A 30-year-old man from Bengaluru, Abhishek MR, has made headlines after winning Rs 65,000 in compensation from PVR Cinemas, INOX, and BookMyShow for what he described as a waste of time due to lengthy advertisements before a movie screening. The consumer court ruled in his favor, highlighting the principle that “time is money” and labelling the practice as “unfair trade.” This landmark decision has resonated with many moviegoers who often voice their frustrations over ticket prices, the cost of food and beverages, and the excessive time spent watching ads before their favourite films. In 2023, Abhishek booked three tickets to see the film Sam Bahadur, scheduled to start at 4:05 pm. However, the screening was delayed by nearly 30 minutes due to a barrage of advertisements and trailers, prompting him to take legal action. His case has sparked a conversation about the growing dissatisfaction among consumers regarding the overall cinema experience, which often feels marred by high costs and lengthy pre-show content. This ruling has instilled confidence in the average consumer who frequently complains about the escalating expenses associated with a trip to the multiplex. With cinema chains like PVR INOX already facing criticism for their pricing strategies, this decision may serve as a wake-up call for these establishments to reconsider their advertising practices. Many patrons feel that after paying a premium for tickets, they should not have to endure an extended advertising session before the film begins. As multiplexes continue to generate revenue from box office sales, food and beverages, the pressure to provide a more satisfying experience for customers is mounting. This ruling could potentially lead to restrictions on the length and frequency of advertisements, ultimately enhancing the movie-watching experience and restoring consumer trust in the industry.

When the Congress recently announced the formation of a new department for Assets and Properties, it acknowledged for the first time the need to oversee and manage numerous properties and assets the party holds across the country that were either lying in disuse or being managed by agents. Party sources said AICC joint treasurer Vijay Inder Singla was given charge of the new initiative mainly because he was pushing to be Punjab PCC chief. He would apparently ensure that all properties belonging to the Congress are “regularised and monetised.” This decision was partly prompted by a recent dispute between the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) in Hubballi, which had escalated into a legal battle over ownership of a property. Congress sources revealed that there are over 2,000 such properties held by the party for years, many of which have fallen into disrepair or been illegally occupied. A senior leader from Tamil Nadu Congress said there was a huge plot of land in the heart of Chennai which belonged to the party that had the potential to be developed commercially and could meet fund requirements for the party nationally. Many lucrative assets of the party were being exploited privately by rent seekers, it was pointed out. It was happening not just in TN. Similar instances were identified in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Bengal, Punjab, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Party sources denied the initiative to reclaim the Congress properties and assets may prove to be challenging as documents to prove many original allottees may not be readily available. The Congress denied its move on collating info on its properties had anything to do with its fears that the government would usurp its assets if its papers weren’t in order. Or that the new Waqf law would take a toll on its properties.

Spiralling upwards, setting the national record, the Maha 2025-2026 budget close to Rs 10 lakh crore may be announced for Maharashtra with an emphasis on capex expenditure (infrastructure building) come Monday. This translates into 50% incremental funding over last year keeping with incremental government spendings registered across BJP ruled states of India. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath just kicked off his Rs 8.08 lakh crore budget without including supplementary demands added during the next fiscal year following up his Rs 7 lakh crore (base) 2024-2025 budget that grew close to Rs 8 lakh crore subsequently. Bihar has announced a Rs 3.70 lakh crore (base) budget. Earlier, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced a similar package for the state in her budget speech. Maharashtra’s deputy CM Ajit Pawar will present the Budget on March 10, which is expected to be in sync with PM Narendra Modi’s development template across India, and will bear the signature style of CM Devendra Fadnavis. Critics argue burgeoning debt and increasing fiscal deficit will turn unmanageable but, financial planners will confidently dive into infrastructure spending across Maharashtra, further enhancing creation of economically prosperous infrastructure corridors for high ROI for the state in coming years. For example: The Samruddhi expressway will mushroom economic hubs on either side of the roadway providing necessary impetus to achieve multi-fold target growth albeit, after a few years. Similarly, planned solar energy infrastructure for agriculture aims to convert foodgrain producers into energy providers while installed capacity of the state (currently 45000 MW) will rise to 85,000 MW in five years.

Staying lean is the new mantra. None could dispute it. Still, it has given rise to a sense of distrust. Well, the National Confederation of Bank of India Staff Unions (NCBISU) has not taken kindly to this one move by the public sector banks. It has expressed strong opposition to the recent decision of public sector banks to recruit apprentices instead of conducting regular permanent recruitment. In a circular issued on March 1, NCBISU has pointed out that several public sector banks have recently started hiring apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Following this trend, Bank of India has also announced the engagement of 400 apprentices across the country. It sees in this move a step towards contractual employment, which could weaken job security and affect the rights of regular employees. The union believes that this decision will have serious negative implications for employees and the banking sector as a whole. Significantly enough, the engagement of apprentices is limited to just one year. What happens after one year?  The union believes that this arrangement offers no real career prospects to the apprentices and could result in exploitation of young workers who seek long-term employment opportunities in the banking sector. Questions have also been raised about the suitability of apprenticeships in the banking sector. Who will be responsible for training these apprentices? Well, the issue of contract workers (disguised in different nomenclature) is turning out to be a hot subject.

What connection can there be between Mercedes/Rolls Royce cars and Maharashtra politics? Apparently, none, but the two car brands have been making headlines in Maharashtra. State legislative council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe created sensation when she alleged in Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held in New Delhi last month that a powerful post could be obtained in Shiv Sena (UBT) if its chief Uddhav Thackeray is presented with two Mercedes cars. There were denials, counter-allegations and defamation cases filed. Later, she clarified that her statement was based on ‘observation’ and not on ‘experience.’ Even before the dust had settled, the Chhaava movie’s fallout occurred in the form of an alleged phone call by former Nagpur journalist Prashant Koratkar to Kolhapur-based historian Indrajit Sawant for latter’s certain observations in regard to the demise of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj due to torture by Aurangzeb. Koratkar has denied that he ever made such a call. Supposedly close to the saffron camp, Koratkar is now being searched for possessing a Rolls Royce car (WB-02 AB0123). But more surprising is the information that the car was owned by chit fund criminal Mahesh Motewar. While Koratkar is still to be traced by the police, Motewar is cooling his heels in prison. The car was blocked by the CBI after his arrest. How Koratkar came to possess it, is another angle for the investigators. Once that mystery is unravelled, another chapter will be opened.

In a surprise move, the Left Front in West Bengal has decided to finalise the seat-sharing formula by April this year. The 2026 Assembly elections may be held between April and May. The one-year advance planning is to prevent any future complications. A senior leader from one of the Left’s allied parties revealed that all parties are expected to provide an update on their strength in each constituency by end March, detailing their ground-level presence and influence. At one time, the Forward Bloc dominated large areas of Cooch Behar, the CPI held sway over undivided Midnapore, and the RSP had strong organizations in South Dinajpur and areas like Joynagar and Kultali in South 24 Parganas. But the political landscape has drastically changed and the Left Front’s 34 years of uninterrupted rule was brought to an end by Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress some 14 years ago. According to Left Front sources, recently, in six by-elections to Assembly seats, the CPM contested only one seat on its own, in Taldangra, where it secured just over 10% of the vote. In other areas like Madarihat, the RSP, in Sitai, the Forward Bloc, and in Medinipur, the CPI garnered just 1-3% of the vote. This shift in support has prompted the Left Front to discard the seat-sharing formula that had been in place since the 1977 Assembly elections. However, as the Left Front navigates the altered political landscape, it has sought seat-sharing agreements with parties like Congress, the Indian Secular Front (ISF), and even smaller Left groups such as the CPM (Liberation), which had been outside the Front in recent times. Looks like the Left Front, particularly the CPI(M), is making serious attempts to adjust to new realities.

