Saffron party's massive endorsement for 'Clean Politics' ::: Team Modi surprises one and all ... Gives BJP "a leader of next two decades" - Nitin Nabin -- just 45 :::: And a Kayastha !!

The BJP Parliamentary Board on Sunday announced that Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin, 45, has been appointed working president of the party. This is to set the stage for his appointment as the next national president of the saffron party.

The decision ends the extended tenure of Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, who had been doubling up as the BJP president even after his induction in the Modi Cabinet and handling a major-priority responsibility as Health Minister of India.

Nadda’s term saw extension and now by February 2026; he will hand over the charge to Nabin.

Man of the Year : Nitin Nabin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the appointment of Nabin. 

In a post on X, Modi wrote: “Nitin Nabin Ji has distinguished himself as a hardworking Karyakarta. He is a young and industrious leader with rich organisational experience and has an impressive record as MLA as well as Minister in Bihar for multiple terms.” 

Few questions will have to answered in terms of quick political analysis:

Is he RSS man ?

And if he is not - how well did Modi-Amit Shah duo has able to snub Nagpur ?

The Prime Minister's big message is clear and absolute -- 

** He has gone scouting for a young talent in eastern India.

** Nabin is just 45 and hence even as he would have got the 'pleasant surprise' news as pleasantly sweet and shocking - he would know that he would be expected to build a team of Future.

Modi talks about Viksit Bharat - and his deadline is 2047. If he lives ... Modi would be 97 by then.

But he has given the Lotus party a 'new leadership/Naya Netritya' of 2047 and beyond.  

"He (Nitin Nabin) is a young and hardworking leader who possesses considerable experience in the organisation. 

His work as an MLA and minister in Bihar has been very effective, and he has worked with complete dedication to fulfill the aspirations of the people. He is known for his humble nature and for working on the ground," PM Modi said.

The Modi-Amit Shah duo has brought to rest all speculation around the names often repeated in Delhi's "know-all ivory tower circle' - like --

Nitin Gadkari, Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupendrer Yadav and even Nirmala Sitharaman and so on.  

The Unpredictability is one weapon that makes Narendra Modi - "invincible".  

Nitin Nabin has an image of a doer and Mr Clean.

He has been handling the 'juicy' portfolio of Road Transport for long and yet there is no scandal worth the word against him.

Moreover; on the road sector - the NDA government's performance has been exemplary in Bihar. 

'Dhurandhar' :::: How Perpetual Victimhood makes a bigger sense for Sickularism ::::: Are films now "new cultural projects" of Moditva phenomenon ?? :::: Should Pakistan's terror be not criticised so that Indian Muslims do not feel insecure ??

There came an era of angry youngman, Amitabh. But these years saw another transition. 

Minority appeasement of political leadership had become a trend.

Can we have some other Gods meaning from other religions? In 'Deewar', Amitabh does not believe in God,  questions God Shiva !! But see the coincidence, he is saved from bullets by 'number 786'.

'Dhurandhar' is going great guns but it has apparently one section of Indians - the Sickular brigade. They did not mind Amitabh (Vijay) screaming and gesturing before 'tolerant' Hindu God Shiva; for Shiva being shown as crawling inside a toilet was creative freedom for Amir Khan-starred "PK'. 

The film had incidentally showed one of the Pakistan embassies as a centre of 'liberalism'. But for the same intellectuals and even Muslim population - Dhurandhar is intolerable.  The truth is bitter and when its bitter; it has to be unpalatable !

Multiple Gulf countries have banned the film. 

Some say -- the movie is so true and appears so real because it portrays certain  brutal "realism". 

A 2016 study from the University of Oxford found that films with high emotional intensity trigger the release of endorphins. In simple terms, when viewers experience pain (together) through a story, the brain registers it as controlled distress and responds by offering relief (to all in the same space), says an 'India Today' article. 

Typically in Indian context; it is said family pressure, unresolved trauma, loneliness, exhaustion, moral confusion — these are still treated as deeply private, sometimes even a taboo to be discussed in the open. 

