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Last week, as Congress leaders protested against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s so-called “anti-Ambedkar” remark in Rajya Sabha, Rahul Gandhi joined his party MPs in a blue T-shirt, giving up his trademark white polo T-shirt. His sister Priyanka also twinned with him wearing a blue sari. Clearly the Gandhi siblings opted to go for a very visual protest against Shah’s remarks. The choice of the colour of clothes of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) — usually spotted donning plain white T-shirts raised eyebrows. The colour blue has been associated with Dalit politics since 1942, when Dr BR Ambedkar established the Scheduled Castes Federation to campaign for the rights of the Dalit community. The body adopted a blue flag featuring Ashok Chakra. The flag was later retained by the Republican Party of India (RPI), founded by Ambedkar in 1956. Over time, blue became very closely associated with Dalit identity and activism. Even political parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party and the ASP, which champions Dalit welfare, embraced blue colour in their branding. As the Gandhi siblings lead the protest, it was the choice of colour of their clothes that caught everyone’s attention!
The Winter Session which saw a two-day discussion on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution and introduction of One Nation One Election (ONOE) Bill has come to a close. It brought out sharp divisions over discussions and bills at least in two political parties — the Congress and DMK. In the Congress, if a first term MP Priyanka Vadra was seen opening the discussion on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha, for some reason senior leader and eminent lawyer P Chidambaram did not get an opportunity to have his say about the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. In the DMK, there was a clear division of views between the DMK parliamentary party leader TR Baalu and deputy leader Kanimozhi. While Baalu endorsed the government’s offer to refer the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, Kanimozhi seemed completely surprised by his stand and insisted that her party was opposed to the Bill and demanded its withdrawal.”DMK has consistently opposed the entire Bill. We do not accept that there can be ONOE because it is against the Constitution. It is against federal rights and it is against the will of the people. People choose state governments for 5 years, I don’t think you can take that right away from the people and give it to the EC to decide how many years governments can last or not. So, this is completely against the state, against federalism” said Kanimozhi. While her stand reflects TN assembly resolution passed in February against ONOE Bill this year, the media is awash with reports about how her late father Kalaignar M Karunanidhi had highlighted the benefits of simultaneous polls in his autobiography Nenjuku Neethi. Incidentally, Karunanidhi had advanced state polls to 1971 to coincide with LS polls.
The Thursday (Dec 19) visit of BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLAs to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur has become a hot political topic though there are other reasons, too, for intense politicking. Firstly, the MLAs belonging to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar did not join the event. Secondly, those disgruntled due to their non-inclusion in the council of ministers have started expressing their anger openly. Like earlier two occasions, Ajit Pawar and most of his followers distanced themselves from the visit organized by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The presence of former CM Eknath Shinde and his MLAs proved to be another highlight. However, the discontent brewing within Mahayuti on other counts is now becoming more vocal. Political heavyweight Chhagan Bhujbal was the first to articulate it. His open criticism of Ajit Pawar surprised many since he had stayed by the side of Pawar all through. Now, there are reports that some of Bhujbal’s supporters want him to join the BJP to end his political wilderness. So far, Bhujbal has maintained that he is with the NCP (Ajit). The other notable leader to become the subject of political speculation is the legislative council’s deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe. Her detractors, mainly the recent Sena (UBT) entrant Sushama Andhare, have started hinting at Gorhe’s plans to go with the BJP. Gorhe, too, has not reacted to the talk. Ajit’s sudden disappearance for two days from the winter session only added grist to the grapevine. His explanation that he was down with a throat infection is hardly swallowed. More murmurs are expected to be heard once Fadnavis announces the allocation of the portfolios.
The Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray has started preparing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, expected to take place early next year. This will be the fight for political survival for Thackeray because the Sena has been in power in India’s richest civic body since 1985. Taking stock of the situation, other political parties, too, have begun their planning. The picture this time will be fundamentally different since the BJP has emerged as the largest party in the state after the assembly election. Its estrangement with the Sena (UBT), which split in 2022 owing to Eknath Shinde’s decision to walk out of it, will be a major factor in the coming election in which the Congress will be an insignificant player, given its lacklustre performance in Mumbai and the state as a whole. Equally exasperating is the condition of the state Congress committee as its president Nana Patole is perceived as an ineffective leader by the rank and file. The BMC’s last election saw the Sena winning 84 seats in the 227-member house while the BJP had captured 82. Owing to the alliance ethics, the BJP had made no effort to bag the mayoralty of the financial capital of India. However, the BJP is not prepared to take any chance this time and a decision about its Mumbai president is likely to be taken soon. Sitting chief Ashish Shelar is among the hopefuls though his inclusion in the council of ministers could be a decisive factor in the final choice.