A well-known Tamil magazine had an intriguing sobriquet for two AIADMK ex- ministers, SP Velumani and P Thangamani, they were referred to as Bell Boys (Mani in Tamil means bell). These two gentlemen ran a power circuit as useful go-betweens for the party, exalting their worth. On March 3 this year, Velumani celebrated his son’s wedding with great pomp and show. But, the chief guest, AIADMK party head Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) was conspicuous by his absence, even as BJP heavyweights K Annamalai, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, L Murugan and Khushboo Sundar came to greet the couple, Vikas and Dheekshana. Edappadi went off to address a party conclave in Theni, the home ground of his arch rival OPS to decimate his reputation. and perhaps this was one of the reasons why he gave the marriage a miss. There are some who aver that Edappadi did not want to start a talk about the BJP coalition with the obvious presence of the BJP movers and shakers attending the wedding. Did Velumani cause a discord by his closeness to Amit Shah by attending the Isha Foundation’s Mahashivratri celebration? Or was Edappadi cutting his nose to spite the face; his son Mithun is overtly building a bridge to actor Vijay, the Johnny-come-lately, Edappadi may want to nip this budding relationship. But the besieged ex-CM still proclaims that the party under his leadership is the only choice even as DMK is the enemy. This 2026 election circus promises many trapeze acts.

This 22-year old Pune girl Siddhiie Kapshikarr created history. The London-based Siddhiie entered the Guinness World Record early this year by playing Harmonium Organ non-stop for 10 hours, 23 minutes and 22 seconds. During that long hour she played 75 plus ragas. She also played 100 songs in 25 genres in one performance as improvisation and repetition was not allowed. Siddhiie is a regular performer in the UK. She has graced prestigious venues such as Darbar Festival, The Nehru Centre, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and Maharashtra Mandal London, showcasing her mastery of Indian classical and contemporary fusion music. She did her undergraduate degree from the Vishwakarma University, Pune. Post that she moved to London to hone her music skills further. She did her Master’s in Audio Production at the University of Westminster, London, specializing in music production, sound design, and multimedia applications. She was fortunate to learn and get the blessings of musical exponents. To start with her mother Shetall introduced her to Maharashtrian folk music. While vocalist Madhuri Kolpe trained her in Hindustani classical which helped her achieve a Visharad degree by age 16. She was even more fortunate as both violin maestro Dr L Subramaniam and his wife, an accomplished singer Kavita Krishnamurthy played a pivotal role in shaping her musical journey. Siddhiie considers Yogeshwar Shrikrishna her celestial guru, having self-taught herself the harmonium and earning a Visharad in it by 18. During the 2020 lockdown, she also mastered Geoshred, a revolutionary digital instrument, demonstrating her passion for blending traditional and modern music. Siddhiie works at the HSBC headquarters in London.

First, India did not travel to Pakistan — the host country for the ICC Champions Trophy – and then on Tuesday (Mar 4) it marched to victory against Australia in the semi-finals and confirmed its entry in the final. Which meant that the last piece of the Champions Trophy action would happen in petro-$ Emirate Of  Dubai because that was the arrangement worked upon by the ICC with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which was enthusiastic to parade the “Champions” talent at three of its most popular venues in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. One can only be sympathetic towards the PCB and the country’s cricket diwane having waited for around three decades to host an ICC event, but circumstances beyond the control of the BCCI and the men in blue team has led to a peculiar situation wherein Pakistan will not be able to host the final. The only way the PCB and Pakistan could have hoped to stage the final was with its national team advancing to the knock-out stage and India getting eliminated at the group stage itself. But always a white-ball giant, the India juggernaut quelled four ‘Champion’ teams and took a big stride to position it for winning another title. While Pakistan will be utterly disappointed, the Indian expatriates are only happy to cheer their favourite team yet another time. India has not lost a single ODI match at the Dubai International Stadium There has been anomalies this ICC event has brought to the fore. Can this be rectified at all?

Did Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar have a secret understanding? That is when they met in Coimbatore at Isha Foundation for Mahashivratri? Karnataka BJP has made a provocative statement, drawing parallels between DKS and Maharashtra’s Shiv Sena breakaway leader Eknath Shinde. “There are many in Congress who could be like Eknath Shinde, DKS might be one of them,” claimed Leader of the Opposition R Ashok suggesting that the Congress strongman could be on the verge of engineering a split within the party. Ashok’s remarks assume significance as he, like DKS, also belongs to the Vokkaliga-Gowda community.  BJP sources indicate that Shah had a 15-minute one-on-one meeting with Shivakumar. It is this factoid of information that had fuelled Karnataka BJP leadership to ratchet up murmurs of infighting within the ruling state Congress. Sensing an opportunity to deepen the cracks, BJP leader Ashok said he had long anticipated a leadership change within the Congress-led government, hinting that CM Siddaramaiah could soon make way for DKS in November this year. DKS, however, dismissed all speculation of a political switch as baseless. He also categorically denied any plans to defect to the BJP, dubbing the claims as “BJP propaganda.” “I am a born Congressman and committed to leading the party to victory in the 2028 assembly elections,” he asserted. As for his recent religious visits, Shivakumar downplayed its political significance. It is being said, he is very unhappy with the way Rahul Gandhi is treating him. DKS apparently had been promised that he will be made CM when Siddaramaiah completes two years in office in November. But the Congress high command is scared that Siddaramaiah will split the party if he is asked to step down for DKS. 

Disruption or disruptor are terms used in connection with the startup ecosystem. Take for example the way the cab business got disrupted by the ride hailing apps or the food delivery apps that disrupted the way you ordered food. These companies were well funded and they began their early part of the journey by burning loads of money and gaining relevance in the marketplace. Switching into time and the first time something different than a startup player becoming a disruptor happened was when Kumar Mangalam Birla through Grasim announced his entry into the decorative paints industry through Opus paints. With the start of its 4th factory in Karnataka, he is already the second largest in terms of capacity in the decorative paints industry. It is expected that this paints division would have a turnover of Rs 8000-10,000 crore in three years’ time. Asian Paints which reported a revenue of Rs 35,000 crore for the year ended March 2024 saw its market cap fall by more than 40% after Opus entered the fray and well before it has become a sizable player in terms of size and market share. Recently, Kumar Mangalam Birla did the same thing in the cement sector. One of his group companies, UltraTech Cement announced its plans to enter the cables industry with an investment of Rs 1,800 crore for setting up a cable plant. The two key raw materials for this are copper and aluminium, of which Hindalco Industries, a group company, is one of the top two producers. This mere announcement shook the incumbents and the top players cumulatively lost a market cap of over Rs 50,000 crore in a single day. 

Visitors to a conference on ‘Good Ideas’ in Abu Dhabi and an AI summit in the UAE were in for a major surprise as Artificial Rain is giving way to Artificial Intelligence. Cloud seeding is an old idea from the oil-rich UAE decades ago but today AI seems to have equipped the process with more power. The day the delegates landed in Abu Dhabi the weather, at 35 degrees Celsius peak, was hot. And the next day the day’s top temperature was 22 C and the contrast seemed to make it appear as if winter had set in suddenly once again in the land of the desert sands. Under a thick cloud cover all day, the wind was howling. The Met Office in Dubai tried to explain it saying cold winds were blowing in from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, but locals said with a wink and a smile that this weather change was artificial as the UAE rulers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai wanted the days to be cool at the beginning of the Ramadan month.  While speakers were referring mostly to the good that AI can do and does, those giving voice to the lurking fears around AI were also around. The handling of the weather for good by changing the weather a bit with creation of artificial rain is a pointer to the infinite possibilities of AI though it can go wrong as it did last year when Dubai saw unprecedented flooding causing chaos.

Thirty six year old Vicky Kaushal is rapidly emerging as the new superstar of the Indian film industry, particularly following the phenomenal success of Chhaava directed by Laxman Utekar. The film has made waves at the box office, grossing over Rs 400 crore plus in just 10 days, marking a significant relief for the exhibition industry, which has been in dire need of such a blockbuster. Chhaava’s success reinforces Kaushal’s status as a leading figure in contemporary cinema. Examining his filmography reveals a trajectory of impressive versatility. While his previous film, Bad News was met with average reviews, his performances in Sam Bahadur and Zara HatKe Zara Bachke showcased his ability to connect with audiences. Kaushal’s breakout role in Uri: The Surgical Strike catapulted him to commercial success, and he has since delivered commendable performances in supporting roles in films like Sanju, Dunki and Raman Raghav 2.0. Vicky’s filmography is a testament to his range, encompassing biopics like Sardar Udham Singh anthology films like Lust Stories and commercial ventures such as Govinda Mera Naam. His journey began as an assistant to Anurag Kashyap, and he has since evolved from art-house films to mainstream cinema. As the veteran superstars — Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan — become increasingly selective with their projects, and with contemporaries like Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh also taking fewer roles, Vicky Kaushal stands poised to fill that void. His versatility and consistent performances suggest that he is not just a rising star but a potential new pillar of the industry. 

