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.

In a significant political development, the Congress high command is considering reassessing its relationship with Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the departure of former Baharampur MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as the Pradesh Congress state chief. Chowdhury’s tenure was marked by notable discord with the Congress leadership’s coordination and support extended to TMC at the state level, despite Mamata Banerjee’s strong relations with Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. It has been learned that Chowdhury expressed extreme displeasure during a recent meeting in New Delhi when Congress West Bengal in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir referred to him as “former” and sought the opinions of other Bengal leaders. Close associates of the former MP stated that the resignation was supposed to be formally announced by INC President Mallikarjun Kharge. Instead, Mir highlighted it in an open forum, adding to the tensions within the party. As Congress prepares for a leadership change, the future of its alliance with TMC remains uncertain, with potential implications for the party’s strategy and its position within the broader political landscape of West Bengal and the nation.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is among the frontrunners to don the mantle of the president of the BJP. Sitting president J P Nadda’s term will soon come to an end. When Nadda was inducted in the Modi 3.0 team, it was obvious that the party will start looking for its new president. Besides giants like Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Dharmendra Pradhan, the name of Fadnavis is making rounds of the political grapevine in the national capital. However, the state assembly election being slated for October this year, some rethink about the schedule of his installation at the BJP headquarters could take place. BJP top brass has not given any indication either way but whispers are seeping out about the party machine’s overhaul. Owing to the disappointing show of the party in the Lok Sabha election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to be more malleable now towards RSS suggestions. In such a scenario, Fadnavis will fit the bill perfectly as he is close to both, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Modi. If and when Fadnavis is elevated, the thorny issue of selecting the next chief minister of Maharashtra will automatically get resolved as present incumbent Eknath Shinde or another DCM, Ajit Pawar, will be asked to run the show provided the NDA wins a majority. Fadnavis has time and again expressed his desire to devote to the party work.

There are persistent allegations of corruption within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) where the party supremo Mamata Banerjee, once celebrated as one of the most honest chief ministers, has found herself at the centre of the Opposition attacks. For a considerable period, Banerjee seemed to dismiss the corruption allegations, often asserting, “In a big party, one or two people may be corrupt, but that does not make the whole party bad.” Despite her statements, the recent electoral setbacks, particularly in Kolkata, where the TMC is trailing in wards that were previously strongholds, have forced a re-evaluation of the party’s stance. The decline in urban voter support is largely attributed to the perceived corruption and misrule within the TMC. The party is trailing in crucial wards, including those of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, signalling a significant shift in voter sentiment. In response, Didi and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, the second-in-command of the party have made clear their intentions to rectify the situation with an eye on the 2026 Assembly elections. However, reports indicate internal differences between the two leaders regarding the reshuffling of party functionaries. Interestingly, party sources said that while Abhishek advocates for comprehensive changes in areas where the TMC is trailing with respect to all opposition parties, Didi favours making changes in areas where the party has a significant loss to BJP. A senior party member revealed that Didi is considering a 30-40% change, contingent upon discussions with other senior members. Also, it is learnt that several members who allegedly collaborated with the BJP during the Lok Sabha polls are under scrutiny, with reports being submitted to Abhishek’s office.

In a day of swift developments Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot issued a show-cause notice to chief minister Siddaramaiah as a precursor to sanctioning his prosecution in the Mysore site allotment scam, rattling the ruling Congress whose boss is facing arguably his most toughest political battle. Governor Gehlot asked Siddaramaiah to explain why prosecution sanction must not be accorded in connection with irregularities in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The allegation in the MUDA scam is that Siddaramaiah’s wife was given expensive plots in lieu of her land on which a layout was formed. Earlier, Gehlot had asked the state chief secretary for a report on the MUDA ‘scam’. The State Cabinet which met later to discuss Governor’s move came out rallying in support of the beleaguered CM. Siddaramaiah had recused from chairing the Cabinet meeting  and had allowed  deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar to preside over it. The Cabinet made it clear that the Governor must act on the aid and advice of the state council of ministers and must withdraw the show cause notice forthwith. Picking holes in the show cause notice, the Cabinet pointed out that the Governor had also failed to note that the complainant, TJ Abraham, had criminal antecedents. It also wondered how could the Raj Bhavan proceed on the complaint on the same day it received the petition. Further castigating the Governor, the Cabinet observed that there had been “a gross misuse of the Constitutional office of the Governor and a concerted effort to destabilize the elected majority government of Karnataka for political considerations”.

