Is Shashi Tharoor Upset With Congress Because It Will Not Make Him Kerala CM?

It has been a while since Rahul Gandhi and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor held a half-hour surprise meeting at 10 Janpath in Delhi. Believe it or not…it was Tharoor’s first meeting with Rahul since October 2022. The meeting on January 18 was so brief and breezy that Rahul and Tharoor left in a car from the back gate. It didn’t achieve its goal. Tharoor is back to warning the Congress that it can look forward to spending a third term in the Opposition post 2026 assembly elections in Kerala if “it does not expand its base”. But why is Tharoor so livid with the Congress leadership both in the state and Delhi — a party that gave him a political avatar? A hugely popular MP from Kerala capital, Tharoor apparently met Rahul basically to know if the AICC had any plans to name him the chief minister of Kerala. Adding to his discontent was his abrupt removal from the charge of the All India Professional Congress, which he had formed. Media reports suggest Rahul made it clear that the Congress does not have the tradition of picking a chief ministerial candidate before polls. The meeting came amid a political storm triggered by Tharoor’s remarks in an article, where he praised entrepreneurial progress under Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government in Kerala. Tharoor’s comment drew sharp criticism from within the Congress. But, it was welcomed by the ruling CPI(M); CM Vijayan hailed them as a boost to his government’s image. However, the Congress’ Kerala mouthpiece, Veekshanam Daily on February 17 severely attacked Tharoor without naming him. Tharoor also had to defend his praise for PM Modi post Trump meeting, saying he spoke with India’s interests in mind. (By Lakshmi Iyer)

Modi-Pawar Meet At A Delhi Event Kicks Off Fresh Round Of Speculations

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar’s intimate dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in New Delhi a couple of days ago has once again miffed the principal players in Maharashtra politics. Although their cosy relationship is well-known, the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have been finding it difficult to decipher the hidden message, if any, behind the conversation between the two giants. Obviously rattled by the development, Sena (UBT) Sanjay Raut has wondered how Modi could sit beside a leader whom the PM had described as ‘a wandering spirit’ during the state assembly electioneering in November last. The Congress has preferred to maintain silence as its state leaders are aware of Pawar’s connection with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge and hence don’t wish to invite the ire of the high command by rubbing Pawar the wrong way. But Pawar’s detractors allege that Modi is appeasing Pawar since his NCP has eight Lok Sabha members and the ruling BJP at the Centre needs as much support as possible on the floor of the house. Pawar’s daughter and party MP Supirya Sule has defended the meeting, saying that both leaders are political masters and know what they are doing. Of late, Pawar has been pursuing his own policies, not caring about the possible fallout from the Congress or the Sena (UBT), the two Maha Vikas Aghadi partners. The Pawar-Modi dialogue has once again kicked off a guessing game. (By Dilip Chaware)

No Takers For Premium Class Tickets Sees Air India Exiting Kolkata Sector

Days after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee made it public about her discussions with Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran of launching direct flights from Kolkata to Europe at the Bengal Global Business Summit comes the news that Kolkata is set to lose its Air India base. The airline, it seems, is withdrawing operations from the city, citing insufficient demand for business and first-class seats, a move reminiscent of British Airways’ exit 16 years ago. While economy class sees steady demand, the lack of high-paying passengers has made Kolkata an unviable base for Air India. From March 31, the airline’s flights will be replaced by Air India Express, the Tata Group’s low-cost subsidiary, which operates an all-economy-class model. Once a crucial hub for Indian Airlines, Kolkata’s role in Air India’s operations has gradually declined. Pilots stationed in the city must now either resign and join Air India Express or relocate. Of approximately 150 pilots, some have moved to IndiGo or shifted to other cities, while 50–60 have opted for Air India Express. Tata Group is repositioning Air India as an international brand, focusing premium operations on major hubs while shifting domestic routes to Air India Express. Similar transitions are expected in Chennai and Hyderabad. Industry experts argue that if the investments announced at the Bengal Global Business Summit materialises, then demand for premium-class travel may eventually rise. Currently, Air India operates 26 flights daily from Kolkata, all of which will cease after March 31. (By Tanya Bagchi)

