By Tridib Raman
In the backdrop of political manoeuvring, roadmaps for future politics are often hidden, and the recent two-hour-long meeting between RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Mathura, just before state’s by-elections, has stirred BJP’s leadership and Yogi’s opponents alike. With the Ram Mandir nearing completion in Ayodhya, Sangh seems to be gearing up for its next agenda. On one hand, it promotes “Sarva Dharma Sambhava”, while also amplifying the echoes of a new Hindutva message, exemplified in slogans like “Batoge to Katoge” (If you divide, you will be broken). As the RSS approaches its centenary, it could revitalise political discourse around sensitive issues like Mathura’s Krishna Janmasthali and Varanasi’s Gyanvapi mosque.The RSS aims to establish branches in every jurisdictional region in its centenary year, already operating more than 14,000 regular branches across UP alone. If the RSS wants to expand, especially in Uttar Pradesh, it wouldn’t want to replace a strong leader like Yogi, despite the noise and speculation, particularly after BJP win in Haryana, that Yogi will be replaced this November. The RSS chief now wants to put an end to such speculations immediately. It is said that in his recent meeting with Yogi, the RSS chief had serious discussions about the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Haryana Model to Be Repeated in Maharashtra
By Tridib Raman
The RSS played a crucial role in reversing BJP’s fortunes in Haryana, and now, buoyed by unexpected victory there, it plans to use similar tactics to secure success for the BJP-led coalition in Maharashtra. The micro-management by the RSS was a key factor in BJP’s success in Haryana. Sangh quietly held small meetings in villages across Haryana, organising over 16,000 such meetings in just two weeks to establish direct communication with the people. A similar plan is underway in Maharashtra. The RSS has devised a comprehensive strategy to organise over 75,000 small meetings across the state.
Aditya Makes Bandra (East) a Matter of Prestige
By Tridib Raman
The tragic murder of NCP leader and Bollywood favourite Baba Siddiqui has turned Bandra (East) seat into the limelight. Baba’s son, Zeeshan Siddiqui, won the last election from this seat on a Congress ticket. After his father’s death, Zeeshan joined Ajit NCP, which fielded him again. Congress had expelled Zeeshan in August for cross-voting in the MLC elections. This time, Aditya Thackeray has made the Bandra East seat a matter of personal prestige, as Matoshree, the Thackeray family’s ancestral home, is in this area. However, the Thackeray family’s influence in the region has waned over the past five years since Zeeshan’s victory, thanks to Baba Siddiqui’s friendly nature and public relations skills. Now, Zeeshan faces a direct contest with Varun Sardesai from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). Varun’s mother and Uddhav’s wife are sisters, making Varun Aditya’s cousin. Varun is known as a dynamic young Shiv Sena leader. You might recall when Navneet Rana made the controversial statement about reciting the Hanuman Chalisa in front of Matoshree, it was Varun who led the Shiv Sainiks in a large protest at Navneet and her MLA husband Ravi Rana’s house, forcing Navneet to back down.It is said that Uddhav had a list of over 60 contenders for the Bandra East seat, but he approved Varun’s name solely because Varun has an emotional connection with Matoshree. Additionally, Aditya assured him that he would leave no stone unturned to secure Varun’s victory in this seat.
Germany’s Generosity Towards India
By Tridib Raman
When German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in New Delhi for his three-day visit to India, he was truly overwhelmed by the warm hospitality. Prime Minister Modi even returned to India a day early from the BRICS summit to meet Olaf. The two leaders had important discussions on defence, trade, and clean energy. On October 25th, a crucial meeting was scheduled at Hyderabad House at 11:50 AM, with the media eagerly waiting. For the first time, both leaders arrived about an hour late, and surprisingly, there was no formal protocol for receiving them. Modi and Scholz stepped out of the same car, posed for photographers, and went inside for the meeting. Typically, the protocol involves the PM’s car arriving first, followed by the foreign dignitary, with the PM warmly receiving them. According to the pre-scheduled program, Scholz was supposed to meet Modi at his residence at 7 Kalyan Marg at 10 AM, then attend an inauguration ceremony at the Taj Hotel at 11 AM, and finally reach Hyderabad House at 11:50 AM. Journalists at Hyderabad House were surprised to see both leaders arriving together in the same car, wondering where Modi met Scholz during his busy schedule.
What is Sisodia Doing?
By Tridib Raman
After being released on bail from jail, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, has fully taken charge of the Delhi Assembly elections. The elections are expected to be held in February next year. As the Education Minister of Delhi, Sisodia transformed the government schools, earning worldwide praise. Although his close confidante Atishi now holds the Chief Minister’s chair, Sisodia is keeping himself away from the Delhi government’s work. He is conducting numerous ‘padyatras’ and inspecting schools in his constituency. These days, he is sharing his extensive knowledge on the “Future of Education.” In his unique style, Sisodia explains to people, especially the youth, that “the primary purpose of education was knowledge, which then evolved into wisdom, and now AI is replacing wisdom. Education was once just a means to get a job, but is it now becoming a new tool for organisation?”
Haryana’s Land Policy in Delhi?
By Tridib Raman
The BJP wants to make a significant change in Delhi’s land policy, which is somewhat linked to the DDA’s land pooling policy. The BJP believes this could be a major election issue in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, has been given the responsibility to see how Haryana’s successful land policy can be implemented in Delhi. Currently, work is underway to finalise the draft of MPD-2041 (Delhi-NCR Master Plan), but it has been progressing slowly. For the past 4-5 years, the work on this master plan has been almost stagnant. With the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections approaching, top DDA officials have been instructed by the ministry to study the Haryana model and draft Delhi’s land policy accordingly. Due to the delay in the notification of MPD-41, development work in the outer areas of Delhi, where DDA’s land pooling is ongoing, has come to a halt. Farmers there are unable to sell their land at good prices, but it seems their fortunes are about to change.
Comeback Roar of RCP
Remember RCP Singh, the bureaucrat-turned-politician who was once Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s close confidant? RCP rose through JD(U) ranks to become a Union minister, only to fall out with Nitish when he aligned with the BJP. Cast aside by both JD(U) and BJP, RCP is now making moves as Bihar elections approach. Posters with his face and slogans like “Tiger Zinda Hai! Tiger Returns!” have popped up around Patna as RCP looks to revive his political fortunes.