However; Cinema, then, becomes the place where those emotions are allowed to breathe.  

In 2022, 'The Kashmir Files' written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri presents a fictional storyline 

centred around what happened to Kashmiri pandits in Jammu and Kashmir.

The film talks about cultural genocide.

"Kya Kashmiri Pandit ko apne ghar jaane ka mauka milega? Is this justice?" The refrain so far has been to not ask these uncomfortable questions.  

In Hindi films, a nice person who comes to help the hero or his family or a kid is mostly - if not always - a Muslim or a Christian. In blockbuster 'Sholay', among all the villagers, it is the Imam says he is ready to sacrifice his son ! 

Occasionally Sikhs may be lucky !! But Sardarjis are also ridiculed in Hindi films !! In a virtuous Karan Johar's movie, a sardar kid is shown counting stars !

In most cases, a child in a movie is adopted by a pious Christian .... some aunty Fernandes, Bare-chacha !! 

Where was the pious Hindu on screen ....he was shown as a crook in 'saffron' a Sadhu or a temple priest who connives 

with brigands !!

And, the song, "Ganpati Bappa Moriya Pareshaan Karen Mujhe Chhoriya".

Today, the charge is 'saffronisation' or that the film Dhurandhar is part of Hindutva project but the story was totally 'otherwise' for decades. 

Not only these, even Pakistani stars flourished in India quite easily !  

Zeba Bakhtiyar's first Bollywood movie was 'Henna' and it is said the filmmakers spent months to 'discover' a suitable talent like her.

Meesha Shafi is Pakistani singer who has worked in “Bhaag Mika Bhaag” in 2013.

Cricketer Mohsin Khan also tried his fortunes on silver screen in India. He had married

Reena Roy, who later returned 'home'. 

Saba Qamar played a key character in critically acclaimed 'Hindi Medium'. 

A few Muslim Bollywood stars fell from the grace in recent times due to their 

unpalatable remarks on India. Naseeruddin Shah has let down his admirers.

He has not only done some memorable works in India; he also acted in Pakistani films that include Pakistani super hit 'Khuda Ke Liye' in 2007. The film also starred Pakistani stars like Fawad Khan, Shaan and Iman Ali.

Among other Indians who worked in Pakistani industry has been Sara Khan.

She featured in ‘Ye Kaisi Mohabbat Hai’ with Pakistani actor Noor Hassan. Om Puri too has acted in Pakistani films.

Before Shilpa Shukla became popular as flamboyant hockey player 'Bindiya' in Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Chak De India', she had made her debut with Pakistani film 'Khamosh Pani'.  

Last few years also saw debate about nepotism especially after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. It was an episode Bollywood would like to forget.

In curious developments, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Yash Raj Films chairman Aditya Chopra were quizzed by Mumbai cops.

Bhansali, in his statement given to Mumbai Police, had said that he had approached Sushant for four films including Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018). 

However, Bhansali recalled being told by YRF that Rajput's dates were unavailable.  The three films turned out to be blockbusters at the box office and won several popular awards. Chopra meanwhile had said that they never stopped the late actor from working with filmmakers outside the production house.

Karan Johar's manager too was summoned.

Sushant Singh Rajput 

Among a few 'controversial' films; 'Article 15' pushed upper-caste viewers to confront caste violence that usually feels distant or abstract and 'Gangs of Wasseypur' became a cult favourite not just for its grit, but for its raw portrayal of rage and generational decay.  

'Dhurandhar' is perhaps the first Hindi film that looks at India's terror problem from the other side of the border - that is Pakistan.

The fictional universe in Dhurandhar unfolds a fascinating picture of Lyari, Karachi and how arms business has flourished. 

ends 

1990s saw a bruising face-off within the BJP-RSS ... ::: Vajpayee pushed economic reforms steering India after Muke tests ::: Challenge also was to handle Advani and acolytes such as Kalyan Singh

On November 12, 1999, Kalyan Singh was out—replaced by Ram Prakash Gupta. Within a year, Rajnath Singh would take over as Chief Minister.