This was to happen one day or the other with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) putting its foot down saying it will not send its national teams to India for any signature event of the ICC, like the World Cups in the two formats in men, women and the juniors. This was the PCB’s riposte to the long-standing BCCI position — citing security concerns — that it will not send its team across the border for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and that it will play only at a neutral venue. For three World Test Championship (WTC) the two nations have taken themselves off the Future Tours Programme (FTP). The cricketers of the two countries may enjoy good relationships when they lock horns in neutral country venues and have fans across the border, but the Indian government has been steadfast in denying permission to the BCCI. The latest communication from the ICC has confirmed that in the 2024-2027 cycle all ICC events given to India and Pakistan, the matches featuring the two countries will be held at a neutral country chosen by the host country; in the Champions Trophy case the PCB is the host. What all this means is the elimination of high security arrangements that India had to do when Pakistan played last year’s World Cup matches in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. It took hard bargaining by the PCB with the ICC — with Jay Shah in Chair since December 1, 2024 — for it to agree to a hybrid model in order to ensure that it remains the host in a neutral country venue as well and where India will play and this country is said to be the United Arab Emirates.
The massive success of Pushpa 2, has reignited the debate over screen allocation in West Bengal’s single-screen theatres. While the blockbuster continues to dominate the box office, its stronghold has created challenges for four Bengali films— Khadaan, Shontaan, Chaalchitro, and 5 No. Swapnamoy Lane—which targeted Christmas Day for their releases. The overlap has sparked a heated controversy over securing adequate slots in single-screen theatres, which remain a key audience base for Bengali cinema. Single-screen theatres across Bengal are grappling with the balancing act of accommodating these films while catering to the massive demand for Pushpa 2. Tollywood’s Christmas lineup has been significantly impacted, with producer-actor Dev expressing frustration on social media. He alleged that Khadan’s shows and advance bookings were disrupted due to the overwhelming presence of Pushpa 2. Arijit Dutta, owner of Priya Theatre, reported dividing slots among the films: Khadaan (two shows), Chaalchitro (one), 5 No. Swapnamoy Lane (one), and Pushpa 2 (one). However, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty’s Shontaan was left out entirely, sparking outrage from its director Raj Chakraborty, who criticized the lack of consistent support for Bengali cinema. A distributor, speaking anonymously, blamed the simultaneous release of multiple Bengali films during the festive season, suggesting a lack of coordination among producers. He pointed to Bollywood’s strategy of staggering releases as a model Tollywood could emulate. Star Theatre owner Joydeep Mukherjee called for better planning within the Bengali film industry to avoid internal competition. Interestingly, allegations have resurfaced about Shontaan‘s producer, pressuring hall owners to prioritize its films. This history has led some distributors to side with independent producers in the current clash.
Sunday’s swearing in of 33 (16:9:8 ratio for BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP respectively) mostly young cabinet ministers in CM Devendra Fadnavis’ 3.0 government was not followed up by expected portfolio allocations even late Thursday (Dec 19). The unrelenting clamour for one specific portfolio by a senior BJP minister-in-waiting (in apparent conflict of interest), aspiration to improve upon earlier performance in power sector by another are in the open awaiting the Maha Chanakya to coolly decide upon. Scribes housed at the state government ‘Suyog’ facility within the Family court premises near Vidhan Bhavan enjoy the Nagpur chill over familial evenings at ‘Sneh Bojans’ hosted by these as-yet ‘Anamika’ ministers. DCM Eknath Shinde’s camp brews hostility from left out veteran MLAs and cherry-picking ministers-in-waiting who threaten boiling point anytime soon. This is unlike the chill that has set upon the near deserted NCP office at Vidhan Bhavan sans activity, notwithstanding the bustling beehive of activity right outside and within the state legislature that is hosting its winter session. It is probably the first time in Maharashtra’s political history for such an ongoing legislature session without specifically assigned ministers manning questions on the floor of the state assembly and council while responding to public interest issues of state. For now, all portfolios rest with CM Fadnavis. NCP veteran Chhagan Bhujbal, Sena’s Tanaji Sawant complain vociferously from out in the cold even as some BJP MLAs rue their bad luck despite winning big in Mumbai city where the richest civic body will face the hustings very soon.