It may be a genuine slip of the tongue or deliberate but opponents don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of it. Recall while addressing NRI audiences in the USA in 2014, PM Modi referred to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi as Mohanlal Karamchand Gandhi. Similarly, while talking about Ayushman Bharat health scheme, Modi said it allowed a resident of Jamnagar to avail treatment anywhere in the country — be it ‘Kolkata’ or ‘Karachi’. A few months back, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said “May Narendra Modi become CM again”. Recently, Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer, while addressing a joint session of both the houses, addressed the chief minister as ‘Narendra’ Chandrababu Naidu instead of ‘Nara’ Chandrababu Naidu. Was it a Freudian slip? Similarly, during the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, BJP leader Dr Sambit Patra while canvassing for votes in the holy city of Puri, told the gathering that “Lord Jagannath is my bhakt”. Two years back a Congress spokesperson misread PM Modi’s full name. Andhra Pradesh Governor’s unintended slip was trolled. And looks like the opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of YSR Congress party is leaving no stones unturned to capitalise on this golden opportunity to get some publicity for his party and party men.  Political analysts say this tit-for-tat is repeating in Andhra Pradesh once again. In June 2019, the then newly appointed deputy CM P Pushpa Srivani belonging to the YSR Congress faction while addressing a Press Conference inadvertently said her government aimed to deliver “corrupt rule” instead of saying “corrupt free rule”.. It’s not endemic to India, it happens world over. Recall how UK PM Keir Starmer accidentally asked for the release of Israeli ‘sausages’ instead of ‘hostages’. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is on mission mode since assuming office and extended his micro-management skills (exhibited in run up to state assemblies) to laser focus the state administration. Rooting out inefficiencies, corruption (as shortpost.in reported on Feb 4) within bureaucracy under his 3.0 tenure, Fadnavis has targeted truant IAS officers (including former BEST GMs Anil Diggikar, Harshdeep Kamble) as also kept on hold recommendations from his own cabinet colleagues for appointing personal secretaries, officers on special duty (OSDs). The CM had cleared 109 out of 125 recommendations received by the CMO. Fadnavis silenced criticism emanating from some ministerial quarters over pending postings while emphatically stating it was his prerogative and decision that was final. Maharashtra’s state secretariat is abuzz about collective political grouping within the Mahayuti alliance upset with the CM putting his foot down against ministerial staff carrying legacy of inefficiency and corruption. Fadnavis is enraged over corruption charges levelled against MMRDA by a French consultant involved in his pet ‘Maha Mumbai Metro’ project, ordering a probe. A political war of words broke out, meanwhile, between alliance counterparts: deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar over one-upmanship for second spot in Maharashtra’s political leadership. Shinde’s averment, “Don’t take me lightly,” found resonance in Pawar’s jibe, “Keep check on public averments as alliance protocol.” Pawar also noted he could overturn the horse-cart. All eyes will be on Maharashtra’s budget that deputy CM Pawar will announce over the next fortnight and implications for Shinde’s party held departments, as the political feud escalates. 

There are movie stars, and there are movie stars who want to be a part of society and its serious concerns. R Madhavan (54) has consistently come through as a middle class mascot and muse for social issues. His film Rocketry: The Nambi Effect — a sensitive work to lay bare how politics impacts individual brilliance, focussed on the need to bring controversy to closure. His Railway Men, series on the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy was an effort to highlight the same puerile political interferences that leave a trail of human tragedy behind. His very first Tamil film AlaiPayuthey was directed by Mani Ratnam in which he played the romantic hero. After this movie, Madhavan became every girl’s chocolate hero. Try as he could, his middle class Jamshedpur upbringing and morally upright, wholesome image could never be dented by filmi pretentiousness. So, it did not come as a surprise that he recently launched his socially conscious app, Parent Geenee with an impassioned plea for parents to become more involved with their children’s way of life. Today’s kids are overly precocious, almost shedding their childhood and innocence, an integral part of growing up. And games like Blue Whale and Port Knight send shivers down the spine… every child is in his own world, his parents lost to any communication or bonding. This app is meant to be a responsible “seeing eye” to parents, giving them elbow room to know and be aware of what their offspring is up to. In an era where film folks make news for broken marriages and stormy lives, here is a hero who wants to be with his audience as a silent force in bringing up children. There are heroes but a socially conscious hero is special.

Numbers…big numbers matter in cricket; the scorers love it, the statisticians love it, the media loves it and there is no denying the fact the cricketers love it….and here is a big number that Virat Kohli has hit in his long and fantastic career that is into its 18th summer….and that in the form of playing for the men in blue in 300 one-day international matches! And this massive number is an accomplishment only six other Indians in Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Mohammed Azharuddin have achieved. What makes this big achievement even more significant is that Kohli had taken only 287 innings (from 299 matches) to make the 14000-run cut when juxtaposed against the numbers of Tendulkar (359 matches/350 innings) and Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara (402 matches/378 innings). It is a phenomenal feat which is embellished with 51 centuries and 1470 boundary shots (1318x 4s and 158 x 6s) accounting for 6184 runs of his 14085 runs before the 300th ODI – against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. Kohli began his international career as a 19-year old, a few months after he left the junior ranks in style leading India and clinching the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.  And 17 years later, he has been celebrated as the greatest ever ODI player by former international captains. Kohli has already played over 100 Tests and Twenty20 internationals and stamped his authority in each one of them. He has won the white ball World Cups — 50 and 20 overs format in India (2011) and West Indies (2024) and the 2013 Champions Trophy in England. And now the 300th ODI….terrific!

Irrespective of whether Aaditya Thackeray bags the post of leader of the opposition’s post in Maharashtra or not, Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena is pushing the envelope a bit far. Edged out by Eknath Shinde in the polls, Uddhav’s options are limited. Uddhav Sena with 20 seats, Congress 16 and Sharad Pawar’s NCP  10 seats, officially can’t claim the top slot. The Opposition does not even qualify for the LoP’s post, since none of the three parties have the requisite 28 seats or 10% of the 288 seats — the qualifying mark. Technically the ball is in the speaker’s court on whether to allow a Leader of the Opposition in the current situation but CM Devendra Fadnavis is said to be in favour of Aaditya. The other UBT Sena choice, six-time legislator Bhaskar Jadhav is too sharp and strong for the comfort of the ruling party. The soft-spoken Aaditya’s lack of experience — he is just on his 2nd term — could just help the ruling Mahayuti alliance tide over its own weak points. Despite having 237 seats, the Mahayuti has been on the backfoot over issues like reining in populist schemes, women’s safety, internal friction between ruling parties and even demand for resignation of two ministers over allegations of corruption and extortion attempt. Letting in Aaditya also helps snub Eknath Shinde, whom the BJP has been trying to clamp down for nursing ambition for the state’s top job. Shinde’s decisions are being overturned, cancelled or reviewed. A clearly upset Shinde has already started warming up to Sharad Pawar and even met up with Amit Shah to get his way around with Fadnavis. 

