By Tridib Raman – News Trust of India
These are the silent whispers of a changing political climate, stirring the hearts of those who have long been overlooked. The dazzling aura of the saffron leadership had dimmed the shine of certain BJP and NDA MPs, but suddenly, their well-being is being inquired about. The hour of the Vice Presidential election is approaching, and with secret ballots come strong possibilities of cross-voting. In the voting at New Delhi’s Constitution Club, the BJP leadership’s preferred candidate had faced a setback, and as they say, “once bitten, twice shy.” Thus, the BJP and NDA’s select MPs were left astonished when they received invitations for tea from the BJP’s master strategist. Prime Minister Modi himself called to check on them. Moreover, outgoing BJP President J.P. Nadda hosted a dinner in their honor. It is understood that at this dinner, NDA MPs will be guided on how to cast their votes in favor of the NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate. The opposition claims that the ruling side is rattled by reports of potential cross-voting among its MPs. Meanwhile, some BJP MPs were heard quietly remarking, “Well, after eleven years, they’ve finally taken notice of us.”
Why Was the Photo Exhibition on Modi Postponed
By Tridib Raman – News Trust of India
Prime Minister Modi will enter his 75th year on September 17. For the past 4-5 years, Dr. Adish C Aggarwala, former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, has been consistently organizing a 15-day photo exhibition at Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi to mark Modi’s birthday. Since this time Modi was stepping into his 75th year, Agarwal intended to make the exhibition grander in scale. Sources say he had started preparations well in advance and had even discussed the event with the Akademi’s vice-chairman, reportedly receiving verbal approval. However, as the exhibition dates approached, the Akademi bluntly informed Agarwal that permission could not be granted for those dates because he had not obtained prior written approval. Sources claim this sudden decision left Agarwal stunned, especially since the vice-chairman is considered close to the Sangh. The matter has now gained significant traction. Initially, the Culture Ministry took note of the issue, and now it has reached the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), which is investigating why this photo exhibition failed to reach its “photo finish.”
Dynastics Politics Flourishing in the Valley
By Tridib Raman – News Trust of India
In a Union Territory like Jammu and Kashmir, where even today the Lieutenant Governor holds supreme authority, even a seasoned Chief Minister like Omar Abdullah has to struggle to maintain political relevance. Recently, when Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited flood-affected areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar was positioned at the back in the photographs. Meanwhile, a new wave of dynastic politics is emerging in the region. Ironically, both the National Conference (Abdullahs) and the PDP (Muftis), traditionally vocal opponents of dynastic politics, have aligned with the BJP to preserve their political relevance—and the BJP has welcomed them wholeheartedly. Omar Abdullah’s sons, Zamir and Zahir, made their first public appearances campaigning for their father in this assembly election, signaling the next generation’s political ambitions. Similarly, Mehbooba Mufti’s daughters, Iltija and Irtika, are preparing to enter the political arena. Iltija attempted to assert her political ambitions in this assembly election, though with limited success, while her sister Irtika has begun establishing her presence on social media. Clearly, dynastic politics is thriving robustly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Law and the Sangh
By Tridib Raman – News Trust of India
RSS recently held a three-day meeting in Delhi, attended by several prominent members of the judiciary. Some attendees surprised even the Sangh’s own members. Most notably, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan earlier this year, was present. Former Delhi High Court Justice G.S. Sistani also attended. Justice Sistani is related by marriage to former Supreme Court Chief Justice T.S. Thakur. Justice Thakur’s brother, Dheeraj Singh Thakur, is currently the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, and there has been speculation about his elevation to the Supreme Court; however, the central government is opposing the collegium’s recommendation, leaving the matter unresolved. This is the first time Justice Sistani’s close association with the Sangh has been publicly revealed, highlighting the growing nexus between certain segments of the judiciary and the Sangh.
Congress Eyes 70 Seats in Bihar?
By Tridib Raman – News Trust of India
Rahul Gandhi’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra” has energized the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, boosting the morale of its leaders. Observing Rahul’s popularity among Bihari youth, even the Lalu family seems taken aback. It is now believed that Tejashwi Yadav will negotiate less aggressively with Congress over seat-sharing. For some time, Congress’s screening committee has been travelling across Bihar to gauge the electoral climate. Recently, the committee chairman, Ajay Maken, was in Patna. It is understood that Maken has submitted a list of 70 potential candidates to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Until now, it was generally assumed that Congress lacked suitable candidates to contest elections in Bihar. By preparing this list, Maken seeks to dispel that misconception and strengthen the party’s prospects in the state.
Joshi Back in Action
By Tridib Raman – News Trust of India
Recently, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organized a three-day lecture series in Delhi, attended by six organizations affiliated with the RSS in the economic field and around 80 delegates. The most surprising highlight of this event was the re-emergence of Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, who had been sidelined by the BJP and the government citing the age limit of 75. Dr. Joshi presented a comprehensive 70-page report critiquing the Modi government’s policies and its 11 years of governance, subtly highlighting its shortcomings. Backed by data and facts, Joshi’s report detailed how the middle class has been crushed over these 11 years, the poor have become poorer, and a select few wealthy individuals have seen their wealth multiply exponentially. When it was RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s turn to speak, he candidly remarked, “Joshi ji has said everything; what more is there for me to add?” In a way, he appeared to endorse Joshi’s report and his arguments.
Sahni Changes His Tune
By Tridib Raman – News Trust of India
The recent buzz around Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar visits has forced VIP party leader Mukesh Sahni to soften his stance. Earlier, Sahni was aggressively negotiating with Tejashwi Yadav for 40 to 50 seats for his party. However, he has now toned down his demands, stating that his party should be given “respectable” seats. Sources suggest Sahni may settle for 12-15 seats. In response, Tejashwi advised Sahni not to field only Mallah candidates on VIP tickets but to also provide opportunities to Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) and Backward Classes candidates. Having failed to win his seat in the last assembly elections, Sahni is keen to avoid past mistakes this time. He also plans to field his wife and brother as candidates on his party’s tickets in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Tejashwi has reportedly reached an agreement with Ram Vilas Paswan’s brother, Pashupati Paras, on seat-sharing. It is understood that Chirag Paswan’s uncle, Pashupati, may settle for 5-6 seats.
Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar March: Seniors Missing
By Tridib Raman – News Trust of India
Although Rahul Gandhi captivated Bihar with his “Right to Vote March,” none of the senior party leaders were seen accompanying him on this journey. Digvijay Singh, who had been the key strategist behind Rahul Gandhi’s previous “Bharat Jodo Yatra,” felt slighted by being ignored. One day, during Rahul’s Bihar visit, Digvijay decided to come to Patna, hoping that Rahul or his team would acknowledge him. However, no one took notice of his presence. Receiving no response from the party in Patna, Digvijay returned to Delhi the same day, leaving with his pride hurt and slipping out quietly.