The events outside Parliament House that led to injuries to two BJP MPs was best summed up by FM Nirmala Sitharaman in her X post. She explained how “During the INDI Alliance’s protest inside Parliament premises today, Rahul Gandhi had forcefully pushed an MP, causing a domino effect that injured 2 BJP MPs –Pratap Sarangi (Balasore, Odisha) and Mukesh Rajput (Farrukhabad, UP)” Both the MPs are now hospitalised as they have sustained head injuries. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan was surprised that the Congress had so far not even bothered to say sorry. “I was wondering what was the purpose of Kharge-Rahul Gandhi’s presser, if they can’t say sorry. Our Nagaland MP, a tribal woman leader Phangnon Konyak had voiced discomfort that was caused to her by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.” She has written a letter to the RS Chairman. Adding further he said, “We feel Rahul simply does not deserve to be the LoP. When the Opposition is holding a protest, we usually take another gate. What was the need for Rahul Gandhi to wade into the area where BJP MPs were standing? He should simply quit as LoP.” BJP MPs including Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street Police station in connection with the scuffle between Opposition and NDA MPs. It is learnt that security forces repeatedly requested the Congress MP to use an alternative path, specifically arranged for a peaceful entry into Parliament. However, Rahul Gandhi declined the request. BJP’s Thakur said “The kind of attitude Rahul Gandhi has, he thinks he is above the law.” Responding to the allegations, Rahul said BJP MPs were trying to stop him and were threatening him “
Home Minister Amit Shah whose intervention in discussions on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution sparked off a row and seemed to have majorly united the Opposition. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge charged him of insulting Dr BR Ambedkar.. He accused his rivals of being “anti-Ambedkar” and “anti-Constitution”, and “spreading lies”. In his concluding remarks in the Rajya Sabha, Shah sarcastically said, “It has become the fashion to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar…’ If they (the opposition) took God’s name so many times, they will get a place in heaven.” At a Press Conference, he charged the Congress of distorting his comments in the Rajya Sabha saying the Congress had put out an edited version of his speech. “I come from a party which follows the ideals of Ambedkar,” asserted Shah.” Rebuffing calls for his resignation by Kharge, Shah made it clear that he had no intention of stepping down. “Kharge is asking for my resignation. If that will make him feel happy, then I’ll give it. But the Congress has to sit in the opposition for at least 15 more years. “In an unusual move — perhaps underlining the impact of the Opposition’s attack on this issue — PM Modi and senior ministers rallied behind Shah. “If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!” said PM Modi. Amidst this, PM Modi and Shah met Rahul Gandhi and Kharge to appoint the next NHRC chief. TMC leader Derek O’Brien has moved a privilege notice against Shah in the Rajya Sabha for his remarks on Dr Ambedkar.
Ravichandran Ashwin was adroit in bowling the carom or knuckle ball or the doosra, but on Wednesday afternoon, Brisbane time, the nonconformist off-spinner of 13 years in the big league of the game deployed the “bombshell” to bring an end to his illustrious career. At the conclusion of the rain-marred third Test at the Gabba, the finger spinner with a few sobriquets, “scientist” being the most used among the media, Ashwin sitting beside his beleaguered captain, Rohit Sharma, matter of fact said: Today (Wednesday, December 18) was his last day as an international cricketer across formats and that he will be seen in action in club cricket, meaning IPL etc. The seasoned campaigner, starting his Test career in November 2011, was capped 106 times, and he missed 25 Tests after his debut; he featured in 61 wins, 47@home and 14 overseas. He read the writing on the wall about him losing the primacy as the No 1 spinner of the team in flannels after Washington Sundar was chosen for the first Test in Perth. Then being dropped to bring in Ravindra Jadeja for the third Test in Brisbane convinced him that his time was up…to hang up his boots. The home series against New Zealand that India lost 3-0 was a bitter pill to swallow for him. His numbers — 765 wickets in the three formats, including 537 wickets in Tests alone speaks of his right to be called a legend. It was a bold, practical call to take a bow while not in the field and that was an unhappy part that Indian cricket could not give one of its icons a fitting farewell. Ashwin has perhaps shown the way for a few more to bid adieu, sooner than later! They are over the hill, indeed.
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.
Tamil film superstar Vijay’s hunt for a venue for his party Tamil Vetri Katchi’s inauguration has been a tale of frustration that betrays the fear people have of being seen promoting a new player on the political scene. The hunt had led Vijay’s party members to several cities and towns in the state looking for a venue like an open ground that can accommodate around 10 lakh people who are expected to attend. Having looked at suitable venues in Trichy and Salem, the party had to cancel with the parties owning or controlling the venues pulling out for fear of getting into trouble with the powers. The party had then approached a private college management to lend their campus and ground in Vikravandi, a town about 120 kms south of Chennai. The venue may not be big enough if a million people get there for the inaugural slated for September 22. The party is said to be still trying for a more suitable venue even as preparations are on for releasing the party’s flag on August 23 so that supporters and fans can carry the flags to the venue on the inaugural day. The party is determined to get the party off the ground in a spectacular way in September. Vijay’s final film – The Greatest of All Time or GOAT –– before his political plunge will hit screens on September 5.
