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The political reunion of the Thackeray brothers — Raj and Uddhav Thackeray — has disturbed political calculations in the state forcing parties to reassess and redraw their political strategies as per the new ground realities. The direct impact of this reunion is obviously on Eknath Shinde, who officially holds the Shiv Sena party name and flag, and is eyeing the same pie of the Marathi manoos vote bank, that is now facing consolidation under the Thackeray brand. Shinde air-dashed to New Delhi in the middle of this assembly session to meet Union home minister Amit Shah. Shah is believed to have sought his opinion on how to deal with the Thackeray reunion in the forthcoming polls and if launching an attack on them could prove helpful or counterproductive. Shah is also said to have shared details of local surveys conducted by his party to assess the atmosphere post the Thackeray brothers reunion. Shinde, who is upset with the BJP local leadership, is also said to have shared his concerns about his minister receiving income tax notices, funds for his ministers being curtailed, and his party being kept away from power equations.. Analysts feel that the BJP could delay the elections in a bid to diffuse the strong buzz that the Thackeray brothers have successfully generated around the Marathi language issue. The BJP is keen to gain power at the BMC with vital projects like Dharavi redevelopment and other redevelopment projects unfolding in the city.
In the atmosphere of levelling unfounded allegations, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut is now tasting his own medicine following a serious charge made against him by a BJP spokesman. Raut is seen time and again, day in and day out, on TV channels, making some claims or allegations. His latest such utterance is about deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s unscheduled Delhi visit, incidentally on the Guru Pournima day. Raut said Shinde had gone to the national capital suddenly to touch the feet of his mentor, Union home minister Amit Shah and to seek the chief ministership again, which he had vacated after the Maharashtra assembly election late last year. Owing to persistent reports that Shinde is sore ever since he had to accept the deputy CM post, Raut’s allegation was widely reported. However, BJP spokesman Ram Kulkarni has caught Raut unawares with a counter-charge. Kulkarni said that Raut had called on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a few days ago to urge him to forestall the handshake of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. The statement by Kulkarni has the backdrop of the impending civic elections, including in Mumbai, soon after the monsoon. If the Thackeray cousins fight the elections jointly, it could have some impact on the outcome. Raj has maintained silence on the issue but Uddhav has repeatedly emphasized that their alliance is solid. Hence Kulkarni’s charge is seen as an attempt to checkmate Raut at his own game.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were born in the same year and same month. A couple of days ago, Bhagwat made a remark that has gone viral, many interpreting it as a signal to Modi to step down. At a book release function, Bhagwat quipped that 75 was the age to bid adieu and retire. Immediately, Modi baiters were overjoyed as if the PM had actually handed over his resignation. This has reference to a statement made by Modi many years ago that the retirement age in politics should be 75. As soon as he emerged as the sole leader, Modi gently but firmly sent away the old guard, led by LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, into the sidelines. The rule was implemented across the states, too, with rare exceptions. Hence, discussion has been rampant about Modi’s own decision. While there is silence on the BJP front about Bhagwat’s oblique advice, a few Modi followers have ventured to suggest that the suggestion could have been about the RSS chief himself. It is well-known that the RSS is disciplined to such an extent that even its head is not allowed to breach its ironclad culture. In the past, Balasaheb Deoras and Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) themselves relinquished the position, among the most coveted in India, owing to their advancing age and failing health. On the other hand, Bhagwat is physically fit and enjoys attending cultural events. Many of his speeches have become a guiding light for the RSS rank and file. Hence, all eyes are now on the Dussehra rally, traditionally used by RSS chiefs to announce some pathbreaking decision.
