinamool Congress’ idea to celebrate Khela Hobe Divas on Aug 16 is being decried as not only insensitive but also an insult to the memory of those butchered in the savage killings. For BJP Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, “Khela Hobe’ was never a poll bugle: it was always a veiled call to the cadres for unleashing stone age barbarism.” TMC has dismissed the public opprobrium as an attempt to spread hatred.
The tractor rally to Parliament House on July 26 by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi caught everyone by surprise. It left the Union Home Ministry, Arvind Kejriwal’s government and the Delhi police red faced. It was an intelligence failure. According to OpIndia.com: “The tractor was sneaked into the area in a container, secretly offloaded at the office of Congress Rajya Sabha MP KTS Tulsi at Moti Lal Nehru Marg, about one and a half kilometres away from the Parliament.” The damage was done. Senior IPS officer Balaji Srivastava who took over as the 23rd Commissioner of Delhi on June 30, 2021 was immediately replaced by Director General of Border Security Force Rakesh Asthana. Some feel it was a good excuse to remove Srivastava and replace with a loyal Asthana. A 1984-batch IPS officer from Gujarat cadre, Asthana was appointed as Delhi police chief, three days before he was to superannuate. Now, in addition to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, the Kejriwal government will also have to deal with Asthana. The AAP government passed a resolution in the Assembly: “It is beyond any reasonable understanding as to why a controversial officer who was removed by this Central Government from the post of Special Director CBI in October 2018 and was not considered fit for the post of CBI director only very recently, is being imposed on Delhi Police.”
I rise in sad remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the Bengali Hindu Genocide,” Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. Democratic Congresswoman, offered her prayers in the House of Representatives, putting spotlight on Pakistani Army’s 10-month reign of terror known as Operation Searchlight (started on March 25, 1971) when “2 to 3 million people were killed, over 200,000 women raped in organized rape camps, and over 10 million people displaced, most finding refuge in India.” In remembrance of the Bengali Hindu Genocide victims, Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S Congresswoman and 2020 Presidential candidate, quoted U.S Senator Ted Kennedy: “Hardest hit have been members of the Hindu community who have been robbed of their lands and shops. Systematically slaughtered.” She added: “The Islamist persecution of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh didn’t end with Bangladesh’s Independence. That campaign continues to this day with horrific targeted attacks, murders, homes being burned down and families who continue to be forced to flee.” For many, this campaign has now reached West Bengal. The extent of the bloodlust unleashed after TMC’s spectacular poll victory over BJP has left pro-Hindu voices seething in despair. The NHRC is appalled to discover “a pernicious politico-bureaucratic-criminal nexus” behind 29 murder, 12 rape, and 940 cases of loot and arson during May 2 to June 20. The Calcutta High Court will hear the matter on August 2.
With his father BS Yediyurappa’s (BSY) aide and minister Basavaraj Bommai in the saddle, BY Vijayendra is still a force to be reckoned with as Karnataka comes under a new regime. The central BJP leadership tried its best to bring a more amenable CM in Bengaluru who would listen to New Delhi. But with elections not far away and the Lingayat factor too strong to ignore, BJP’s top brass had to compromise. Under the new dispensation too, Vijayendra will still be a powerful factor, operating from behind the scenes. BSY, the principal architect who created a foothold in the South for the BJP, had to be kept on the right side of equations despite BJP’s compulsion in not sending the party into the polls under an 80-year-old two years hence. With his non-communal approach and his inclusive vision, BSY was a tall regional chieftain who took an independent stand. Faced with rising cases after the lifting of most lockdown restrictions, Bommai has his task cut out in his State to control Covid first and then raise his sights on the elections. This is where he will be leaning on Vijayendra the most as he was the architect who brought Congress and JD(S) MLAs on board for his father to win back the State.