The selection of the next state president of the West Bengal BJP has sparked intense debate within the party. Multiple candidates are under consideration, with survey agencies playing a crucial role in the decision-making process. Traditionally surveys were used for selecting candidates during elections. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have relied on survey agencies to gauge the political climate across the states. In Bengal, such surveys were used to select candidates for the 2021 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Shah personally monitors the Bengal BJP unit, aided by the Ahmedabad-based political strategy firm. A major recommendation is to consolidate the party’s leadership without violating internal policies. Currently, different factions exist around state president Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, and former president Dilip Ghosh. Additionally, the two leaders handling organizational matters have their own support bases. To resolve this, the survey agency suggests appointing a state president who won’t emerge as a rival power centre, possibly a MP from tribal or marginalized communities. Another suggestion is to establish a campaign committee, likely led by Suvendu, which would allow him to play a crucial role without violating the “one person, one post” rule. Former president Dilip Ghosh is expected to have an expanded role in reviving BJP’s presence in Rarh and Jangalmahal regions. Amit Shah’s upcoming visit to Bengal is expected to finalize the party’s electoral strategy. The selection process for the next president is critical, with names like Jyotirmoy Mahato, Samik Bhattacharya, and Subrata Chatterjee being considered. Chatterjee’s organizational expertise and RSS background make him a strong contender.

Former J&K Governor, Manoj Sinha, under whose watch sections 370 and 35 (A) were shrugged off from India’s constitution, elections held in Ladakh, J&K Union Territories peacefully, has made the shortlist for appointment as BJP’s next National President come March 15. Even former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Bhupinder Yadav are in the fray with the latter enjoying a slight edge over the former, who donated all his property to the PM Relief Fund. Some within BJP are unenthusiastic over Sinha’s candidature though he always held vital Ministries even earlier. His lack of organizational (general secretary post) skills has RSS less than supportive. “Sinha was never overtly pro-Hindu. He restarted religious processions of the Shia community, stopped since militancy peaked in the forehead state of India.” His less than friendly relationship with   UP CM Yogi Adityanath (who put his foot down when Sinha was seriously considered for CM’s post in the Hindu heartland state of UP). Then, BJP’s high command acceded in deference to Yogi, made Sinha (who lost Gazipur seat) wait two years before appointing him as J&K Governor. Outgoing President JP Nadda was similarly RSS’ first choice in 2014 and yet, PM Modi anointed Amit Shah. Thereafter, Nadda was accommodated as leader of Rajya Sabha, a post Piyush Goyal had to vacate. Nadda’s organisational helming of affairs for BJP was marred by Himachal Pradesh loss, his own backyard state, his exit from top leadership post became an almost certainty, although he was given one year extension due to 2024 general elections of India.

The next BJP chief could be announced within a fortnight, sources have indicated, citing that the organisational elections of the party have been completed in 12 states. Sources said the party’s national president was likely to be announced before March 15 or Holi. For the election of the BJP president, organisational elections in 50% of the states is a must. Before that, elections are held for booth, mandal, and district levels. Currently, elections in only 12 of 36 states are complete. So, elections for unit chiefs in at least six more states are needed. The BJP is fast-tracking the process in states that are due for assembly elections next year — Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Gujarat. Incumbent BJP chief JP Nadda was unanimously elected the BJP national president, and took over from current Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2020. His tenure was extended until June 2024 in view of the Lok Sabha election. A number of names have been doing the rounds. While everyone thought it would be someone from the OBC community like Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan or Bhupinder Yadav, UP deputy CM Keshav Maurya was also seen pushing his case. However, post-Maha Kumbh and   with UP assembly elections down the road, it seemed unwise to disturb power equations with CM Yogi. Party sources made it clear that the next chief would have to be from the north and most likely with a strong organisational background. All this indicates that the next chief was likely to be Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar– a two-term Haryana CM, who by the way speaks Tamil (TN CM Stalin may note). He leads the race as he enjoys PM Modi’s trust. Just as Nadda did.

In a high-stakes display of political manoeuvring, West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee took center stage in a highly anticipated party meeting, reaffirming her command over the party. With the 2026 State Assembly election looming, Mamata made it clear that her party will come back to power with resounding victory for the fourth term garnering over 215 seats. All eyes were on the long-anticipated reunion between Didi and her nephew, TMC’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. After months of speculation about internal rifts, their joint appearance was meant to silence whispers of discord. Abhishek, who had been conspicuously absent from key party affairs. So, Mamata’s strategic decision to place him as just a member of the critical 35-member voter list review committee—led by state president Subrata Bakshi—raised eyebrows. Adding to the intrigue, four relatively new MPs—Yusuf Pathan, Sagarika Ghosh, Kirti Azad, and Shatabdi Roy—were given speaking slots ahead of Abhishek, breaking the usual tradition where he directly precedes Didi at party events. The move hinted at a recalibration of hierarchy within the party, reinforcing Mamata’s supreme authority. Equally significant was Mamata’s shifting stance on I-PAC, the political consultancy firm long associated with Abhishek’s camp. Once wary of its influence, she had earlier instructed party members to withhold information from its representatives, leading to speculation that she was distancing herself from Abhishek’s strategies. However, recent meetings between Mamata and I-PAC’s current head, Pratik Jain, have reversed this perception. She has now warned against speaking negatively about the firm, a move seen by many as a sign of reconciliation—or at least, strategic necessity—in the run-up to 2026.

Fast food and instant gratification are the mainstays of the millennium. Experience, long gestations and political staying power are now passé. That is if you believe South’s hero in a hurry. Superstar Vijay put his party’s (TVK) second anniversary celebrations in cheeky overdrive and stupendous overconfidence. The event held at a resort in Pooncheri near Mahaabs had all the film features of a runaway hit film…pageantry, crowds of party cadres, money spent unstintingly and of course undiluted devotion to Vijay. If TVK had their way, Vijay was already TN’s CM-designate. With so much intoxication of electoral popularity stemming from film star power, Prashant Kishor who seamlessly moved in as poll Bhishma, had to perforce prop himself and his invincibility. So, what was PK’s role? In his own words, “I have come here as Vijay’s friend …TVK’s victory need not be attributed to me. I see this new star on the horizon zooming to his goal”. Soon, many of you may be in positions of power. But TN badly needs a striking change from its 35-year history, even though it is the leader in many development indices. But it also leads to corruption, could face religious and culture conflicts if this dynastic succession goes on. The PK punch came now…Just watch, I may be more celebrated than Dhoni when TVK comes to power. TN has to wait and watch for the hustings.

One more season of the highly popular Indian Premier League (IPL) is just around the corner. Post the auction some time ago, every team will take up the field with a reorganised bunch of players. The excitement around IPL has already begun to pick up. Like in the past, the Mahendra Singh Dhoni factor is still adding additional flavour to the entire tournament. Though he is not the skipper, Dhoni is firmly in the cockpit guiding the CSK (Chennai Super Kings). This time around, all eyes are all the more on Dhoni. The reasons aren’t far to seek. For one, the CSK czar N Srinivasan is pushing past 80. For another, the CSK is now completely disconnected from The India Cements Ltd (ICL) now that the Birla-owned UltraTech Cement has taken it over. Indeed, much water has flown under the bridge since the last IPL season. As CSK is stepping into a new IPL year, quite a guessing game is already on as to the road ahead for the darling team of cricket fans. Significantly enough, CSK has now been courted by one of the oldest private sector banks in Tamil Nadu, City Union Bank. These two well-known brands in this part of the world — one a classical and the other a contemporary — have come together to facilitate the launch of a co-branded credit card.  Surely, that must be a win-win for both these iconic brands from Tamil Nadu. Sports, banking and technology could prove to be a perfect amalgam to showcase the strength and foster the trust of these to lovable brands.

Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhavaa, on the life and tragic death of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, continues to make waves since its release in February. It’s a box office hit grossing over Rs 400 crore. This biopic has created a storm in Maharashtra over the role of certain individuals close to Sambhaji Maharaj and their involvement in his death by torture at the hands of Aurangazeb. One of the key figures in the debate is Kolhapur-based historian Indrajit Sawant. A statement by Sawant reportedly enraged certain sections in the state. The consequence is that Sawant received a death threat call and he filed a police complaint. The police in turn have embarked on a massive search operation to trace former journalist Prashant Koratkar of Nagpur since he has been named as the caller by Sawant. After publicly denying that he was not the person who had threatened the historian, Koratkar has disappeared. The Maharashtra police have extended the search into neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. His disappearance has raised several questions, including about the police efficiency. If Koratkar has been impersonated as he claims, why is he absconding? Similarly, although the police had been alerted about his alleged connection with the call, why was he allowed to run away, it is queried. The police only respond that different teams are tracing Koratkar.