Actor Kangana Ranaut, the BJP MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, is showing herself to be a misfit in politics. Naturally, the BJP high command is upset with her. But they do not know how to handle her moods. Mandi is reeling from the impact of cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods. Firstly, Kangana did not rush to Mandi from Mumbai, where she normally stays. After the natural disaster that killed 85 people, Kangana was asked by BJP leaders to reach Mandi. On reaching there, she said she had no power or post to do anything. “I have no cabinet, no funds’ during a visit to Mandi on July 6. Since her comments drew a negative reaction, BJP chief J P Nadda decided to go to Mandi himself. Nadda belongs to Himachal Pradesh. Accompanied by Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, and Himachal BJP chief Rajeev Bindal, Nadda met with people impacted by the heavy rainfall in Mandi. Kangana was not part of his entourage despite being the local MP. Later, Thakur oversaw the relief efforts. A BJP MLA, Vinod Kumar, and another party MLA, Deep Raj, were given the responsibility to help affected people. At this rate, Kangana is indicating that she is no longer interested in politics. She told a podcast recently that “It’s a very different kind of work, more like social service…I’ve never thought of serving people.” No politician speaks the truth. What more, Kangana feels that “I’ve fought for women’s rights, but that’s different… Somebody’s naali (drain) is broken, and I’m like, ‘But I am an MP and these people are coming to me with panchayat-level problems… they come to you with problems like MLAs, broken roads, and I tell them that’s a state government issue, and they say, “You have money, you use your own money.” With that kind of comments, can Kangana survive in the BJP as an MP for long?
Has ‘Sheesh Mahal’ jibe returned to haunt the BJP? First it was Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami who went on to splurge on a swimming pool in his official bungalow. And then Delhi CM Rekha Gupta came up with doing up her quarters. The Opposition called it ‘Maya Mahal’. This has left the BJP high command very angry. Taking a dig at Dhami’s “Jal Mahal” — a play on Arvind Kejriwal’s “Sheesh Mahal”jibe coined by the BJP — the Congress has asked “how many crores” the CM spent on the “modern, all-weather” pool. Last year, the BJP had released a video of Kejriwal’s erstwhile Civil Lines residence, calling it “Sheesh Mahal”, a “museum of corruption”, and a “luxury palace” of Kejriwal, in an attack on the AAP chief’s ‘common man’ image. AAP had lost Delhi to the BJP in the elections that followed. Dhami had shifted to the CM’s official bungalow in 2021. Built over 10 acres, the residence was termed as jinxed by many, as the previous three CMs were not able to complete their tenures. Some say Dhami apparently added the swimming pool to improve the Vaastu of his residence. The now-cancelled renovation plan for Gupta’s residential bungalow allegedly included extensive electrical upgrades, the installation of 14 air conditioners, televisions worth Rs 9 lakh, and light fixtures worth Rs 6 lakh. Improvements for Delhi CM’s bungalow ran into controversy as tender orders for 14 ACs had to be cancelled as it became a throwback to Kejriwal’s days. Gupta had been allotted two bungalows on Raj Niwas Marg by the Public Works Department, with one to serve as her residence and the other one for a camp office, which she inaugurated last week.
Metro In Dino directed by Anurag Basu, has opened to disappointing box office numbers, grossing approximately Rs3.35 crore, a stark contrast to its hefty production budget of Rs100 crore. Despite the film receiving mixed reviews, with some intellectual critics praising its love story, music, and performances—particularly from the lead actress—audience reception has been lukewarm at best. The disconnect between critical acclaim and public enthusiasm is evident, as mainstream viewers have not resonated with the film, leading to a significant drop in expectations. The film’s three-year production timeline raises questions about its viability in an increasingly saturated market. The concept of love anthologies, once fresh and engaging, has been extensively explored across numerous OTT platforms, diluting its novelty. When “Life in a…Metro” was initially conceived in 2007, it boasted a unique premise and a strong musical score, but the landscape has shifted dramatically. With audiences now inundated with similar narratives, the film struggles to stand out. Moreover, the star cast, featuring Aditya Roy Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, and Pankaj Tripathi, lacks the mass appeal necessary to draw in larger crowds. While each actor possesses talent, they do not command the box office clout that would ensure a successful opening. The ambitious attempt to revisit a concept after 18 years has proven misguided, as audiences have moved on, leaving the film feeling outdated.