A consolidation of hectic kind is sweeping the Indian cement field with the Adanis and UltraTech Cement of Aditya Birla Group engaging in a no–holds–barred acquisition binge. The cement industry, perhaps, is moving away from distributed production to concentrated production. The churning is indeed a part of a dynamic process. The change, however, pushes the system down the memory lane, it appears. In former times, the IT industry had a lot of ERP companies such as Oracle, JD Edwards, Peoplesoft, BaaN, SAP and the like. Similarly, the CRM space had plenty of players like Vantive, Seibel et al. In the first decade of this century, a shift had happened in ERP space. Peoplesoft first took over JD Edwards. Then, Oracle acquired Peoplesoft. Later, Oracle came out with a blended ERP which had the features of Peoplesoft and JD Edwards. SAP, in the meanwhile, had taken over Siebel CRM. The competition now is between two giants –– Oracle and SAP. This is a far cry from the days when the ERP space had a host of small as well as big players. Indeed, change is the name of the game. Forget the adage “small is beautiful”. Big is the in thing today. How will the emerging new normal play out in the larger economy? Well, time alone will answer this.
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”.
Famous for his Maharashtrian ‘tadka’ flavour, Maharashtra’s celebrity chef, Vishnu Manohar has been invited by the North West Marathi Association (NORWEMA) in England to be the chief guest for NORWEMA Ganeshostav 2024. At the Ganeshostav, the Nagpur-based chef is likely to judge the grand modak-making competition. Fifty-six year old Manohar who was the official caterer for the G-20 Summit 2023 held in Nagpur has an impressive 18 world records under his belt. Some of them are: 7000 kg ‘Ram Halwa’ in Ayodhya, Largest Veg Kabab, Largest Paratha, Largest Puranpoli, 52-hour of Non-Stop Cooking Marathon, 7000 kg Misal, 5000 kg Khichadi, 3500 kg Baingan Bharta, 5000 kg Millets Upma, 6000 kg Organic Veg Subji and more. A TED X speaker, he runs a chain of restaurants called Vishnu Ji Ki Rasoi, Savoji, Mahak and Roti Shoti Aur Kabab. A popular YouTuber, Manohar has authored 52 cookery books besides writing a special one for the Government of Maharashtra titled Maharashtracha Khadya Sanskriti. On ETV, he ran a cookery show Mejwani Paripoorna Kitchen for 14 years.
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.
Ever since this film was announced, Thangalaan, with iconic actor Vikram in the lead, it has garnered media news by the ton. With good reason too…audience still recall KGF and its thrilling story, our very own Mackenna’s Gold. Who wouldn’t be hooked by the thrill of prospecting for gold? Thangalaan is now anticipated as another KGF. Directed by Pa Ranjith, the man who creates stunning visuals even as the hard hitting screenplay unfolds. But suddenly, a scary twist hit the film’s much-awaited release. A Division Bench of the Madras High Court decreed that the producer, KE Gnanavel Raja and Easwaran, stakeholders of Studio Green deposit Rs 1 crore by August 15 in the account of the official assignee representing the late creditor Arjunlal Sundardas who had pleaded insolvency before he died. Thangalaan faced the oft-repeated speed breaker in films, creditors who are as keen to get the money back as the producer to release his film made with blood, debt and tears.
It was admirable the way an American told the international media what cricket is all about and the reason for the noble game to be included as a medal event at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. At the Main Press Centre at Palais De Congress in Paris on August 10, Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of LA28 summed up the team game saying: “Cricket is what makes the sun rise and sun set daily.” India’s Squash players can hope to play at the LA28, but what enthused the spectacled American Wasserman — he must have got an idea of cricket seeing the recent ICC Men’s World T20 in New York and Florida — about cricket was the fact of more than one billion people following the game. One of the great cities in the USA, Los Angeles will offer three medals — gold, silver and bronze — to the winner of the Twenty20 competition, an event India would fancy winning the gold! On the penultimate day of the 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris, the organising committee of LA28 got an opportunity to make a presentation at the MPC where it said that over hundred people involved to plan and execute the games four years later are in Paris to watch how the French delivered its third modern Olympics and that the 34th games will be “Authentically Los Angeles”. With a humongous interest already existent in Los Angeles for cricket — with a large South Asian diaspora in the State of California — tickets will be sold out for matches featuring India and this fact is the reason that made Wasserman give a novel description to a sport that has not caught on with the American natives yet, but has the potential to become a hit, financially!
Winds of change are visible here. And, this change must bring a world of good to this organisation, which had almost slipped into oblivion. Kothari Industrial Corporation (KICL) is turning over a new leaf with a fresh management team. It has put the organization firmly back on track. A non-leather footwear park at the backward district of Tamil Nadu is already under way. With focus fixed on beefing up domestic production, this new team has gone at an hectic pace in putting together multiple alliances to make the upcoming park a role model for the country. Managing Director Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed is consumed by a passion to bring the past glory back to this once iconic organisation in the Dravidian land. Under his captaincy, KICL has already returned to the stock market following the re-listing of its shares. Right now, Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed is leading the KICL management with a deep sense of ownership! As he gets into a mission mode, KICL has just inked an alliance with OTB Industria e Comercio de Componentes e Technologia Ltda, (OTB) Franca of Brazil to set up a joint venture company to manufacture and market invisible pens and innovative solutions for shoe components. The joint venture will also explore the possibility of making UV (ultra violet) lights, which will help in identifying the marking. For the joint venture – Kothari OTB India Limited – the complete technology will come from the Brazilian partner. The Indian partner will hold majority shares in the joint venture. Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed is determined to use KICL as a fulcrum to provide jobs to women in backward areas of Tamil Nadu.
