Tridib Raman – News Trust of India
Suresh Soni, who has been infusing new hues of desire into the saffron leadership, showed just how deeply he is immersed in his admiration for Modi during a meeting of a core group of RSS leaders. A glimpse of this was evident when he felt that he alone was echoing the “Ekla Chalo” tune, while the other RSS leaders present held differing opinions. For example, one senior RSS leader strongly asserted, “The next BJP president should be someone who can look the top leadership in the eye and speak confidently. We do not want a president who stands at their door waiting for instructions.” Sources revealed that after hearing everyone out, Suresh Soni calmly said, “Despite so many adverse circumstances, while the opposition is accusing us of vote tampering, the economy is faltering, and the U.S. is showing hostility without reason, Modi ji is still balancing everything and running the country admirably.” It is said that following this, Soni appealed to his fellow RSS leaders, asking, “Why is it that in every meeting, I alone have to speak positively about the central government? If the Prime Minister is doing something commendable, we should all recognize it and collectively come forward to praise him.”
Which Minister is Causing Discomfort for BJP Top Brass?
Tridib Raman
The general perception about one senior minister in the government is that he is someone who keeps to his work. His list of friends, both within the party and outside it, is quite long. It is said that a recent controversial audio tape involving a well-known Mumbai builder has been making headlines, in which the minister is allegedly heard saying, “After Bihar, anything can happen. Around 40–45 MPs are in touch with me.” It’s worth noting that this builder is just as close to the Gujarat lobby as he is to the minister himself. Since the leak of this tape by the builder, the BJP leadership has been raising its eyebrows, and the minister’s past record and dealings are now being scrutinized.
Sangh’s Concerns Over Foreign Policy
Tridib Raman
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is finding it difficult to digest India’s recent overtures toward China. RSS leaders have quietly begun to reference the time when Indira Gandhi took a stand against the United States, rallying the entire nation behind her, resulting in a wave of anti-American sentiment. However, in the current scenario, no such strong anti-American wave is visible in India. If history is indeed repeating itself, it seems the country has found another Nehru. Recall how Nehru extended a hand of friendship toward China, advocating for the “Panchsheel” principles—what did India gain in return? One RSS leader, speaking more openly, remarked, “We’ve made an enemy of the mongoose and befriended the snake that is China. It’s in its nature to strike one day. Let’s see how long we can protect ourselves.” Despite political differences, former US President John F. Kennedy regarded Nehru as a hero. Can the same be said with equal conviction about Trump in this context?
Karra’s Defiance in Congress
Tridib Raman
The internal conflict within the Congress party in Jammu and Kashmir shows no signs of resolution. Despite numerous efforts by the Congress high command, unity among the faction-ridden leaders in the state remains elusive. Frustrated, Rahul Gandhi entrusted Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal with the responsibility of fostering unity among the divided factions in the state. Acting on this directive, Venugopal summoned the Congress in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, Saeed Nasir, and instructed him to convene a meeting of state leaders in Delhi. Accordingly, a meeting was held in Delhi, attended by various state leaders, including Party General Secretary and West Bengal in-charge GA Mir, several members of the Congress Working Committee, and former Jammu and Kashmir state president Waqar Rasool Wani. Astonishingly, the current state president, Karra, sent a note stating that he was unable to attend due to suffering from a heat stroke. However, if he was genuinely unwell, how did he manage to travel to Kishtwar just a few days later, where a cloudburst incident had occurred in the mountains? In a way, Karra sent a clear message to his party leaders that he would only take orders from Rahul Gandhi himself.
Why Tensions Arose Between Kejriwal and Mann
Tridib Raman
Recently, Arvind Kejriwal met a prominent industrialist from Punjab and allegedly offered him a Rajya Sabha seat. Sources reveal that when Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann learned of this, he bluntly told Kejriwal, “Please let me make decisions for Punjab; you focus on Gujarat.” Mann’s concern was that if all Rajya Sabha seats were allocated to industrialists, it would leave no room for dedicated party workers and leaders. Moreover, the Mann government has already faced significant criticism in Punjab due to its “land pooling” policy. It is said that Kejriwal and Mann have now reached an agreement to identify a Rajya Sabha candidate who has both a strong public base and the ability to contribute effectively to the party.
Bihar’s Volatile Political Landscape
Tridib Raman
Is the changing atmosphere in Bihar concealing the smell of gunpowder? If not, the BJP is now treading very cautiously when it comes to the state. For instance, in recent days, the Delhi leadership summoned JP Nadda and entrusted him with the major responsibility of closely monitoring every detail of the election. Nitish Kumar came to Delhi and rambled before the saffron leadership, but the party did not show any displeasure toward him. Nitish remains adamant that he will contest more seats than the BJP, a demand that may well be accepted. Prashant Kishor has reportedly been told to go a bit slow. The BJP’s own assessment is that it is currently able to mobilize only the upper-caste vote. While the presence of the Muslim community is certainly being noticed at their gatherings, it is believed that this time, Muslim votes may go en masse to the Grand Alliance, potentially disappointing vote-splitters like Owaisi.
