Target Olympics

Bit by bit, the basics of the Indian bid to host the 2036 Olympics are falling in place with sports federations and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) getting down to resolving internal issues and ensuring full compliance with international committees that regulate different disciplines. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), at the centre of considerable controversy in the course of allegations of sexual harassment levelled by top wrestlers against BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, is getting back on track with the view gaining ground that the elected body reflecting Singh’s nominees cannot be set aside. The sports ministry recently held meetings with the sporting federations to emphasise a common and committed approach to building infrastructure and developing effective and fair talent scouting. There is a discussion on areas like water sports where India, despite a long coastline and several months of good weather every year, does not make a mark in the international arena. The discussions with IOA chief PT Usha have progressed well with frictions within the body being addressed. The popular former track star is a great ambassador for Indian sport and can understand the needs of athletes, having been one herself, but she may need assistance in administrative matters. Plans are afoot to consider the appointment of a senior officer in IOA who can handle administrative tasks and the onerous duty of following targets and responding to the needs of federations. The officer would be able to assist Usha and IOA’s functioning would be more streamlined, delivering better results. Bickering within federations has been the bane of Indian sport, with entrenched groups loath to accept new ideas and fresh blood in sports administration.

Shooting the Messenger

Social media cells are beehives of activity during elections and the bitter BJP vs AAP fight is reflected online in full measure. Pro-AAP handles are busy targeting media channels and journalists they feel are showing the state government in a poor light. The press getting dragged in as both sides have a lot at stake. The utility of the attacks is another matter. Going after the media is akin to shooting the messenger. It doesn’t change voter choices and instead creates more bad blood.

Congress Back?

Just when it appeared that Congress was back-pedalling on its campaign in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi held a rally and attacked Arvind Kejriwal for living in a luxurious “Sheesh Mahal”, echoing BJP’s criticism of the former Delhi chief minister. Rahul’s previous rally had been called off, apparently due to indisposition, setting off speculation whether Congress is going soft on AAP. The recent rally sufficiently provoked Kejriwal to accuse Congress and BJP of striking a deal and raked up controversies regarding Rahul’s brother-in-law Robert Vadra. Rahul reminded voters that he had been disposed of a residence (when he was briefly disqualified as an MP) but made no song and dance of it.

Being Rajeev Shukla

Social media has seen an upsurge of memes and videos acknowledging Congress leader Rajeev Shukla’s extraordinary ability to be relevant. He is a permanent member of the cricket hierarchy, having worked with leaders from BJP, Congress and other parties. At times he is the informal ‘bridge’ between Congress and BJP. Shukla is perhaps the quintessential problem solver or deal-maker who can coax two sides to reach a common point. A telling meme on X shows him in Egyptian garb active during the time of the pharaohs.

Subianto’s Role Model

The visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for the Republic Day parade as chief guest was overdue. Bilateral relations are on an upswing, with increasing cooperation in defence and digital development of the far-flung archipelago. The 17,000-odd islands that make up Indonesia stretch from Singapore almost all the way to Australia and are part of a crucial maritime corridor. What warmed the heart of his hosts were Subianto’s generous references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a role model for his efforts to reduce poverty and his commitment to the well-being of weaker sections. This was an inspiration to leaders in the developing world, Subianto said.

Accessing Pensions

A mobile-based system for certifying that recipients of pensions are indeed alive and their accounts are not being misused has helped millions of beneficiaries who have been spared the task of visiting bank offices. Many have mobility issues and the annual trek to the bank was very demanding. The application, which includes a brief online interview, is however not applicable to iPhone users. This has created problems for iOS platform users and when it was brought the notice of MoS for Personnel Jitendra Singh recently, he asked his staff for an update. An iOS-friendly application, he was told, will soon be available.

The Yamuna Dodge

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal is a master of feint and deception in politics and his accusation that BJP is “poisoning” the Yamuna was intended to be a distraction and a gamble. In the years that AAP has been in office it has shown no inclination to discuss Delhi’s problems of pollution, traffic or water issues with neighbouring states. The Yamuna gambit is intended to draw BJP into a blame game while shifting attention from public dissatisfaction over sanitation, encroachment and water shortages. But the move seems to have backfired as the Election Commission has sought an explanation. The saffron camp has closed the gap with AAP but the question whether it can reach the tipping points depends on its ability to read Kejriwal’s tactics.

AAPArvind KejriwalBrij Bhushan Sharan SinghCongressIndian politicsIOAOlympicsRahul Gandhisocial media