The lesson was unmistakable: Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s India was not run from Nagpur or Lucknow—but from the compulsions of coalition power and global scrutiny. 

The Prime Minister chose stability over street politics, and in doing so, quietly but firmly fired a warning shot at his own party.

Raisina Hills Link  

The late 1990s saw a bruising face-off within the BJP-RSS, as Uttar Pradesh’s hardliners exposed an internal war between the PM’s restraint and the UP CM’s defiance.  

The Sangh Parivar—and even the BJP—has always struggled to explain Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He spoke softly but acted sharply. He courted consensus yet struck decisively. Nowhere was this contradiction more visible than in Uttar Pradesh in 1998–99, where an internal tussle between the Prime Minister and his own party’s chief minister laid bare the fault lines within the BJP.  

Vajpayee was often “fired” by the need to refurbish both his image and that of his fragile NDA government. 

After the May 1998 nuclear tests, India faced crippling US sanctions. Vajpayee had to push economic reforms abroad while reining in ideological hardliners at home. The challenge was not merely Home Minister L K Advani, his close ally, but Advani’s acolytes—most notably Kalyan Singh, the then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.

The flashpoint came with the Vande Mataram–Saraswati Vandana controversy. In December 1998, Ravindra Shukla, Minister of State for Basic Education in UP, was abruptly sacked—at Vajpayee’s insistence. The charge: misleading the Prime Minister and the state cabinet on making Vande Mataram mandatory in government primary schools under the Kalp Yojana.

The directive triggered protests from Muslim leaders and Islamic scholars, who called it “un-Islamic.” Vajpayee panicked—not ideologically, but politically. Coalition partners like George Fernandes’ Samata Party and Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP could have walked out. 

Stability mattered more than symbolism.

Shukla became the fall guy. Officially, he was accused of a “serious breach of trust” for keeping the cabinet in the dark. Unofficially, he was sacrificed to douse a political fire. The irony? Shukla claimed the order had been issued back in July 1997, when Mayawati was Chief Minister, and was already being implemented. Vajpayee, during a Lucknow visit, publicly said: “No such order was issued.” The verdict was sealed.

The RSS was displeased. Shukla was its nominee in the Kalyan Singh ministry. But Vajpayee overruled sentiment. Kalyan Singh was summoned to Delhi; Shukla was shown the door. Even the Basic Education Secretary, R C Dwivedi, was removed.

Behind the episode lay a deeper BJP civil war. Kalyan Singh faced rivals on all sides—Kalraj Mishra, Lalji Tandon, and an ambitious Rajnath Singh, then UP BJP president. The Vande Mataram row became the perfect pretext to clip Kalyan Singh’s wings.

Defiant to the end, Shukla said he did not regret sacrificing office “for sticking to my ideals.” Kalyan Singh tried damage control, even declaring 1999 as ‘Vande Mataram Year’ in UP. It didn’t save him.

M M Joshi, Kalyan Singh, Advani 

(Courtesy -  The Raisina Hills website )

 

ends 

Should BJP high command signal "exclusive saffron party" Govt in Manipur ? :::: Does Biren Singh deserve another chance ?? ::: Meeting convened in the middle of Parliament session indicates things are 'serious'

In February this year, Manipur was placed under President's Rule and the assembly was suspended after chief minister N Biren Singh had tendered his resignation. 

Biren Singh had stepped down due to internal politics and the saffron party never had problems of numbers in the House. 

Beleaguered Biren Singh : Can he strike back ?

The Assembly was suspended. Elections in Manipur are due by March 2027 along with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Punjab and Goa. 

The BJP MLAs in Manipur are in Delhi now and set for a meeting with the party's national president J P Nadda and other senior leaders and Union Ministers if necessary on December 14th, Sunday.