Despite recent efforts at mending fences, internal rifts in the Bengal BJP have resurfaced after senior leader and former state president Dilip Ghosh reignited controversy with remarks seemingly soft on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. This comes even after Ghosh’s meeting with newly appointed state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya and a visit to Delhi where he met BJP national joint general secretary Shiv Prakash. Ghosh stated again that Mamata herself is not named in any corruption cases, blaming those around her instead — a comment that runs contrary to the BJP’s aggressive anti-Mamata narrative and has triggered discontent within state ranks. Without naming him, Ghosh also appeared to take aim at Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, saying that some recent entrants into the party are trying to stoke divisions — a likely reference to criticism he faced after attending the inauguration of Digha’s Jagannath Temple on Mamata’s invitation. Ghosh later insisted he was merely stating facts, not giving Mamata a “clean chit.” In an effort to contain the damage, state president Samik Bhattacharya met Ghosh at the party office and publicly reaffirmed his place in the BJP, declaring, “He was in BJP, is in BJP, and will remain in BJP.” Tensions date back to Ghosh’s April 30 Digha’s Jagannath temple visit, which drew flak from Adhikari and then-state chief Sukanta Majumdar. Ghosh was subsequently sidelined from key meetings, including on leadership selection, and complained of deliberate alienation—even being denied a chair during meetings. His latest remarks, though intended to reaffirm party ties, have once again unsettled the BJP ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
For well over half a century, Sunil Manohar Gavaskar (SMG) has fascinated the game’s followers — as a legendary opening batsman, the first in the history of the game to go past the 10000-run aggregate and Don Bradman’s 29 Test centuries, World Cup winner at Lord’s in 1983, captain of the World Championship of Cricket in Australia, media personality, administrator at the BCCI and ICC, Charity and what not! His 1979 teammate in England, Yajurvindra Singh, also with a nickname “Sunny” waxed eloquent about the Indian batting legend on his 76th birthday celebrations by the Legends Club (LC) at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). The President of the LC, Yajurvindra said that SMG was 20 steps ahead of most and that he was systematic in all walks of life, even the way he used the toothpaste! Thanks to the wholehearted support by CCI that chose Madhumati Lele Shrivastava as President for a second term and the Club’s Executive Committee, the activities of the LC were revived after the pandemic-forced break. The LC celebrates the birthdays of Vijay Merchant, Vinod Mankad, Vijay Hazare, Nandu Natekar, SMG, Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar. And so, on SMG’s birthday celebrations, Yajurvindra recalled his conversations with the batting great and some bizarre events, including that of the steward at the Lord’s Cricket Ground preventing the India opener from entering the venue during a Test match. For around 20 years the members of the LC have been listening to the SMG stories and in the most recent meeting at the CK Nayudu Hall, there was only pin drop silence with the aficionados lapping up everything that Yajurvindra spoke about.
It seems to be a point of No Return in the PMK family feud. Now, 85-year old Dr S Ramadoss has denied his son Dr Anbumani even the right to use his name. Ramadoss senior is seriously contemplating bringing his daughter Srikanthi to lead the party he founded and continue his legacy. Combative and razor sharp Ramadoss is preparing his cadres for the ensuing elections and keeping the Vanniyars vote bank intact. He did hint that his daughter Srikanti could be his succession choice. In front of his party workers, the wily doctor even sang the opening of a popular Tamil film song, Poga Poga Theriyum …….Inda poovin Vaasam theriyum. Meanwhile, Dr Anbumani with wife Sowmya and his daughters is taking a totally different political stance, quietly consolidating his status as political heir. Since he has the Election Commission’s stamp that he is the party’s leader till the 26 June 2026, he is confident that these emotional edicts and anger filled statements by his father may not carry legal weight. Both have approached the Election Commission for settling the legacy dispute for party name, symbol and leader, as candidates must file their nominations. There are those who ask why does senior Ramadoss knock at the doors of courts and Election Commission when his age and experience should be mature enough to not air family feuds in public? But a very poignant meeting of Anbumani with his ailing mother Saraswati Ramadoss, at the Thailapuram family home garnered enough emotional weight. It is well known that she has more affection for the son. At least now Anbumani can claim “Mere paas Maa Hai”.