There has always been a love-hate relationship between the Bollywood stars and scribes. Not to forget the paparazzi. A seasoned journalist covering the industry for over three decades was shocked and surprised to see the way stars are snapping at journos and their menacing tone these days. This seems more pronounced in the past few months. At the press conference of John Abraham-Sharvari starrer Vedaa, John was visibly annoyed when a reporter asked him whether he was playing safe by doing the same kind of roles. In the case of Akshay Kumar, he is avoiding giving interviews …and he is very selective to which journalist he will speak to. Before journos ask for consecutive failure of his films, Akshay preempts them and says “only five films” have flopped. But, he forgets the crores of rupees producers have lost. One producer had to put his office on the block to pay his entire crew. And the new trend is all stars are asking reporters to give questions in advance. Inspite of that Sanjay Dutt at a press conference over UK denying him visa made a boo-boo in one of the answers to a question, why he was signing for villain’s role these days? And it seems Ajay Devgn avoids promoting films and his latest movie with Tabu Auron Mein Kahan Dum saw a meagre collection of Rs 10 crore in the first eight days. Most of the Bollywood stars need to understand that they need to connect with the media to connect with their ‘audiences’. It is clear banning or shunning the media does not work for stars or scribes. In the eighties Big B had banned media for nearly a decade but finally smoked a peace pipe.
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.
Life is a long-haul race. Those who stay on course win the ultimate accolade. A quitter never wins. So said the legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar in his book Sunny Days. Ask Rajiv Reddy. He will gladly vouch for these. Just back from the Olympics extravaganza in Paris, the indefatigable Reddy has retained the Squash Champion title in Masters’ category at the 80th National Squash Championship in Mumbai. Age has never been a factor for him. But Rajiv Reddy is all passion-driven. He had taken to the sport when he was 36 years old, just after he had become a member of the MCC in 1987. Since then, it has been a one jolly good ride for him. In 2000, he went on to win his first national championship title in the over-45 year category. Since then, titles came to him in rapid succession. In 2019, he won the title in the over 65-year category, instituted only that year at the championship. Age is a mere number, said Hema Malini once. An ever-fit Rajiv Reddy, who sports a permanently friendly countenance, is an age-defying sport personality. If his enthusiasm is anything to go by, this ever-green sports person has an unalloyed propensity to ever stay wedded to the game of Squash. A player, referee, coach and what not, Rajiv Reddy is an all-encompassing sports personality. Staying in the game permanently is what makes him a role model for young ones in the sporting community.
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.
An India-Pakistan rivalry has gained ground in track and field sport. It’s always been typecast in hockey and cricket, but on Thursday (Aug 8) at the Paris Olympics’ Stade De France that was packed, Pakistan’s Ashraf Nadeem created the big buzz by sending the spear to a distance of 92.97 metres that deflated the ideas of others in the fray. India’s champion thrower for eight years, Neeraj Chopra, who is used to winning gold medals, had to settle for the silver with a good effort of 89.45 metres. Nadeem has been challenging Neeraj in major international events, but did not find ways to upstage his Indian opponent with whom he enjoys a friendly relationship. But on an eventful day at the venue where the world’s leading athletes are flaunting their talent, the 27-year old from Pakistan made his rivals tremble in their boots with an Olympic record throw. He fouled the first throw and so did Neeraj. Nerves were playing havoc. But in the second Nadeem used his muscle power to deliver a sensational result. Neeraj responded with great calm, but his best was not good enough to enable him to win back to back gold medals having won the first one he had won in Tokyo. The two will get into a showdown in Tokyo in September 2025 at the World Athletics Championship. But as of now it’s time for Nadeem and Pakistan to celebrate for achieving glory at an Olympics after 40 years. Nadeem has thrown the javelin to a 90 plus distance twice, Neeraj not even once. It was the 16th instance of a javelin thrower making the javelin travel to a distance of 92. 97 metres and the first Asian to get into the record books.