Name calling, jibes, taunts, dares have become a daily TV routine in Maharashtra in the run-up to the 2024 state polls. Leading the pack has been the estranged partners — BJP and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena  — whose leaders have been warning of finishing each other politically. Chief minister Eknath Shinde gets criticised for ‘stealing’ a political party complete with name, symbol, ideology and even a father. Raj Thackeray gets mocked for waking up late, Ajit Pawar faces jokes over his pink jackets as much as for his corruption scandals, while Uddhav Thackeray faces jibes for operating from his home as a chief ministerial stint. His son Tejas Thackeray too does not get spared for dancing at the Ambani wedding.  Uddhav pointsman Sanjay Raut gets called morning siren for his daily morning press briefings that lambast all his opponents. The BJP too has set up Nitesh Rane specifically to counter him who gives it back in equally colourful language even as it has allocated daily briefings to counter the daily tirade of allegations and counter-allegations. The name calling also got personal at times like when NCP spokesperson Vidya Chavan put out call recordings in a press conference showing how BJP leader Chitra Wagh tried to incite her daughter-in-law to take to the press against her party leadership. Not surprisingly, those with ears to the ground believe that the pot has been kept boiling deliberately as a smokescreen to avoid focus and questions on ground reality that could prove difficult for all. Considering that all parties have been partners or opponents at some point or the other, too many questions could get uncomfortably closer home for almost every party or combination.

Who is KK? The intriguing initials are bound to be familiar to Gujarat watchers …straight out of a 70s Loin Ajit film. Far from it. Kuniyil Kailashnathan has served as Principal Chief Secretary to three Gujarat CMs –heading that list is Narendra Modi who spotted this talent. KK could translate every strategy into actionable plans, becoming a by word in bureaucracy. Strange why there is no research that most powerful bureaucrats are by far Southies? A Keralite by birth, he grew up in Ooty, graduated from the Madras University and worked as a Professor before cracking the IAS in 1979, zooming up in the power ladder. Now aged 71, he enjoyed a 12 years extension in Gujarat before opting out …and to be appointed as the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi’s term gets over and he has met with both the PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah seeking an extension. Governor Ravi, a former Intel chief has made history as a major irritant to DMK. The buzz is that KK is an interim red herring to lull all concerned; will be moved eventually into the Chennai Raj Bhavan closer to 2026 Assembly elections? KK is fluent in Tamil and may take this talent to a higher level as a foxy bureaucrat. DMK in full prep mode for 2026 cannot let its guard down.

It’s been raining doles or revdis in Maharashtra. Be it for women, girl college students, unemployed youth, the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government has been promising stipends, free gas cylinders and subsidies almost every week. Leading the pack has been the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana that promises monthly stipend of Rs 1500 for women, which has got overwhelming response with over 1.8 crore applications received. Each of the faction of the Mahayuti alliance be it the chief minister Eknath Shinde from the Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawar or Devendra Fadnavis, have been taking credit for it, even before the disbursement of first instalment scheduled on Raksha Bandhan day (Aug 19).  Though the state has over Rs 7.8 lakh crore debt, it has already sanctioned Rs 35,000 crores of the annual outlay of Rs 46,000 crore this budget for this scheme. This scheme, which is the equivalent of Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Behna scheme, is expected to replay the MP government electoral verdict here. A recent survey by Sakaal media group has shown that the ruling Mahayuti front could bag 136 seats as opposed to 152 seats by the MVA front and the Mahayuti hopes that this scheme could help cover up the short gap in the numbers game between the ruling and opposing front explains. Shinde Sena’s spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam. These schemes could tilt the scale in favour of Mahayuti. Devendra Fadnavis has asked people not to enrol from desks set up by offices of opposition parties, as they might not submit forms in a bid to discredit the scheme. Though Ajit Pawar claims that the state has enough funds to continue these schemes, he warned people against voting for opposition lest they discontinue this scheme. 

Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan had kicked up a big fuss when Rajya  Sabha deputy chairperson Harivansh had  called out her  by her full name — Jaya Amitabh Bachchan — in  the House on July 29 while asking her to participate in a short duration discussion on death of students in a Delhi coaching institute due to flooding . The actor took such offence at being called out by her legal name that she wondered why her husband’s name was being invoked along with hers. She had even schooled the chair how a mere Jaya Bachchan would have sufficed. The Chair said he was helpless as he had to go by only what was on record. Continuing her feminist rant, Jaya lashed out against the trend of women being recognised only by the name of their husbands. It was as if women have no existence of achievements of their own. A day later, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar came up with a piece of advice for Jaya and also put on record that Harivansh had only done his job. Instead of giving homilies to the Chair on how to call out her name, he suggested that she should proceed to correct her name legally in the records.