KIIT University Founder In Serious Trouble Over Forcible Eviction Of 1,000 Nepali Students

Looks like it’s tough times for Dr Achutya Samanta, founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University and ex-Biju Janata Dal MP. He is now under the scanner of the BJP-led government in Odisha. The reasons range from land grab allegations to the issue of assaulting and forcibly evicting 1,000 Nepali students from KIIT campus and dropping them at Cuttack railway station to ensure they are headed back to Nepal. Sources say, KIIT’s action has resulted in diplomatic embarrassment for the Indian government. This pressure from the government saw Dr Samanta issuing an apology for his action and asking Nepali students to return back to KIIT. Meanwhile, the Odisha government, it is learnt, has set up a three-member inquiry committee, led by additional chief secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu to find out what went wrong at KIIT campus. Dr Achutya Samant has already appeared in person and given a detailed explanation about his regrettable action. According to India’s former Education Secretary Dr Arun Rath, Vice Chancellor is the administrative head, he should be held responsible for ensuring discipline in the campus. The Nepal government has insisted that the “unruly” staffers and teachers who allegedly misbehaved with Nepalese students should be sacked from KIIT. For KIIT which is currently run by Dr Samanta, the challenge is to professionalise it at all levels and get the right people to run it. (By Sangram Mohanty)

Now Malayalees Take Shine To Cricket, Kerala Creates History In Ranji Trophy

Is Kerala moving away from its sports culture legacy embedded in track and field, football, volleyball and basketball? These are early days, but the multi-cultural mix of the Southern state is openly pointing towards its love for cricket. For the first time in the annals of the eight-decade old Ranji Trophy — a blue riband tournament of the BCCI — Kerala threw down the gauntlet and reached the pinnacle to have a shot at the title of the 2024-25 season. Now and then Kerala has shown the spark in the white-ball format of the game and a number of Malayalee cricketers have taken the spotlight — but the team — one among the 32 in the four Elite Groups  — fashioned a one run and two run lead in the quarter-finals and semi-finals to enter the final by its own right. Long ago Kerala was a no hoper against strong cricket legacy teams like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Hyderabad in the Zonal format, but the introduction of a new format ago has given more exposure to the minnows and this season Kerala advanced from a group in which  seven were previous winners of the Ranji Trophy like Haryana, Karnataka, MP, West Bengal, UP and Punjab. Bihar was the eighth team in their group. The Malayalees across India and the world will watch the final with keen interest as Kerala locks horns with the two-time winner Vidarbha for the coveted prize and Rs 5 crore. Hail Kerala, one may raise a toast now!  (By G Viswanath)

What PM Modi Wants From Delhi CM Rekha Gupta?

First-time MLA Rekha Gupta was sworn in as the fourth woman chief minister of Delhi before a huge gathering at the historic Ramlila Maidan. Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa — all three CM hopefuls — who were touted for their caste and community representations simply fell aside. Rekha stood out only because she had all the qualities to perpetuate and popularise the BJP in Delhi. The years she had put in as municipal councillor prepared her for the top job. Her Baniya caste also worked in her favour. In a state with an adverse sex ratio in terms of voters — male voters (83,76,173) outnumbering women (72,36,560), women voters overwhelmingly backing BJP, the party had no choice but to go for a woman CM. BJP sources say while Modi wanted to thank Delhi women voters by picking Rekha, male stalwarts lost out to factionalism. Rekha Gupta’s first responsibility will be to ensure that women get Rs 2,500 every month, as was promised in the BJP Sankalp Patra. More than that it will be to get Yamuna cleaned up by November ahead of Chhat puja — that is before Bihar polls. In fact that is Modi’s agenda and he has tasked Rekha and her team to ensure that priority basis . BJP sources says Rekha’s rise shows that BJP is reinforcing its image as a party that champions women-centric politics. It shows how the party is prioritising its representation through 33% reservation in BJP organisational structure. After all Modi was mocked by the Opposition for not implementing women’s quota bill (passed in Sept 2023) straightaway in 2024 Lok Sabha polls; now he has shown the way. (By Lakshmi Iyer)