The verbal war between the two Shiv Sena factions – Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray — is once again on with the prospects of the local body elections in Maharashtra. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a petition in the matter next week, again kindling the hopes that it will show a green signal for holding the civic elections, overdue for more than two years. As the exodus out of the Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray continues towards the faction under deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, the prospect of the election has prompted many hopefuls to change colour. Taking note of the damaging potential of such an eventuality, Uddhav has launched a scathing attack against his opponents. “Those taking a dip in the Ganga at Maha Kumbh are not going to be exonerated of their sin of taking tons of money,” he told his party workers on the occasion of the Marathi Divas. Hitting back, Shinde has challenged Uddhav to explain why he or Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not visit the Kumbh if they claim that they are Hindus, too. The sudden tilt by Uddhav towards Hindutva is seen as a strategy to win back the vote bank, once a monopoly of the undivided Sena. Interestingly, the Congress and the NCP led by Sharad Pawar have maintained a stoic silence over the Maha Kumbh debate, isolating Uddhav in a way. The political churning in the state will become fierce after the Apex Court verdict is handed down.

The men in blue team looked like they were having fun at the ICC Cricket Academy ground …not far away from the Dubai International Stadium (DIS) where India beat Asian neighbours Bangladesh and Pakistan to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals. Rohit Sharma’s team knocked Pakistan out from the tournament and chose to rest for two days before a “hitting out parade” at the academy grounds on Mahashivratri day. After some fun play warm up with tennis ball, each and every batter starting with Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli and followed by the likes of Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and KL Rahul and the others sent the ball to challenge stratospheric layers making the people standing near the sightscreen run for cover! Close to a hundred towering shots would have been hit in the course of the two–hour plus power-batting session. A wagon wheel of the robust hitting would be interesting to see, but the intent shown by the batters confirmed that smashing small and big boundary shots have become the order in white ball cricket. Skipper Sharma was present at the venue, but his deputy Shubhman Gill was not. Troubled by a hamstring niggle — Sharma had said he was okay at the conclusion of the match against Pakistan — the India skipper did not pad up for the hitting parade. The big question is will Sharma risk playing the sort of a ‘dead rubber’ match against New Zealand this Sunday in order to rest his hamstring for six full days?

It has been a while since Rahul Gandhi and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor held a half-hour surprise meeting at 10 Janpath in Delhi. Believe it or not…it was Tharoor’s first meeting with Rahul since October 2022. The meeting on January 18 was so brief and breezy that Rahul and Tharoor left in a car from the back gate. It didn’t achieve its goal. Tharoor is back to warning the Congress that it can look forward to spending a third term in the Opposition post 2026 assembly elections in Kerala if “it does not expand its base”. But why is Tharoor so livid with the Congress leadership both in the state and Delhi — a party that gave him a political avatar? A hugely popular MP from Kerala capital, Tharoor apparently met Rahul basically to know if the AICC had any plans to name him the chief minister of Kerala. Adding to his discontent was his abrupt removal from the charge of the All India Professional Congress, which he had formed. Media reports suggest Rahul made it clear that the Congress does not have the tradition of picking a chief ministerial candidate before polls. The meeting came amid a political storm triggered by Tharoor’s remarks in an article, where he praised entrepreneurial progress under Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government in Kerala. Tharoor’s comment drew sharp criticism from within the Congress. But, it was welcomed by the ruling CPI(M); CM Vijayan hailed them as a boost to his government’s image. However, the Congress’ Kerala mouthpiece, Veekshanam Daily on February 17 severely attacked Tharoor without naming him. Tharoor also had to defend his praise for PM Modi post Trump meeting, saying he spoke with India’s interests in mind. Meanwhile, Congress leaders in Kerala now seem to cap fall-out of Tharoor controversy. PCC chief K Sudhakaran cautioned Tharoor from going public with his views as he was a CWC member. Another leader Ramesh Chennithala also felt the need to cap the controversy as local body elections...

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar’s intimate dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in New Delhi a couple of days ago has once again miffed the principal players in Maharashtra politics. Although their cosy relationship is well-known, the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have been finding it difficult to decipher the hidden message, if any, behind the conversation between the two giants. Obviously rattled by the development, Sena (UBT) Sanjay Raut has wondered how Modi could sit beside a leader whom the PM had described as ‘a wandering spirit’ during the state assembly electioneering in November last. The Congress has preferred to maintain silence as its state leaders are aware of Pawar’s connection with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge and hence don’t wish to invite the ire of the high command by rubbing Pawar the wrong way. But Pawar’s detractors allege that Modi is appeasing Pawar since his NCP has eight Lok Sabha members and the ruling BJP at the Centre needs as much support as possible on the floor of the house. Pawar’s daughter and party MP Supirya Sule has defended the meeting, saying that both leaders are political masters and know what they are doing. Of late, Pawar has been pursuing his own policies, not caring about the possible fallout from the Congress or the Sena (UBT), the two Maha Vikas Aghadi partners. The Pawar-Modi dialogue has once again kicked off a guessing game. 

Days after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee made it public about her discussions with Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran of launching direct flights from Kolkata to Europe at the Bengal Global Business Summit comes the news that Kolkata is set to lose its Air India base. The airline, it seems, is withdrawing operations from the city, citing insufficient demand for business and first-class seats, a move reminiscent of British Airways’ exit 16 years ago. While economy class sees steady demand, the lack of high-paying passengers has made Kolkata an unviable base for Air India. From March 31, the airline’s flights will be replaced by Air India Express, the Tata Group’s low-cost subsidiary, which operates an all-economy-class model. Once a crucial hub for Indian Airlines, Kolkata’s role in Air India’s operations has gradually declined. Pilots stationed in the city must now either resign and join Air India Express or relocate. Of approximately 150 pilots, some have moved to IndiGo or shifted to other cities, while 50–60 have opted for Air India Express. Tata Group is repositioning Air India as an international brand, focusing premium operations on major hubs while shifting domestic routes to Air India Express. Similar transitions are expected in Chennai and Hyderabad. Industry experts argue that if the investments announced at the Bengal Global Business Summit materialises, then demand for premium-class travel may eventually rise. Currently, Air India operates 26 flights daily from Kolkata, all of which will cease after March 31. 

Looks like it’s tough times for Dr Achutya Samanta, founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University and ex-Biju Janata Dal MP. He is now under the scanner of the BJP-led government in Odisha. The reasons range from land grab allegations to the issue of assaulting and forcibly evicting 1,000 Nepali students from KIIT campus and dropping them at Cuttack railway station to ensure they are headed back to Nepal. Sources say, KIIT’s action has resulted in diplomatic embarrassment for the Indian government. This pressure from the government saw Dr Samanta issuing an apology for his action and asking Nepali students to return back to KIIT. Meanwhile, the Odisha government, it is learnt, has set up a three-member inquiry committee, led by additional chief secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu to find out what went wrong at KIIT campus. Dr Achutya Samant has already appeared in person and given a detailed explanation about his regrettable action. According to India’s former Education Secretary Dr Arun Rath, Vice Chancellor is the administrative head, he should be held responsible for ensuring discipline in the campus. The Nepal government has insisted that the “unruly” staffers and teachers who allegedly misbehaved with Nepalese students should be sacked from KIIT. For KIIT which is currently run by Dr Samanta, the challenge is to professionalise it at all levels and get the right people to run it. 

Is Kerala moving away from its sports culture legacy embedded in track and field, football, volleyball and basketball? These are early days, but the multi-cultural mix of the Southern state is openly pointing towards its love for cricket. For the first time in the annals of the eight-decade old Ranji Trophy — a blue riband tournament of the BCCI — Kerala threw down the gauntlet and reached the pinnacle to have a shot at the title of the 2024-25 season. Now and then Kerala has shown the spark in the white-ball format of the game and a number of Malayalee cricketers have taken the spotlight — but the team — one among the 32 in the four Elite Groups  — fashioned a one run and two run lead in the quarter-finals and semi-finals to enter the final by its own right. Long ago Kerala was a no hoper against strong cricket legacy teams like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Hyderabad in the Zonal format, but the introduction of a new format ago has given more exposure to the minnows and this season Kerala advanced from a group in which  six were previous winners of the Ranji Trophy like Haryana, Karnataka, MP, West Bengal, UP and Punjab. Bihar was the eighth team in their group. The Malayalees across India and the world will watch the final with keen interest as Kerala locks horns with the two-time winner Vidarbha for the coveted prize and Rs 5 crore. Hail Kerala, one may raise a toast now!  