The fact that such a meeting has been convened in the middle of Parliament session indicates things are likely to be explored with all earnestness.

The deliberations will focus on the need to arrive at a structured decision on the formation of a new government in the state. That such a meeting has been convened in the national capital shows - the BJP central leadership and the centre may have some plans up their sleeves. But challenges are complex.  

The party's central leadership is in dilemma chiefly to ensure participation of Kuki legislators in the new government. The Lotus party has six Kuki legislators but all of them may not attend. 

Even if BJP and other Kuki legislators either as individuals and as a bloc decide otherwise - they are under immense pressure from the community and multiple pressure groups not to give up the strong stance taken that they want a 'separate administration'.

Hence, it is likely that the Kuki BJP MLAs in all likelihood will not agree to join the new government.

The Kuki-Zo community's refrain so far has been - 'The issue before Kuki and Zo people is not whether we have President's Rule or a new popular government in Manipur. Our issue and principal narrative is for a new and exclusive administration for the Kukis".   

The ethnic conflict between Kukis and Meities had engulfed the state since May 3, 2023. The unrest has claimed over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people across the state. A large number of Kuki-Zo people have moved to Mizoram as well.

Rehabilitation of internally displaced people has figured lately and even the Sangai Festival was embroiled in controversy.

This was a major issue of embarrassment for Governor Ajay Bhalla too. 

Since 2023; Meiteis are unable to visit Kuki strongholds such as Churachandpur and Kukis are unable to visit Meitei-dominant Imphal and valley regions. 

BJP’s North East coordinator Sambit Patra has taken the initiative for the meeting and state unit president A Sharda Devi is also expected to be present at the meeting. 

Meiteis have 40 MLAS in the 60-member assembly and there are 20 others shared by Nagas and Kuki-Zo people - 10 each community. 

In the present Assembly, BJP has 32 members and hence can form a government of its own. But there are six Kukis; and even if the latter's commitment for political stability is doubtful due to community pressures; the Lotus outfit may take the help of three Independent MLAs. 

A section of BJP MLAs have hinted that they may press for an 'exclusive' BJP government.

In such a scenario; the NPP, JD-U and NPF may be kept at bay. These moves may have certain complex challenges.  

If the Kuki MLAs are forced to stick to the community decision - no participation with Meiteis in a ministry; the centre may have the option of early dissolution of the suspended assembly. 

If the assembly is dissolved now, Governor Ajay Bhalla can order a snap poll by March-April 2026 with West Bengal and three other states including Assam.  But analysts despite Bihar win and even an exemplary success in Kerala local body polls; things may not be very favourable for the BJP in the electoral fray. 

But a powerful lobby of Meitei population want early installation of a popular government. The sitting MLAs and former ministers will need adequate funds to face the elections in 2027. 

Even army actions have been intensified in the recent past under President's Rule and this night have unruffled some feathers. The Meitei leaders apprehend if a popular government is not installed at the earliest; going would be more tough for the saffron party candidates. 

Will Biren Singh be again the leader ... essentially by default ? 

What goes in favour of N Biren Singh - as against a popular perception that the high command may like to see him replaced - is that no sitting MLA has so far thrown an open challenge to his leadership. 

So, high command can always say - "we will not any leadership".  But BJP has replaced chief ministers in Uttarakhand and Gujarat on the eve of elections and the move had paid dividends earlier. 

Moreover, he had Home Minister Amit Shah's confidence till Feb 13, 2025 when the President's Rule was imposed. So he may continue to enjoy that confidence 'by default'. 

Moreover, influential Meitei civil society and 'other powerful lobbies' may openly or otherwise still back Biren Singh. 

emds 

Leftists have taught Kolkata people ... work shirking .... Sports is a Good Excuse for 'time pass' ... ::: Crazy Cricket fans had made Vinod Kambli 'shed tears' during 1996 Semi Final disaster ::: First mayhem was in 1967

Kolkata crowd going crazy is nothing new.