Manmohon Samal has been re-elected as Odisha BJP president for the fourth time. And this did not surprise anyone, neither the ruling BJP nor the Opposition BJD and Congress leaders. Samal’s win uncontested also means a setback for the Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His nominee Golak Mohapatra VP Odisha BJP wanted to enter the fray but it seems the high command was not keen. His claim to fame is that the Odisha BJP under Samal’s leadership not only wiped out the Biju Janata Dal from the Lok Sabha map of Odisha but in the process brought to end the long reign of Naveen Patnaik’s government, an outcome few had imagined possible. Unfortunately, Samal lost the last election to BJD and this explains why BJP’s central high command has now reposed confidence on his leadership style once again, bringing him back to action mode after one-year gap. Samal’s job is well defined. He has to build BJP cadres at 30 district level, train them and make them acceptable to the people which is somewhat weak today, compared to BJD’s Naveen Patnaik whom an average Odites loves, supports and admires. Hailing from the OBC community, which constitutes a significant portion of Odisha’s population, Samal’s reappointment is now seen as a strategic move to further consolidate the party’s base in Odisha given Samal’s strong organizational skills and grassroots connect.
Metro In Dino directed by Anurag Basu, has opened to disappointing box office numbers, grossing approximately Rs3.35 crore, a stark contrast to its hefty production budget of Rs100 crore. Despite the film receiving mixed reviews, with some intellectual critics praising its love story, music, and performances—particularly from the lead actress—audience reception has been lukewarm at best. The disconnect between critical acclaim and public enthusiasm is evident, as mainstream viewers have not resonated with the film, leading to a significant drop in expectations. The film’s three-year production timeline raises questions about its viability in an increasingly saturated market. The concept of love anthologies, once fresh and engaging, has been extensively explored across numerous OTT platforms, diluting its novelty. When “Life in a…Metro” was initially conceived in 2007, it boasted a unique premise and a strong musical score, but the landscape has shifted dramatically. With audiences now inundated with similar narratives, the film struggles to stand out. Moreover, the star cast, featuring Aditya Roy Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, and Pankaj Tripathi, lacks the mass appeal necessary to draw in larger crowds. While each actor possesses talent, they do not command the box office clout that would ensure a successful opening. The ambitious attempt to revisit a concept after 18 years has proven misguided, as audiences have moved on, leaving the film feeling outdated.
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Editor’s Note: Short Post Noticed By People Who Matter
Four years have zipped by and we are crossing another milestone on 31st January 2025 – it’s our 4th Anniversary. It feels good.
Looking back at the 1460 days, I must say Short Post has made its mark with people who matter via 4000 stories published in the areas of politics, business, entertainment and sports. All made possible by the unflinching commitment and dedication of our senior editors, most of whom have been part of this journey from Day One.
Small pack, big impact is in essence the story of Short Post which was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. It shows our conviction. In all humility, I can say, we have created a new niche in the news segment space like Hindustan Unilever which created a new segment, when it launched CloseUp Gel.
Yes, we have created a brand (in a limited sense), created demand (readers) and created supply (senior journalists). But we are facing teething problems like all start-ups. What makes us happy and confident is the recognition of our efforts. For instance, we have an arrangement with the OPEN Magazine, part of the $4.5 billion Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka-RPG Group. This arrangement sees around 10 Short Post stories posted on OPEN Magazine website every week. This arrangement is testimony that our content has been well received! Also, I may add that the Maharashtra government has recognised Short Post and has allowed our senior editor to cover the Assembly sessions. Ditto: Odisha.
Our goal is to ensure that Short Post becomes a habit. I would like people to keep checking their smartphones to know the latest Authentic Gossip. As regards AI and the fear of it disrupting all businesses including media. On that, personally, I have no such fear as I am confident AI cannot smell news particularly Authentic Gossip. That’s the place we are well entrenched.