Time was when party and kitty group talk would debate how early a pregnant woman registered her kid for the top, uber sought after private school. Tamil Nadu has one of the best school systems in the country and only financial status decreed which school your ward would join. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) alone runs 281 schools, with 300 private schools, some most sought after. There is this convent school in Nungambakkam where aspiring parents or proxies queue up at 4 am to get the admission forms. Such proven citadels of education enhance a CV when applying for a job. The pandemic has hit middle class families hard, what with job losses and back breaking medical bills. This year there is a 33% rise in GCC schools. Of 27,843 enrolments, 15,000 are from Private and Government-aided schools. These GCC schools are no pushover. They are SMART schools, with good infrastructure, toilets, clean water and fairly good English medium teaching. Recently a Rs 280-crore makeover plan has added more sheen. TN has always been in the forefront of education. It was first to introduce mid-day meal schemes to attract underprivileged kids and cut dropout rates. Now the GCC has just announced an innovative and inclusive strategy. Crowdfunding for further improving infrastructure and educational aids. The South leads in the most significant development index — Education.
It was BJP’s calculated decision to ask party’s poster boy and Lingayat face BS Yediyuruppa to resign as Chief Minister of Karnataka. His continuation may have led to factionalism with the opposition hurling allegations of corruption. The decision was taken after a series of meetings between the RSS and the BJP leaders, especially Home Minister Amit Shah and JP Nadda while keeping PM Narendra Modi in the loop. Even though Yediyuruppa is credited with BJP’s growth in Karnataka and its opening in south India, RSS and a section of BJP realized that this asset may become a liability ahead of the next assembly elections. Party insiders have not forgotten how the mining barons, Reddy Brothers, called the shots a few years ago and caused a major harm to the party’s image. The Parivar is clear that contractors and fixers should not be allowed to create their clout and tarnish the party’s image. Had Yediyuruppa continued, RSS feared that the party’s image may have taken a beating due to alleged links between CM’s relatives, close aides and middlemen. Ultimately the party took a call to send off Yediyuruppa honourably instead of sacking him publicly! RSS activists BL Santosh, Krishna Gopal played a major role in making a strong argument for a change. On February 1, 2021 shortpost.in published a story that hunt was on to replace BSY.
The Lingayat supremo and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyuruppa (BSY) who built up the BJP from scratch in Karnataka was ousted for the fourth time when well short of anything close to a full term, but on this occasion by his own party BJP. With his son BY Vijayendra operating as an extra constitutional authority, Yediyurappa was under pressure from critics within his party even more than the central leadership in New Delhi. Too many ministers took offence at the ‘virtual CM’ role played by his son and were bent upon using the age of 75-year rule of BJP to target BSY saying he was too old to be able to stop his son. However, BSY’s mission since making an offer to PM Modi to resign on health grounds on July 10 was to get his son into any post, at the Centre or as Deputy CM in succession plans, including those which envisage bringing a non-Lingayat as CM. The observers feel that the BJP is being held to ransom by the numerically strong (upto 17%) and influential Lingayats and their seers. With BSY being asked to associate with finding a successor, it would be interesting to see who will be the CM. It is a remarkable story for a 78-year-old who had spells of seven days, three years, three days and two years in four terms as CM.
The animosity between former Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palanisami, EPS and his deputy O Panneerselvan (OPS) seems to have intensified ever since DMK came to power. Compounding it further is the re-entry of VK Sasikala on the scene. This is why speculation is rife why both EPS and OPS headed separately to the Capital to meet the PM. There are different versions. Were they beckoned or summoned? Or did they go to complain about the vendetta raj unleashed by Chief Minister MK Stalin? The ED has raided former minister RS Vijaya Bhaskar. Another viewpoint, the duo had gone to personally handover their version of the wealth trail of DMK supremos. Finally, a vanilla version: the pair were to appraise the PM about vaccine shortage, the NEET issue, Mekedatu dam problem and other issues. This unscheduled trip seems straight out of the Panchatantra Tales…rewind to JJ’s body lying in state before her internment. A sobbing Sasikala, and a reassuring Modi who consoled her. Fast forward to Sasi’s homecoming from jail, and her sky-high expectations that she could just walk into the AIADMK and reclaim her rightful place. Ground reality proved otherwise. Is this an attempt to bring the duo to heel, and make them accept Sasikala as the General Secretary of the party? More importantly, an ambitious plan to bring it under the BJP Chhatra Chaya?