When Pele’s plane landed in 1977 the crowd ran to the bay where the aircraft was to be parked.  The security men stood around helplessly, reports  'The Telegraph'. 

1967 mayhem : When Sobers's team played 

Pele at Kolkata airport - 1977 

The ministers, the club officials, their cronies, the press and many others – numbering around 1,000 – created a bigger chaos than the real fans,  recalled Soumyajit Bhowmick, a former deputy commissioner of Calcutta Customs who was at the airport on duty.

Pele landed a little after 7 pm but could be taken out of the airport only around 11pm. “Even at that time of the night lakhs of people were waiting along VIP Road,” Bhowmick recalled.

“Police got the information and secretly diverted Pele's car through the old route of Jessore Road. The people waiting to see Pele became furious. Many cars and police vehicles were vandalised,” he said. At the airport, many stuck around Dhiren De, then secretary of the Mohun Bagan club, thinking that sticking close to him would take them closer to Pele.

“I noticed one deputy superintendent of police [DSP] frequently requesting De not to forget to introduce him personally to Pele,” Bhowmick said.

Pele in action at Eden Gardens ... trying to defeat Mohan Bagan star defender Subrota Bhattacharjee 

*** So, Dec 13, 2025 -- many among the crowd would be part of Trinamool's 'syndicate' ... well connected. Relatives of cops, ministers, Quiz Masters, singers, actors-turned-netas etc etc !!  

One would not be surprised if there are few from connections to the BJP and the communists camps too.  

Of course .. old timers would say -- Dec 13/Saturday’s incident brings back memories of a day 48 years ago, on 24 September, 1977, when Edson Arantes do Nascimento aka Pele, arguably the greatest ever to play the beautiful game, visited Kolkata. It was Calcutta then !

Then, Pele’s Cosmos played Mohun Bagan in an exhibition match in front of an 80,000-strong crowd at the Eden Gardens; the result was a 2-2 draw.  

Before Messi mess, five tragedies that show Kolkata's troubled history with mega sports events  

*** 1996: India vs Sri Lanka World Cup Cricket Semi-Final

Popular Eden Gardens was at the centre of a global tragedy during the 1996 Cricket World Cup semi-final. 

It was Semi Final for World Cup. Mohammad Azharuddin had lost a bad toss.

Chasing 252, India were 98 for 2 and headed for a collapse. 

Sachin Tendulkar’s dismissal at the hands of Sanath Jayasuriya proved to be a flash point for the mob.

Wickets started falling in quick succession.

India's score board read - 120 for 8.

The cricket lovers "channelised their disappointment into fury". Water bottles were hurled onto the field, forcing match referee Clive Lloyd to award the game to Sri Lanka. 

The image of Vinod Kambli walking off in tears remains etched in history even today. Kolkata had virtually voted him out. They did not have confidence that Sachin's schoolmate and batting partner for years can rescue India.

The 1996 was Sri Lanka's and 'magician' Jayasuriya's year. Sri Lanka won the cup that year defeating West Indies in the finals.  

Other such mishaps : 

 2007: IFA Shield Final abandoned

Chaos ruled during the 107th IFA Shield final at the Salt Lake Stadium in 2007. 

Palmeiras were leading East Bengal 1-0 when violence broke out between players. Brazilian coach Humberto Ferreira led his team off the field just 35 minutes into the first half, refusing to continue. 

Despite frantic negotiations, the match was abandoned.

2012: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Derby turns violent

The Kolkata Derby descended into disorder in 2012. The tightly contested match took a turn after Harmanjot Khabra headed East Bengal into the lead just before halftime.

Tensions escalated when Odafa was sent off for manhandling the referee. Enraged Mohun Bagan supporters then began hurling stones from the gallery. 

In a cruel twist, one of those stones struck their own player, Nabi, on the head.

Mohun Bagan walked off the field, citing security concerns, and refused to return even though East Bengal were ready to continue. The match was later declared cancelled. 

Forty spectators were reported injured.  