First-time MLA Rekha Gupta was sworn in as the fourth woman chief minister of Delhi before a huge gathering at the historic Ramlila Maidan. Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa — all three CM hopefuls — who were touted for their caste and community representations simply fell aside. Rekha stood out only because she had all the qualities to perpetuate and popularise the BJP in Delhi. The years she had put in as municipal councillor prepared her for the top job. Her Baniya caste also worked in her favour. In a state with an adverse sex ratio in terms of voters — male voters (83,76,173) outnumbering women (72,36,560), women voters overwhelmingly backing BJP, the party had no choice but to go for a woman CM. BJP sources say while Modi wanted to thank Delhi women voters by picking Rekha, male stalwarts lost out to factionalism. Rekha Gupta’s first responsibility will be to ensure that women get Rs 2,500 every month, as was promised in the BJP Sankalp Patra. More than that it will be to get Yamuna cleaned up by November ahead of Chhat puja — that is before Bihar polls.  In fact that is Modi’s agenda  and he has  tasked  Rekha and her team to ensure that priority basis .  BJP sources says Rekha’s rise shows that BJP is reinforcing its image as a party that champions women-centric politics. It shows how the party is prioritising its representation through 33% reservation in BJP organisational structure.  After all Modi was mocked by the Opposition for not implementing women’s quota bill (passed in Sept 2023) straightaway in 2024 Lok Sabha polls; now he has shown the way.  

Tamil Nadu’s father and son duo of MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin have embarked on a fight to the finish with the Centre on all issues. They know well that this confrontation is not going to get the state anywhere in terms of funding from the Union in important areas like education, but they are convinced that they will have the Tamil people more on their side if they continually oppose PM Narendra Modi, the BJP and the Centre. Their latest battle has lain in the third language formula domain in which the state will get more than Rs 2,100 crore funding if they adopt the New Education Policy. It is known that the third language need not necessarily be Hindi and can be any official language of India that a school offers, including the mother tongue of students who are from outside the state. But that has not stopped the father-son from ignoring the fact that the third language is not necessarily pro-Hindi nor Hindi imposition. It is the Tamil psyche shaped by the anti-Hindi agitation of the 1960s that the duo is exploiting along with their party that came to power because of the language agitation that began nearly a century ago when C Rajagopalachari oversaw the Madras Presidency in the 1930s. They are playing to the gallery and getting under the skin of New Delhi. Tamil pride and Tamil angst are what they are depending on as they plan to keep power. 

BJP’s loser in two assembly elections as well as for Mayor’s post of Delhi MCD, Rekha Gupta, can’t believe her luck after anointment as Delhi’s chief minister, over giant killer Parvesh Verma and Vijendra Gupta, new Speaker of the state legislative assembly. The BJP high command intends to transform Delhi into the best example of governance although currently exemplifying everything wrong across public welfare parameters following decade long AAP misgovernance. Before Gupta aligned with the legacy of late Sheila Dixit and, more recently Atishi Singh Marlena, PM Modi had requisitioned Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for Yamuna clean-up. Saxena’s political link up with the Union Home ministry makes crystal clear who (Shah) runs Delhi’s political affairs and, at whose (Modi’s) behest? Political pundits confused over deputy CM Parvesh Verma, who successfully fought against Arvind Kejriwal, being overlooked for CM’s post. Even Vijendra Gupta, a Baniya from Kejriwal’s community, won MLA seat in the last three state assemblies even when AAP won 67 out of possible 70 MLAs. Both shadow CMs, will bolster Delhi’s affairs backing CM Rekha Gupta. Next up is an ambitious plan to ramp up and extend the Metro rail services in and around Delhi. That apart, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has set three-year deadline to complete mega flyovers project directly connecting Delhi with UP (Noida, Gurugram, Meerut) and Haryana to island national capital against vehicular traffic flowing through it and headed to these destinations to reduce pollution quotient (AQI) of Delhi. Delhi’s public transport service will also be replaced with 100% pollution free EV buses.

In South India, February is definitely a lean month for movie releases. Especially after big releases during Pongal week and Republic Day. However, this Pongal had few releases, especially films starring the big sharks…Vijay busy with his political outfit. Ajith racing formula cars. So, the shortest month with the leanest audience has inspired some avant garde films, made on shoestring budgets and rubber bands has surprisingly drawn the millennium kid viewers. Dhanush has bravely directed his home production film, Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam…this long title has been accordion-pleated into an origami NEEK. Dhanush has introduced a total cast of newbies especially his nephew Pavish. Oh, we must mention that Dhanush’s older son Yatra has collaborated in the lyrics. Dhanush has motivated the audience to encourage these newcomers. But the real surprise is Dragon which has drawn much appreciation for the performance of hero Pradeep Ranganathan under the gripping direction of Ashwath Marimuthu. The film raises many questions about the GenNext rebellion and “couldn’t care less” attitude. Ranganathan is bound to go places. Bad Girl has already made news by its theme of a teenager discovering the nuances of hormones and sex. It has been panned for its racist, class divide …such bordering on erotic does not need a lean month to bring in voyeurs. Ramam Raghavam is probably a film to think about that may appeal with Samuthirakani as the pivot father who wants to mould his son is a story that may resonate with every generation. The filmi cauldron has to dip into time-tested formulae…love, rejection, conflict, resolution, compromise and aspirations. With tight budgets, it’s brave of such productions to risk their all on unique stories and hope to hit that pot of gold. 

There was that brief break when Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai was in the UK for about three months. During that period, the internecine war between the DMK and Annamalai paused, only to start again, this time with overt threats and challenges. As it is the DMK is seeing bright red as BJP is withholding the education funds for TN, demanding the three-language formula be introduced in the state. Views are strongly divided on this daunting issue — a consensus compromise has to be reached. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin has thrown the gauntlet; the DMK is openly saying that it will no longer be “Go back Modi” but a more virulent “Get out Modi”. Annamalai, just waiting for a chance to retaliate, has issued a fresh challenge with a prickly hashtag, “Get out Stalin” and has thrown the gauntlet “let’s see which hashtag gets the most hits”. In terms of dignified and grace filled political exchange, this appears totally immature. Minister for Health, Ma.Subramanian says, “Annamalai should control his speech”. For his part, Sekhar Babu, (minister for HR & CE), His Masters Voice for Stalin Sr and Jr is optimistic that the more hits DMK gets from BJP, the more DMK will bounce higher like a ball.  “Let Annamalai stand against our lowest level DMK cadre in the Assembly election. Its victory for the DMK”. Juggernauts are ready for the Colosseum.

India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s clarion call to launch a drive to throw out illegal immigrants from India is interpreted as a shot in the arm for the government to intensify its on-going operation to weed out such individuals and deport them. He declared his stand while delivering the 65th convocation ceremony address of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Dhankhar pointed out that several nations had undertaken such an action and wondered when India would take similar steps. He lamented that crores of such unauthorised immigrants were living in India, depriving local people of the employment opportunities. Dhankhar observed that while nationalism was the real religion, certain powers had been operating against it. Dhankhar’s comments assume significance against the backdrop of certain statements emanating from the U.S., suggesting that efforts had been made to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Though the VP did not elaborate on this theme further, the message was loud and clear. In a manner of speaking, it is seen as an endorsement of the present sweeps by the police in different parts of the country to identify and send back the illegal immigrants. The issue has become a political matter since some parties and organisations are arguing that it will be inhuman to uproot those living in this country for a number of years. The issue is quite grave in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Hence Dhankhar’s call is expected to boost the Maharashtra government’s determination to act against the illegal intruders entering the state. 