Tamil Pride, Hindi Phobia Are Tamil Nadu Duo’s Power Strategy

Tamil Nadu’s father and son duo of MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin have embarked on a fight to the finish with the Centre on all issues. They know well that this confrontation is not going to get the state anywhere in terms of funding from the Union in important areas like education, but they are convinced that they will have the Tamil people more on their side if they continually oppose PM Narendra Modi, the BJP and the Centre. Their latest battle has lain in the third language formula domain in which the state will get more than Rs 2,100 crore funding if they adopt the New Education Policy. It is known that the third language need not necessarily be Hindi and can be any official language of India that a school offers, including the mother tongue of students who are from outside the state. But that has not stopped the father-son from ignoring the fact that the third language is not necessarily pro-Hindi nor Hindi imposition. It is the Tamil psyche shaped by the anti-Hindi agitation of the 1960s that the duo is exploiting along with their party that came to power because of the language agitation that began nearly a century ago when C Rajagopalachari oversaw the Madras Presidency in the 1930s. They are playing to the gallery and getting under the skin of New Delhi. Tamil pride and Tamil angst are what they are depending on as they plan to keep power. (By Tamil Raja)

PM Modi Prioritizes Clean Air, Water, Transport For Delhi!

BJP’s loser in two assembly elections as well as for Mayor’s post of Delhi MCD, Rekha Gupta, can’t believe her luck after anointment as Delhi’s chief minister, over giant killer Parvesh Verma and Vijendra Gupta, new Speaker of the state legislative assembly. The BJP high command intends to transform Delhi into the best example of governance although currently exemplifying everything wrong across public welfare parameters following decade long AAP misgovernance. Before Gupta aligned with the legacy of late Sheila Dixit and, more recently Atishi Singh Marlena, PM Modi had requisitioned Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for Yamuna clean-up. Saxena’s political link up with the Union Home ministry makes crystal clear who (Shah) runs Delhi’s political affairs and, at whose (Modi’s) behest? Political pundits confused over deputy CM Parvesh Verma, who successfully fought against Arvind Kejriwal, being overlooked for CM’s post. Even Vijendra Gupta, a Baniya from Kejriwal’s community, won MLA seat in the last three state assemblies even when AAP won 67 out of possible 70 MLAs. Both shadow CMs, will bolster Delhi’s affairs backing CM Rekha Gupta. Next up is an ambitious plan to ramp up and extend the Metro rail services in and around Delhi. That apart, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has set three-year deadline to complete mega flyovers project directly connecting Delhi with UP (Noida, Gurugram, Meerut) and Haryana to island national capital against vehicular traffic flowing through it and headed to these destinations to reduce pollution quotient (AQI) of Delhi. Delhi’s public transport service will also be replaced with 100% pollution free EV buses. (By Renni Abraham)

Kollywood’s February Conundrum, Small Budget Movies Vie For A Place

In South India, February is definitely a lean month for movie releases. Especially after big releases during Pongal week and Republic Day. However, this Pongal had few releases, especially films starring the big sharks…Vijay busy with his political outfit. Ajith racing formula cars. So, the shortest month with the leanest audience has inspired some avant garde films, made on shoestring budgets and rubber bands has surprisingly drawn the millennium kid viewers. Dhanush has bravely directed his home production film, Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam…this long title has been accordion-pleated into an origami NEEK. Dhanush has introduced a total cast of newbies especially his nephew Pavish. Oh, we must mention that Dhanush’s older son Yatra has collaborated in the lyrics. Dhanush has motivated the audience to encourage these newcomers. But the real surprise is Dragon which has drawn much appreciation for the performance of hero Pradeep Ranganathan under the gripping direction of Ashwath Marimuthu. The film raises many questions about the GenNext rebellion and “couldn’t care less” attitude. Ranganathan is bound to go places. Bad Girl has already made news by its theme of a teenager discovering the nuances of hormones and sex. It has been panned for its racist, class divide …such bordering on erotic does not need a lean month to bring in voyeurs. Ramam Raghavam is probably a film to think about that may appeal with Samuthirakani as the pivot father who wants to mould his son is a story that may resonate with every generation. The filmi cauldron has to dip into time-tested formulae…love, rejection, conflict, resolution, compromise and aspirations. With tight budgets, it’s brave of such productions to risk their all on unique stories and hope to hit that pot of gold. (By Padma Ramnath)