1980: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal 

The darkest chapter in Kolkata’s sporting history unfolded during a Kolkata Derby in 1980. 

Football in Bengal is more than entertainment and transforms into a battle of identity. 

The Bangal-Ghoti rivalry associated with Mohun Bagan and East Bengal had reached fever pitch on this day. 

(Bangal - for people with roots in erstwhile East Pakistan/Bangladesh and Ghoti is for people with native villages in this side of Bengal) 

Traditionally, fans of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal were seated separately in stands. That day, they were not. With no segregation and inadequate policing, clashes erupted in the stands. Fans ran toward narrow exits. 

Some jumped from upper tiers onto concrete floors to escape. The resulting stampede and riot killed 16 people.

1967: India vs West Indies Test

Kolkata witnessed its first serious crowd-related controversy during the India-West Indies Test match in 1967, reports 'The Telegraph'. 

India were trailing 0-1 in the series, and expectations were sky high among cricket fans for the Indian side to script a comeback against Sir Gary Sobers’s West Indies team.

With fake and duplicate tickets freely circulating in the black market, a stadium designed for around 60,000 spectators ended up hosting more than 80,000 fans. 

The crowd spilled onto the field, outnumbering the police. What followed was utter chaos.

ends 

Frustration filled the air at Salt Lake stadium ::: Mess in event for football icon Messi in Mamata's 'Maati' .... What business she had to go to the stadium ??

After spending thousands and not even getting a glimpse of Messi, fans broke through the stadium barriers.  

Iconic soccer star Messi is in India as part of a tour during which he is scheduled to attend concerts, youth football clinics and a padel tournament, and launch charitable initiatives at events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. 

Argentinian makes 20-minute appearance in Kolkata

Supporters climb fence and hurl objects from stands

Lionel Messi’s tour of India kicked off on a chaotic note on Saturday as fans ripped up seats and threw them towards the pitch after the Argentina and Inter Miami forward’s brief visit to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, the ANI news agency reported.

Messi is in India as part of a tour during which he is scheduled to attend concerts, youth football clinics and a padel tournament, and launch charitable initiatives at events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi.

The 2022 World Cup winner walked around the pitch at the stadium waving to the fans, but was closely surrounded by a large group of people and left 20 minutes after his arrival.

It is well known that Kolkata ... that is capital of West Bengal and states such as Kerala and Goa and a few northeastern provinces have long had large football fanbases in an otherwise cricket-dominated India. 

Diego Maradona twice visited Kolkata and in 2017 unveiled a statue of himself holding the World Cup, in the presence of thousands of fans. 

Essentially when the crowd entered the field, police were out numbered. 

Though they attempted to control the crowd, things got out of hand and turned into a battle. 

Lionei Messi, who played in a friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in 2011 in which Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0, virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata on Saturday.  

“I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement,” said Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who had travelled nearly 1,500 km from Mizoram over two days to attend the event. “Messi left quickly, I think he felt unsafe. I hardly got a glimpse of him.” (reported Reuters) 

Pele visited Kolkata in 1977 

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, apologised to Messi and ordered an investigation into the incident. 

“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake stadium,” Mamata, who was on her way to the event when chaos broke out, posted on X. 

A populist chief minister should have gauged public mood in the city and should have probably stayed away from an event where other than showing her face to the crowd and indulge in some gimmicks she had no other business. 

In Delhi during the UPA regime as a protesting crowd gheroed her once in front of erstwhile Yojana Bhavan (Planning Commission), she had said "Sorry, Delhi is not safe".  

The organisers of the tour did not respond to media request for a comment, but Satadru Dutta, the event’s chief organiser, was detained by police, said Rajeev Kumar, DG West Bengal police. 

“We’re taking action so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished,” Kumar told reporters. “He has already pledged in writing that tickets sold for the event should be refunded.”   

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya launched an all-out attack on her and the state government.  

"Stop shedding crocodile tears. This mismanagement and corruption are endemic to everything your government does. The TMC has launched a frontal attack on the emotions of the people of West Bengal and insulted every football lover," he posted on X.  