Maharashtra’s food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde seems to be facing trouble on all fronts – professional, personal and health — providing fodder for his opponents. Now his partner Karuna Sharma nee Munde is once again back with a vengeance against him. In November 2024 in a video message, Karuna had accused Dhananjay of jailing her on false charges, getting her assaulted by his aides in collector’s office, and even booking entire hotels for having a good time. The volatile relationship between the Munde couple, who have two children, has spilled over into much action on the local political front in Beed. In 2024 she floated a political outfit, Swarajya Shakti Sena. She also contested against Pankaja Munde in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Beed but garnered only 1600 votes. Clearly, the hatred for her husband runs deeper and she responded to news of Munde ailing with Bell’s Palsy by demanding that he be treated in a public hospital casting aspersion on the timing of the ailment. Though Karuna Sharma’s diatribe against Munde isn’t new, it now assumes political significance with her joining the cause with the likes of Munde baiters like BJP legislator Suresh Dhas, Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil, activist Anjali Damania and his party opponents, Supriya Sule. Karuna claims that she’s always kept Sharad Pawar updated about her various complaints against Dhananjay Munde from time to time. Not surprisingly, Supriya Sule is the only politician who has entertained her and heard her out. The only silver lining for Dhananjay is that his son from Karuna, Seeshiv, has officially stepped up in support of his father calling him responsible and financially supportive. 

In a surprise move, the former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das was appointed Principal Secretary to PM Narendra Modi. The appointments committee of the cabinet said Das’ appointment will be co-terminus with the term of the PM or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Das was RBI chief for six years beginning December 2018 and had been hoping for a second term. It did not materialise because of bureaucratic issues–top babus in the government had apparently opposed an extension. As principal secretary in the PMO, Das will bring his vast experience of over decades in various areas of governance. Das’s appointment will give economic thrust to the PMO. More so, because Das has held several important positions in the Central and state governments in the areas of finance, taxation, industries and infrastructure. As the RBI Governor during the Covid-19 pandemic, he spearheaded a series of measures to support growth and strengthen India’s financial stability. His appointment in the PMO clearly surprised political circles as he was always perceived to be close to Congress leader P Chidambaram. Though he has been designated as Principal Secretary (2), he will be working with PK Mishra, both incidentally belonging to Odisha. Ahead of his appointment, Das was spotted attending the School of Ultimate Leadership conclave addressed by PM Modi at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi over the weekend. At the time of his exit from Mint Street, Das had even talked about writing a book. That project will now have to be shelved at least for now. PM Modi has also opted for continuity in the tenure of the government think tank NITI Aayog extending CEO BVR Subrahmanyam’s term by a year, beginning February 24.

Change is the only constant in the world. It also signals a move forward. In this instance, however, this change has ushered in a complete break from the past. No doubt, the ownership of Kothari Industrial Corporation (KICL), a company founded very many summers ago by the late DC Kothari, has moved on to Rafiq Ahmed a while ago. But there was a sense of continuity with Pradip D Kothari, son of DC, remaining as the Chairman of KICL. A few days ago, however, he stepped down to pave the way for Rafiq Ahmed to become the Executive Chairman of the company. With this, the break is complete. From now onwards, KICL will run on its own sans the DC Kothari family members. Indeed, KICL has padded up for a new innings. Having given a new lease of life to KICL, Rafiq Ahmed is focussing on the way forward. He continues to carry on the legacy of the late DC Kothari. At the same time, he is charting out his own plan to bring the glory of former times back to the Kothari, a celebrated brand once upon a time. The DC Kothari Group, in fact, had grown with the blessings of illustrious names such as R Venkatraman (former President of India), K Kamaraj (chief minister of Tamil Nadu) and the like. Not surprisingly, Rafiq Ahmed has chosen to continue the legacy of the vision envisioned by DC Kothari. Well, the newly-anointed Executive Chairman is on a mission mode. He has put on a blinker to push brand Kothari to its original glory.

The longstanding cultural tradition between India and Bangladesh surrounding International Mother Language Day faced an unexpected disruption this year due to political tensions. Just a year ago, the Vice-Chancellors of Dhaka University and St Xavier’s University, Kolkata were seen together at the historic Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, joined by students from both institutions. However, this year, the event had to be cancelled amid a charged political atmosphere in Bangladesh. The tradition dates back to 2011, during the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Rabindranath Tagore. That same year, St. Xavier’s University introduced its Bengali Honors course. Since then, a torch, symbolizing linguistic unity, would be lit at Dhaka University’s Shaheed Minar days before February 21st and then carried across various universities in West Bengal, including St. Xavier’s campuses in Raghabpur, Siliguri, and New Town. The final ceremony used to take place at St Xavier’s University in Park Street on February 21st. However, this year, the torch was absent from Kolkata’s observance of the day. Ferdousul Hasan, honorary secretary of St Xavier’s alumni association confirmed the decision not to bring the torch from Dhaka this year due to political tensions. Hasan said the torch lit in Dhaka was taken to various institutions like Loyola College in Chennai, St. Joseph’s in Bengaluru among others. This interruption has underscored the impact of changing political landscapes on the cultural unity between the two Bengals. Even the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Kolkata opted for a low-key, closed-door observance of February 21st this year, reportedly to avoid controversy. Meanwhile, West Bengal government-led celebrations took place at Deshapriya Park.

The labour impasse at the Samsung’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu is attracting increasing attention as both sides aren’t ready to yield from their stated positions. The trigger for the latest industrial dispute was the suspension of three workers of the union which was registered under a court order but has not been recognised by the Samsung management. As the fracas continues, the union leader has alleged that the management has suspended more workers. The suspension of the three union workers, the management claims, was forced as a section of the workers led by these three assembled unannounced and gate crashed to have an audience with officials of the company. The union leader — an outsider belonging to CPI(M)-affiliated CITU, wanted the suspension removed and demanded the management to forthwith stop using contracts labour. This sounds funny. If Samsung can’t use contract labour, how can the union have an outsider as its leader! An oxymoron position by the union leader, it appears! As the stalemate prolongs at Samsung facility, questions have risen over its fallout on the effort of the DMK government in attracting global investment. In the emerging era of artificial intelligence one is unable to fathom the larger implications of such strident position articulated by an outsider-leader.

The moment Shiv Sena (UBT) dismissed its spokesman Kishore Tiwari from the responsibility, he launched a tirade against the manner in which the party is being run. While going soft on leader Uddhav Thackeray, he has held some top leaders responsible for the Sena’s debacle.  The Sena is receiving one jolt after another almost daily due to desertions by its loyal workers and Tiwari’s unbridled outburst is bound to make its challenge graver for the coming local body elections. While Uddhav has tried to inject vigour into the rank and file by declaring his resolve to administer one mega blow to the ruling saffron alliance, Tiwari’s disclosures will force the party to defend its decisions, especially of distributing tickets for the 2024 assembly election. Tiwari has alleged that many of the tickets were ‘sold’ and certain party leaders had amassed a fortune. His main target is party MP Sanjay Raut, whose continuous controversial statements Tiwari has found very objectionable and damaging. Tiwari has criticized other leaders like Subhash Desai, Vinayak Raut and Milind Narvekar, who are closest to Uddhav. He told a news channel that he has revealed just one percent and will expose more and more misdeeds of the party and its leaders. Tiwari has been the Sena protagonist on various Marathi and national news channels. He has vowed to continue to work for the Sena ‘until I am expelled from the party.’ 

Controversial Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde has been down with Bell’s Palsy, which has incapacitated him. But the clamour for his resignation is not likely to subside. Munde has been the bone of contention within the ruling NDA regime due to the several serious allegations levelled against him. Some of his closest aides are behind bars and even his own future is bleak. A staunch supporter of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, the nephew of late Gopinath Munde, he has emerged as a formidable OBC leader in the state. Therefore, demands for his removal from the cabinet have been ignored by Pawar. However, the series of exposures with Munde’s alleged connection have landed the Fadnavis government into a tight situation. Munde’s ironclad hold over his home district, Beed, is said to have culminated into various scams and acts of violence. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has declared that Pawar will take a decision about Munde, whose illness has complicated the situation. Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. The weakness makes half of the face appear to droop. It can occur at any age though the exact cause for its occurrence is not known. Munde’s absence from the cabinet meetings and from public events had started rumours that he had resigned or had been asked to quit. He himself has so far stoutly denied any such decision. His affliction has temporarily stopped his critics but many of them have declared to continue the campaign against Munde by wishing him a speedy recovery.