It was billed to be intervention on the Union Budget but Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi’s speech was clearly non-serious and limited to flagging his own pet issues such as caste census, legal status for MSP.. His favourite punching bag was how the Budget was going to help PM Modi’s friends create more wealth at the cost of India’s youth and the middle class. Flashing a picture of customary halwa making ahead of Budget in the House in violation of rules, Rahul wondered why there was no one from OBC, SC or ST among the secretaries involved in Budget making. A bit disappointed that PM Modi had not turned in to listen to his speech — there was no need for PM Modi’s presence, since both defence minister Rajnath Singh and FM Nirmala Sitharaman were in attendance. Rahul felt the PM did not have the “nerve” to listen into his speech.  Charging  the government of  trapping Indians in a modern-day ‘chakravyuh’ and unleashing an atmosphere of fear in the country,  Rahul alleged it  was being run by six people led by PM Modi, HM Amit Shah, NSA Ajit Doval, two industrialists  close to PM  and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. He said because of the ‘chakravyuh’ there has been “concentration of financial power… We are going to break down this ‘chakravyuh’. The biggest way of doing this is the caste census,” he said and added that INDIA Bloc would pass guaranteed legal MSP and caste census in the LS. Disappointed with losing out the NEET battle in the Supreme Court, Rahul wondered why the FM had not spoken about paper leaks. But then why should she….that is not her domain?

The recent bout of intensified terror attacks launched in the Jammu region of the J&K Union Territory of India by Pakistan is akin to an unofficially declared war backed up by Chinese armory and Pakistani sniper commandos tasked with inflicting mortal damage upon the Indian army. According to a source, “The targeted terror strikes in the Hindu dominated Jammu region over the last three months has witnessed military sharp commandos carrying out the attacks using sophisticated Chinese make weapons and bullet proof vests piercing bullets to cause collateral loss of Indian soldiers. These apparent terrorists are expert snipers trained to set their sights on vulnerable spots on the soldiers notwithstanding the vests they wear.” Already, five to six families (Kashmiri Pandits) resident in the border regions of Jammu have relocated providing indication of the intent of the Pakistani offensive. Additionally, the huge lithium reserves discovered in the region that India intends to exploit to launch into the next age of economic development of the country through new age battery technology is also sought to be undermined by arresting the region of Jammu under a vortex of new found terrorism to literally bring physical regions under Pakistan’s terror cloud. J&K Governor Manoj Sinha, meanwhile, is working overtime after securing additional troops to quell the resurgent terror targeting soldiers and the Hindu population living peacefully in India’s paradise on Earth. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia in the wake of the intensified attacks were also aimed at exploiting the Russian alliance with China in order to curtail the latter’s tacit backing for Pakistan. The signs are ominous just like in 2019, when Modi stopped referring to Pakistan by name following the Pulwama terror attack and the Balakot strike upon terror was launched.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah who is battling charges of land allotments to his wife Parvati by Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) way back in 2006, has reportedly unleashed media war via advertorials to counter political charges against him. These advertorials in local media which first appeared on July 20 are apparently being released back to back on a weekly basis. The CM insists that MUDA had legally allotted 14 residential sites to his wife, Parvathi, in lieu of illegally acquiring her land. The authority had accepted its ‘mistake’, and a MUDA committee comprising members of BJP, JD(S) and Congress had allotted alternative sites in 2021 during the tenure of the BJP government. Siddaramaiah’s opponents including Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy  feel details of  the CM’s land allotments made their way into public domain  courtesy his deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. To counter allegations by the BJP and JD(S), Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh released a list of beneficiaries that included Kumaraswamy and some JD(S) MLAs. Responding to the charges levelled against him by Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy said he was yet to receive the site allocated to him in Mysore. “I was the CM in 2006. Had I wished to misuse my power, I could have registered that site in my name back then. But unlike CM Siddaramaiah, I did not misuse my authority.” He added that the investigation into this site has been ongoing since the time of late CM Ramakrishna Hegde.”In 2012, I wrote to MUDA for allocation of the site. I wrote another letter in 2017.  Unlike CM Siddaramaiah, I never misused my authority. They are not giving me this site out of charity. I paid Rs 34,000, and it’s been 40 years,” said Kumaraswamy.

Controversial IAS officer Pooja Khedkar’s vanishing act has raised many questions as the family’s alleged past deeds are coming to light one after another. Khedkar, appointed in Pune collectorate, was hastily transferred to Washim in Vidarbha earlier this month as her medical certificate as a physically challenged person was found to be questionable. While she is still missing, UPSC chairman Manoj Soni resigned, making the matter murkier. Pooja was asked to report at the IAS Training Academy at Mussoorie but she never turned up, nor intimated about her movements. The Delhi police has filed a case against her. Pooja had given the address of a company, Thermoverita, in Pimpri Chinchwad, for obtaining the disability certificate. The company was sealed after the scandal broke out and now the municipal corporation is planning to auction it. The company has tax dues of nearly Rs 3 lakh and hence can face such stringent action. Meanwhile, the Khedkar family’s purported Baramati connection has been disclosed. Her father, Dilip Khedkar, had purchased some land in Waghalwadi in Baramati taluka over a decade ago, according to information surfacing now. There are allegations that he tried to change the record of ownership of the land. Pooja’s mother Manorama was earlier in the news for threatening some farmers in adjoining land in Maval area by brandishing a revolver. The police department’s efficiency is now questioned since Pooja has disappeared for such a long time.