Hot Exchanges Between Annamalai And DMK Intensifies Once Again, Triggers Hashtag War

There was that brief break when Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai was in the UK for about three months. During that period, the internecine war between the DMK and Annamalai paused, only to start again, this time with overt threats and challenges. As it is the DMK is seeing bright red as BJP is withholding the education funds for TN, demanding the three-language formula be introduced in the state. Views are strongly divided on this daunting issue — a consensus compromise has to be reached. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin has thrown the gauntlet; the DMK is openly saying that it will no longer be “Go back Modi” but a more virulent “Get out Modi”. Annamalai, just waiting for a chance to retaliate, has issued a fresh challenge with a prickly hashtag, “Get out Stalin” and has thrown the gauntlet “let’s see which hashtag gets the most hits”. In terms of dignified and grace filled political exchange, this appears totally immature. Minister for Health, Ma Subramanian says, “Annamalai should control his speech”. For his part, Sekhar Babu, (minister for HR & CE), His Masters Voice for Stalin Sr and Jr is optimistic that the more hits DMK gets from BJP, the more DMK will bounce higher like a ball.  “Let Annamalai stand against our lowest level DMK cadre in the Assembly election. Its victory for the DMK”. Juggernauts are ready for the Colosseum. (By Padma Ramnath)

Throw Out Illegal Immigrants From India, Says Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s clarion call to launch a drive to throw out illegal immigrants from India is interpreted as a shot in the arm for the government to intensify its on-going operation to weed out such individuals and deport them. He declared his stand while delivering the 65th convocation ceremony address of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Dhankhar pointed out that several nations had undertaken such an action and wondered when India would take similar steps. He lamented that crores of such unauthorised immigrants were living in India, depriving local people of the employment opportunities. Dhankar observed that while nationalism was the real religion, certain powers had been operating against it. Dhankar’s comments assume significance against the backdrop of certain statements emanating from the U.S., suggesting that efforts had been made to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Though the VP did not elaborate on this theme further, the message was loud and clear. In a manner of speaking, it is seen as an endorsement of the present sweeps by the police in different parts of the country to identify and send back the illegal immigrants. The issue has become a political matter since some parties and organisations are arguing that it will be inhuman to uproot those living in this country for a number of years. The issue is quite grave in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Hence Dhankar’s call is expected to boost the Maharashtra government’s determination to act against the illegal intruders entering the state. (By Dilip Chaware)

Cup Of Sorrow Overflows For Dhananjay Munde, Partner Karuna Once Again Exposes Him

Maharashtra’s food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde seems to be facing trouble on all fronts – professional, personal and health — providing fodder for his opponents. Now his partner Karuna Sharma nee Munde is once again back with a vengeance against him. In November 2024 in a video message, Karuna had accused Dhananjay of jailing her on false charges, getting her assaulted by his aides in collector’s office, and even booking entire hotels for having a good time. The volatile relationship between the Munde couple, who have two children, has spilled over into much action on the local political front in Beed. In 2024 she floated a political outfit, Swarajya Shakti Sena. She also contested against Pankaja Munde in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Beed but garnered only 1600 votes. Clearly, the hatred for her husband runs deeper and she responded to news of Munde ailing with Bell’s Palsy by demanding that he be treated in a public hospital casting aspersion on the timing of the ailment. Though Karuna Sharma’s diatribe against Munde isn’t new, it now assumes political significance with her joining the cause with the likes of Munde baiters like BJP legislator Suresh Dhas, Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil, activist Anjali Damania and his party opponents, Supriya Sule. Karuna claims that she’s always kept Sharad Pawar updated about her various complaints against Dhananjay Munde from time to time. Not surprisingly, Supriya Sule is the only politician who has entertained her and heard her out. The only silver lining for Dhananjay is that his son from Karuna, Seeshiv, has officially stepped up in support of his father calling him responsible and financially supportive. (By Hepzi Anthony)

Delhi CM Rekha GuptaJagdeep DhankarMK StalinNarendra Modinational politcsRahul GandhiRanji TrophyShashi Tharoor