The intitial turn out for India’s opening ICC Champions Trophy match at the Dubai International Stadium (DIS) was a far cry from the spectators who showed up for India’s home series matches against England  recently. It was full house in Nagpur and Cuttack, and around 60000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the third ODI. The men in blue are a big draw anywhere in the world but on Thursday — which is not a holiday here — there were not many takers, most of them having saved Dirhams for the India-Pakistan group match on Sunday, which is a weekend holiday. The DIS can hold between 25000 and 30000 people and by the time Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana struck blows in the first 10 balls of the match — after Bangladesh chose to bat  winning the toss — one could  see empty seats  at the Stadium. The venue which has a canopy like roof and gives a ring of fire like visual as  dusk settles in, has become a popular venue in the UAE — the other two being the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Tickets are priced as low as 250 AED and it goes up to a high of 12500 AED for the Grand Lounge at the DIS. The ticketing arrangements have been done by the host Pakistan Cricket Board  and Emirates Cricket Board and much of the gate receipts should be going to Pakistan’s kitty. Wickets were falling in a heap in the first hour of the match as India gained the upperhand and the only disappointing aspect was skipper Rohit Sharma spilling a catch at slip to deny left arm spinner Axar Patel, a hat-trick.

In a week’s time, that’s next Sunday on February 23, the world of cricket would swing to the passions reflected across India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. The clash between the arch rivals in cricket will be a sell out with every seat at the Dubai International Stadium, where the expatriates will shell out thousands of Dirhams and create an electrifying atmosphere. Seventeen months ago, a near full house at the Narendra Modi Stadium rooted for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team against Pakistan in the ICC World Cup. India which won that match was the host of the World Cup and Pakistan travelled to Ahmedabad for the marquee event. The Pakistan Cricket board (PCB) being the host of the ICC Champions Trophy, believed India would travel across the border to give the local fans — either in Lahore or Karachi — a real experience of a high-octane tension filled match, but the BCCI, not allowed by the government of India, refused to send its team to Pakistan — citing security concerns — and India’s group matches were scheduled in Dubai.  An India-Pakistan contest in any sport is an extraordinary event by itself, but one between the cricketers of the two countries is truly uplifting to the millions of fans of the country that wins the contest. Eight years ago Pakistan downed India by 180 runs in the Champions Trophy final at ‘The Oval’ in London. Pakistan holds a 3-2 edge in the Champions Trophy and 73-57 edge overall in ODIs, but it’s 2-0 for India in Dubai with Rohit Sharma totalling 317 runs in five matches with a high of an unbeaten 111 against Pakistan in the 2018 Asia Cup. 

Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district seems to be on the radar of corporate India. Two big projects, an iron ore, and a steel plant, involving huge investment is expected to transform this naxal-infested belt forever. Sajjan Jindal promoted JSW Group is setting up a 25 million tonne steel plant – world’s largest — by investing Rs 1 trillion over next seven to eight years. Helping the steel plant with regular supply of iron ore is B Prabhakaran-promoted Thriveni Sainik Mining. This company is a prominent player in the coal mining sector with a capacity to deliver 15 MTPA of coal. Coming to iron ore, Thriveni has entered into an agreement with Mukesh Gupta-promoted Lloyds Metals and Energy as Lloyds was granted a 50-year iron ore mining lease in 2007 for 348 hectares at Surajgarh Village. This area is known to have a major iron ore reserve. It may be recalled that Gupta was a high-profile businessman in the nineties running a clutch of companies from steel to real estate to pharma. Thriveni which got into play in 2021 after being appointed MDO or Mine Developer and Operator has already produced over 3 MTPA and plans to produce 25 MTPA iron ore. Sometimes back, Thriveni Group was in the news not because its promoter Prabhakaran was arrested over his role in a mining scam but, because the Union minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw before entering politics was a director in Prabhakaran-promoted iron ore company Thriveni Pellets Pvt Ltd set up in 2019. 

Nine years after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) headed by Pinarayi Vijayan blocked the then ruling UDF’s plan to allow private universities into Kerala, the LDF has had a change of heart. “The government’s latest decision is in sync with changing times,” says Higher Education Minister, R Bindu. Any agency which has experience and credibility can apply to set up a University provided it deposits Rs 25 crore as corpus money and also has the requisite land as per regulatory agency. In case the proposed Private University is a multi-campus varsity, then at least 10 acres of land is required. The government’s move is to ensure that Malayali students remain in Kerala. As per a joint study by Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation (GIFT) and Centre for Development Studies (CDS), nearly 50.8% of Malayali students migrate to neighbouring Karnataka alone for higher studies. Though the government has indicated that the new policy has attracted many institutions/universities, it is too early to predict how things will play out due to certain stiff parameters included in the proposal.  They include 40% seat reservation for permanent residents of Kerala and that SC/ST students have to be provided scholarships and fee concessions. The LDF government has also indicated that its nominees — Higher Education Secretary and another Department Secretary should be nominated in the Private University’s governing council. And if this is not enough intervention, the state government will have a nominee as member of the University’s executive council and three nominees in the academic council. It will also comply with directions of regulatory agencies regarding appointment of Vice Chancellors and faculty members. Initial indications are that the Azim Premji University and another Gulf-based institution with the blessings of the promoter of Lulu hyper-market chain, M A Yusuff Ali, have indicated their interest.

The Union Home Ministry’s decision to grant actor-politician Vijay, the chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ‘Y’ category security in Tamil Nadu has stirred the political pot. Sources said while the security was accorded after an internal security audit by the Intelligence Bureau, it has prompted a  sharp reaction from the AIADMK, which suspected that the BJP would use the security cover to get the newbie politician to its side at a time when it is planning a grand alliance with TVK and the Congress for next year’s assembly elections. It may seem the Centre’s security decision is being over analysed. But sources say the Congress is already under pressure from AIADMK to change its TN president ahead of the assembly polls as he is being viewed as too close to the DMK, post Erode assembly by-elections. Meanwhile, it is felt Vijay may accept the security cover as it will be helpful in managing the crowd during his public engagement as a politician. AIADMK functionaries however are unconvinced that the Centre’s decision was merely a security decision. Strongly backing the Centre’s decision to give Vijay ‘Y’ security cover, TN BJP chief K Annamalai pointed out that the Central government had given CRPF security to Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, regardless of whether the AIADMK was in alliance with the BJP or not. He pointed out that similarly the central government had given ‘Y’ security to Vijay. “The reason that Vijay is not able to meet the public is because of the huge crowds.” He also wanted to know why the DMK government in the state had not come forward to give Vijay this sort of security. 

The recent release of Chaava, featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has ignited significant discussions around the intersection of art and political scrutiny in India. While the film has garnered considerable buzz and attention at the box office, it has also faced backlash from various political groups, often dubbed as the “moral police.” This scrutiny particularly intensified around a promotional song featuring a traditional lezim dance that depicted the historical figure Sambhaji Maharaj in a manner some deemed inappropriate. Critics argued that the portrayal of the king dancing was historically inaccurate and disrespectful, prompting Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant to advocate for a review by historians to preserve the dignity of the Sambhaji Maharaj. In response to this pressure, director Laxman Utekar met with political leader Raj Thackeray and ultimately decided to remove the contentious scene. This incident reflects a growing trend where political entities feel entitled to intervene in Bollywood productions, raising concerns about the freedom of expression for artists. This pattern is not new; previous controversies, such as the uproar over the song “Besharam Rang” from Pathaan and the backlash against the song “Malhari” from Jodha Akbar which faced criticism for its use of the phrase “Vaat Laavli,” underscore the inconsistent responses from the industry and authorities. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand historical narratives, has frequently found himself at odds with political outfits, from Jodha Akbar to Padmaavat to Gangubai Kathiawadi. This trend illustrates a troubling reality where the creative landscape is increasingly shaped by political agendas, often at the expense of artistic integrity and historical representation. As the lines between art and politics blur, it raises critical questions about the future of creative freedom in India.