In the modern business world, they play a critical role. The entire community of stakeholders in a corporate entity look for their views. Much of the decisions – of stakeholders across the canvass – are often guided by their views. The ratings of the raters are critical in the emerging business environment, which is increasingly turning riskier due to very many imponderables. Their rating can decisively impact – either way – the growth and development of any entity. Well, rating agency CARE has put the ratings assigned to the bank facilities of The India Cements on rating watch with positive implications. The CARE move comes close on the heels of the N Srinivasan-led promoters selling their stake to Aditya Birla Group-owned UltraTech Cement. No doubt, the stake sale has happened. But the operating environment remains what it was prior to the sale of sake by the promoters. A formal change of ownership will have to wait for clearances from assorted regulatory and other entities. CARE has taken a proactive view already. Sources say, CARE has removed the non-cooperation clause as non-applicable. It has indicated that it will review the ratings once all clearances are in place. India Cements has bounced back to profit track with Rs 57.45 crore net profit in the first quarter ended June 2024 against Rs 74.87 crore loss reported in the same period last year. Net profit is due to profit from sale of Parli Grinding unit to UltraTech. The ratings could cut both ways. That’s why care has to be exercised while giving a rating. This time around CARE has given a positive spin on India Cements, which has come under Birlas.
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.
The advent of the Internet and the growth of digital space in its wake has turned everything topsy-turvy. The media world, especially, has undergone an unimaginable metamorphosis. The way news is consumed these days has ensured that the print version of the media world struggles for ever. If that is so for dailies, the predicament of the magazines is unimaginable. Not just the consumption behaviour has changed. The speed of the information dissemination has increased manifold. All these have left a big question mark on the sustainability of the print media of assorted kinds. This one has been in existence for over half-a-century. After the demise of its founder late S Viswanathan, this Chennai-based business publication is set to disappear into the pages of history. Promoters have announced that September 2024 will be the last issue of the Industrial Economist, which has always focussed on the growth and development of the corporate world, especially, in the south. An industrious person with a blinkered-horse like focus, the late Viswanathan tried his best to rejuvenate the Industrial Economist which was launched in 1968. The changing media landscape, rising costs and declining advertising revenue have all conspired to consign Industrial Economist to history. Very many summers ago, Chennai saw the shutters down on the iconic English evening newspaper, The Mail.
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...
What’s in a name? What’s in a brand? All these can just disappear. As time goes by, all these can fall by the wayside. How else can one view the happenings in the corporate world of Tamil Nadu? In the early 90s, one of the brightest jewels of the Chennai industrial world — Enfield – changed hands. Promoted by S Viswanathan and his family, Bullet-maker Enfield was sold to the Eicher group. Viswanathan & his ilk had to give up Enfield due to a combination of issues including scalability. Today, the Eicher group has taken Enfield to a new height globally. A few days ago, another big name in Tamil Nadu – The India Cements – was sold to the Aditya Birla Group UltraTech Cement. That sale of India Cements by N Srinivasan and his family reflects the challenges of a family-owned business. There is a similarity between Enfield and India Cements in their sale. The promoters – either by choice or circumstances — had chosen to quit. What is of significance is the fact that both have changed hands due to a sale process. This is in contrast to management changes that are happening elsewhere in the Indian corporate world. There are many such these days and happen due to corporate insolvency resolution actions. The change of guard both at Enfield and India Cements pose new challenges to family-owned businesses in Tamil Nadu. Change is the sign of not just development but also maturity, it appears.
They are no longer behind the scene players. The spotlight is on them too. A case in point is Shah Rukh Khan’s manager Pooja Dadlani, besides film dos she was seen with SRK in most IPL matches. In Bollywood, the role of secretary has metamorphosed into manager. The whole dynamics has changed with manager/professional agency handling stars. Film historian Dilip Thakur says, “Back then, the secretaries knew how the film industry functioned and worked in such a way that the entire industry benefited.” Today it seems a mercenary approach, the agencies are interested in seeing that stars fees are 40% of the budget of a film. This is one of the reasons many films are bombing. A few decades back, the star’s secretary played a different role. They ensured that their star bosses are projected well. They did not think of money. When Big B returned after quitting politics, his secretary Sheetal Jain managed to organise three muhurats in a day at Mehboob Studios. And the films were Hum, Agnipath and Luv Kush. For creating buzz around Amitabh all the credit goes to Sheetal. Rajesh Khanna’s secretary Gurnaam made sure he picked the right script; she had a role to play in his super stardom. After her death, Kaka’s career plunged. Rikku Rakesh Nath who made careers of Madhuri Dixit, Shilpa Shirodkar and Anil Kapoor also ensured that some of his star clients who had no films (read jobless) got one or two films. That speaks of his clout, commitment and dedication. Sridevi’s secretary Hari Singh went that extra mile to ensure she was presented well, bagged meaty roles, and managed to get her to the No 1 position at a time when Madhuri Dixit was ruling the roost. Today, many secretaries/managers have evolved further –turned producers albeit with the backing of the stars.
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.