It is not just BJP leadership which is united to counter Opposition parties on the controversy over the alleged snooping by Israeli cyberarms firm NSO Group by using Pegasus spyware but also the RSS functionaries and the members of Parivar who are solidly behind Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi and the government at the Centre. Pegasus is a spyware that can be covertly installed on mobile phones. The common thread: It is a conspiracy by the Opposition parties to defame and discredit not just the BJP-led government but also India at a time when the country is weathering the coronavirus pandemic. Days after the expose by news agency and the Opposition’s attempt to disrupt parliament, RSS leaders including BL Santosh, Krishna Gopal and Suresh Soni internally met and later communicated with Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi extending their support to the government. They assured to talk to Modi for a possible tie-up in a serious bid to argue government’s case among the people. After the scrapping of Article 370 and the NRC and CAA, it is RSS’ turn to be with the government to foil the Opposition and Left wing organisation’s attempt to target BJP, especially Modi.
With the DMK returning to Fort St George after a considerable hiatus, expectations are running high among people. After all, it is a dream come true for MK Stalin, the son of former chief minister late M Karunanidhi. Having become the chief minister, Stalin is in an ideal position. In his ascension to the chief minister gaddi, DMK has an opportunity to refurbish itself to play a decisive role in the national politics. If politics is an art, late Karunanidhi proved himself to be a fine artist. When Karunanidhi was around, he had in him an astute Murasoli Maran, his nephew and Member of Parliament for 36 years. The senior Maran was Man Friday for the former chief minister. And he played the perfect communication bridge between the then DMK government and the ruling class in New Delhi. The erstwhile combination in the DMK kept political channels open all the time. This worked well for the welfare of the state of Tamil Nadu time and again. The connecting line appears to be conspicuous by its absence now. That seems to have put the DMK government under Stalin at a disadvantage. And, that is not doing any good for the Stalin regime. You stay connected in politics. That can be done by a mature mind. Well, Stalin has a quick job on hand.
Chennai’s Greames Road Apollo Hospital is often a stage for intense political drama as VVIPs get admitted there, and warring VIPs come calling. AIADMK presidium chairman Madhusudanan was rushed to Apollo on July 20. Former Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palanisami and his entourage came calling to see the ailing presidium chief. Imagine his predicament when he heard that Madam Sasikala, his arch enemy and political nemesis was on the way for the same purpose. Ousted AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala was not just on the way but was travelling in a car similar to J Jayalalithaa’s with the AIADMK flag fluttering proudly on its mast. Edappadi could only squirm and sputter. Many a mighty political warrior had been quelled by the lady in question. He quickly gathered his herd, and exited from Apollo, even as madam’s car stopped in the portico. Now the memes and sarcasm are flooded with the question, will the Presidium Chief be ousted from the party for being in her company? Remember, her recent bizarre strategy of calling up party malcontents in the dead of night, shoot the breeze, record the conversation and go public with such chats has chucked out quite a few from the AIADMK for anti-party activities! Some people have a talent for whipping up trouble. Sasikala is intent on a hostile takeover.
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Editor’s Note: Short Post Noticed By People Who Matter
Four years have zipped by and we are crossing another milestone on 31st January 2025 – it’s our 4th Anniversary. It feels good.
Looking back at the 1460 days, I must say Short Post has made its mark with people who matter via 4000 stories published in the areas of politics, business, entertainment and sports. All made possible by the unflinching commitment and dedication of our senior editors, most of whom have been part of this journey from Day One.
Small pack, big impact is in essence the story of Short Post which was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. It shows our conviction. In all humility, I can say, we have created a new niche in the news segment space like Hindustan Unilever which created a new segment, when it launched CloseUp Gel.
Yes, we have created a brand (in a limited sense), created demand (readers) and created supply (senior journalists). But we are facing teething problems like all start-ups. What makes us happy and confident is the recognition of our efforts. For instance, we have an arrangement with the OPEN Magazine, part of the $4.5 billion Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka-RPG Group. This arrangement sees around 10 Short Post stories posted on OPEN Magazine website every week. This arrangement is testimony that our content has been well received! Also, I may add that the Maharashtra government has recognised Short Post and has allowed our senior editor to cover the Assembly sessions. Ditto: Odisha.
Our goal is to ensure that Short Post becomes a habit. I would like people to keep checking their smartphones to know the latest Authentic Gossip. As regards AI and the fear of it disrupting all businesses including media. On that, personally, I have no such fear as I am confident AI cannot smell news particularly Authentic Gossip. That’s the place we are well entrenched.