India’s promising shuttler Lakshya Sen lost out to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the bronze play-off at the Paris Games on Monday. Earlier, Sen chucked away a big chance to earn the tag of a giant killer! Sports offers opportunities of a lifetime to dethrone champions and the 22 year old could not have given a better gift to his mentors, Prakash Padukone and Vimal Kumar, by bringing down the defending Olympic men’s singles champion — Viktor Axelsen had won the men’s singles badminton title at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics — in the Paris 2024 semi-finals. Up 17-11 in the first game and 7-0 in the second, the young aspirant squandered openings to thrash the great Dane and bid for the gold. Nothing had prepared Axelson for an inspiring and incisive display by Sen; perhaps even Padukone and Kumar would have been surprised by their charge’s extraordinary stroke play bringing out the best from his repertoire. Sen had put it across two seeded players — Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie and Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen — to get into the semi-finals. When the other Indians could not rise above the mediocrity, Sen appeared like a shining star, all ready to conquer the World. The La Chapelle Arena was packed with the roaring India supporters and Sen had just done his part to encourage them to be full throated. Eventually he appeared to have lacked the killer instinct. Every minute after he offset the 0-3 deficit, he looked the part as a conqueror. But as they say in sport: He petered out, losing the grip on the semi-finals.
Tamil film popular star Vishal’s Sandakozhi (Fighter Cock) hit the headlines in 2005, swaying its audience for 210 straight days in cinemas. The pugnacious Vishal gained popularity as a saleable star and was signed up for more films. Soon he started Vishal Film Factory. And parallel to this he also turned bellicose and aggressive for both right and wrong causes. He became the Sandakozhi in his professional life, and has been in the news for many a contentious issue. Vishal also took on Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Distribution house though indirectly as he feared his film Rathnam could be stymied by alleged monopoly and manipulative practices. Sometimes back, he talked about corrupt practices in the Central Board of Film Certification to get his film Mark Antony certified. But now things have hit a churning point. His venture, Vishal Film Factory had borrowed Rs 23 crore from financier GN Anbu Chezhiyan. But then Vishal had a cash flow problem. To bail him out Lyca Productions stepped in and took over his debt with a deal that all future releases would go through Lyca. Vishal allegedly reneged on the deal and Lyca took him to court. Vishal had to appear in the Madras High Court of Her Honour P T Asha on July 29. During the court proceedings, when he declined that he had signed a contract but had signed a blank paper. The Judge shot back, “You were supposed to settle all dues before Sandakozhi2 release. You think it is smart to deny your own signature”? Vishal interrupted the Judge and addressed her… “Boss”. The Judge, already irritated, countered “You can’t use Boss. Just say yes or no”.
It almost seemed like a sisterly act of reaching out to each other. Both FM Nirmala Sitharaman and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee are continuously engaging each other in social media. After FM Sitharaman praised Mamata for attending the NITI Aayog meeting and later openly lauded her in the Lok Sabha, the TMC, in its official handle, reposted her praise on X. ‘A good Chief Minister and a fighter who has been leading the state for so many years!’ “FM@nsitharaman in a moment of honesty praises our Chairperson in Parliament. TRUTH CANNOT BE SUPPRESSED FOR LONG”! In her reply to the debate on Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on July 30, FM was particularly irked by TMC MP Prof Saugata Roy, who had remarked that he did not expect the “FM to be like Dr Manmohan Singh” as she was not a PhD from Oxford like Dr Singh not even like Chidambaram, who had got a management degree from Harvard. “She is from our own JNU. But the problem is, she is bereft of new ideas.” A somewhat peeved FM said “A lady who I respect a lot, who sits equally in the GST Council with me, who is the FM of West Bengal, studied in the University of Kolkata. She is not a Member of this House. She is the FM of West Bengal (Chandrima Bhattacharya) and studied in the University of Kolkata. Is she also bereft of new ideas? She makes wonderful contributions to the GST Council.” The CM of West Bengal is also from the colleges affiliated to the University of Kolkata. Does this mean that if you study in the Indian universities, you are bereft of ideas? In what way are we less than the Harvards of the world or the Oxfords of the world?
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.
At 41, Dulquer Salmaan has an envious track record of big achievements –MBA from Purdue University, a Dubai stint in IT major, and then quitting this comfort zone to plunge into films to prove that just being legend Mammootty’s son would not put him in the orbit of pan India success. In 2012, when Dulquer wanted to act in films, the easiest thing for him would have been to latch on to the fame, name and star adulation of his father who at 73 continues to rock Malayalam cine world. But Mammootty made it clear that he would not call in any favours. Dulquer proved that he could build his own niche. He instinctively chose pan India films and themes in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam acutely aware that Dad was a hard act to follow in just Kerala cinema. A brilliant strategy that has won him a Filmfare Award and other trophies. Sita Ramam turned out to be both a creative and commercial hit, after his O Kadhal Kanmani (Mani Ratnam directed ) Kannum Kannum Kollai Adithal, King of Kotha, Karwaan and a host of projects that have built his star status, frame by frame. Dulquer runs profitable enterprises, and is brand ambassador too. His passion for bespoke cars is a luxury his star status brings. Recently when someone compared his rise to the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, an embarrassed Dulquer shot back and said please don’t insult Shah Rukh Khan. Not many star progeny have built the kind of sustained following Dulquer has carved out for himself.
Journeying from Kolkata to London might not raise many eyebrows, but doing it entirely by car certainly will. This extraordinary adventure has been meticulously organized by anesthesiologist Dr Debanjali Ray and businessman Kaushik Roy. The 64-day expedition, spanning an impressive 18,000 km, is set to begin on August 24 and conclude on October 25 and joining them on this ambitious journey are 15 travel enthusiasts. It is a journey of the Old Silk Route — the Sindhu Civilisation — that will see them traversing through 23 different countries across minor Asia and Europe. The adventurous route will traverse through Nepal, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and France before reaching the final destination in London. As part of a cultural exchange, the team will be collecting water from major rivers such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Yangtze on their way to London. This collected water will be used in the ritual observance of Durga Puja. Interestingly, this expedition is a tribute to the former Kolkata-London bus service, which was once the longest bus route in the world. Operating from 1957 until the 1970s, this historic bus service had a journey duration of approximately 50 days (NOT 132 DAYS??). By completing their journey in 64 days, the Ray-Roy duo not only honours this historical landmark but also establishes a new one. And they will end their long drive by partaking at the Thames Durga Puja Parade Carnival in London.
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”.
One remembers Rishabh Shetty reacting to a question, if Kantara should be remade in Hindi. “Why should it be made in Hindi when I have already made it,” came the pat reply. Today, the success record of remakes in Hindi is only going down. Sarfira, Selfiee and Shehzada have flopped miserably. Why does Bollywood opt for remakes when there is so much original content waiting to be made? Once upon a time dubbing was not entertained with the theatre flocking audiences. Then, audiences accepted remakes and it became a hit. For example, Vinod Khanna-Shatrughan Sinha starrer Mera Apne was a remake of Bengali hit Apanjan. Rajesh Khanna-Hema Malini starrer Prem Nagar was a remake of Telugu movie Prema Nagar. Cut to the digital era, all movies are dubbed globally…and audiences have no reservations watching Bhojpuri or Telugu or Korean movies. According to Trade Analyst Girish Wankhede, there are four reasons why remakes of regional films do not work today. First, the OTT platform comprises the original content which is pushed on in all languages and its reach is mind-boggling. There is no novelty left when remakes are made. Tamil film Soorarai Pottru starring Suriya was a big hit and popular on OTT platforms too. When Bollywood made Sarfira’ majority of people had already watched it on OTT. Second, dubbed versions of South Indian blockbusters are shown on TV whose reach is astronomical. Audiences in the North are aware of the popularity of Jr NTR, Suriya, Prithviraj, Vikram and others. Third, no marketing of remakes. Fourth, sometimes the essence is lost in remakes. Marathi hit Sairat was remade in Hindi but the Hindi movie Dhadak dropped certain crucial parts as a result it flopped.
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.
TRENDS & VIEWS
Editor’s Note: Big Punch In Small Pack
It is the Third Anniversary of Short Post and as a news media startup launched during the Covid-19 pandemic it certainly feels better than good to find ourselves where we are today. Here, I must cite the unstinted support of our seasoned contributors, all senior editors in the country, who brought a great degree of maturity and sagacity to the Short Post newsroom. But for them, our tagline “Authentic Gossip”, an Oxymoron, would not have matured viably. Our user numbers may be small but our stories have created the desired impact among people who matter — decision makers and influencers. We offer a big punch in a small pack and Short Post with its 225-word stories has been punching above its weight category. Having posted close to 3,000 stories in the last 36 months, Short Post, I feel, is an idea whose time has come.
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If you look at the media landscape – print, TV and digital — it is a mixed bag. There are job losses as some outfits have closed down while a lucky few were bailed out by large corporate houses. Yes, there is a lot of action in the digital space. However, the entry of corporate houses has raised the question of independence of news media outfits. Sadly, there are just a handful of independent media outfits in the country that are highly respected for their neutrality. At Short Post, our credo is not to take sides, prejudge issues or be biased but, informing readers of behind-the-scenes happenings. In essence, Short Post strives to be a neutral editorial platform — neither anti-establishment nor pro-establishment.
As I said last year, disruptions in the media world are moving at a fast and furious pace. Technology is playing a very big role in how content is generated and consumed. But, we are neither alarmed nor perturbed as it is all a part of the evolution process. What gives us comfort is that AI is unable to create original gossipy content. And that is the news arena where we have achieved a distinction.