The All India Football Federation said it is “deeply concerned” and distanced itself from the event. An AIFF statement read: “The All India Football Federation is deeply concerned by the events that transpired at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. This was a private event organised by a PR agency.

ends 

'Onno Mallu' :::: Hello ... VICTORY RESHAPES POLITICS OF 2026 :::: Modi's BJP makes history in Kerala .... :: NDA won 50 of 101 wards while ruling LDF was reduced to 29 seats

BJP makes history in Kerala

It wrests prestigious Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from CPI-M

Will this outcome help navigate 'faster' movement of  Shashi Tharoor to the Lotus party ?

The Lotus party win ends decades of CPI-M-led LDF dominance in the state capital and signals a notable shift in urban voter sentiment.

The outcome is politically significant as Thiruvananthapuram district is the home turf of senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor.   

In a statement that may ruffle a few feathers in the Congress camp, Tharoor said -- 

"That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency."

The BJP-led NDA has made historic gains in Kerala's local body elections, capturing key urban centres including Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and Tripunithura Municipality. 

This marks a significant shift in Kerala's political landscape, traditionally dominated by the Left Democratic Front.

Tharoor posted a detailed message on X saying, “What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections. The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through". 

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has scored a major win in the Kerala capital, emerging as the single largest party in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and ending the Left Democratic Front’s 45-year hold on the civic body.

The NDA won 50 of the 101 wards in the corporation, while the ruling LDF was reduced to 29 seats. 

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured 19 seats, two went to Independents, and polling in one ward was cancelled following the death of a candidate last week.

The NDA also registered another key victory by taking control of the Tripunithura Municipality, dislodging the ruling LDF as counting in the 2025 Kerala local body elections concluded on Saturday.

Together, the results signal a major breakthrough for the BJP in Kerala, especially in urban areas where the party has traditionally struggled to translate its vote share into control of local bodies.

The BJP’s capture of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has been seen as its most significant achievement of the election cycle. 

Tharoor congratulated the Congress-led alliance, adding, “A huge congratulations to the UDF for a truly impressive win across various local bodies. 

This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020.”

He accepted BJP’s gains in his home constituency. 

“I also want to acknowledge the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city Corporation, a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital’s political landscape,” he said.

In Tripunithura Municipality in Ernakulam district, the NDA secured a narrow majority, winning 21 seats in the 53-member council. The LDF followed closely with 20 seats, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) slipped to third place with 12 seats.

The outcome represents the first time the BJP has won control of the Tripunithura Municipal Council.

Classified as an A-grade municipality, Tripunithura had for decades alternated between the LDF and the UDF. The latest result reflects a sharp departure from that pattern, with the NDA dislodging the LDF after an intense and closely fought campaign.

In the 2020 local body elections, when the municipality had 49 wards, the CPI(M) had emerged as the largest party with 23 seats, while the BJP had won 17. The expansion of the council to 53 wards this year coincided with a decisive shift in voter preference.  

PM Narendra Modi tweeted saying - 

"My gratitude to the people across Kerala who voted for BJP and NDA candidates in the local body polls in the state. Kerala is fed up of UDF and LDF. They see NDA as the only option that can deliver on good governance and build a #VikasitaKeralam with opportunities for all."

The results in the local body elections in Kerala have come as a setback for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the state ahead of elections next year, with the Congress-led United Democratic Front ahead in four out of six municipal bodies and 14 district panchayats, against the ruling coalition's six. 

The BJP has, however, emerged as the biggest, and perhaps most unexpected, headline grabber. 

History and Hope :::: When Hindu votes 'wrested' by BJP; Adhir Chowdhury lost ::::: West Bengal's demography and 'strong 160 Muslim seats' makes it clear .... BJP is with "disadvantage" ::: Hence, Battle 2026 will be less of ideology or Polarisation but more MATHEMATICAL

 Long back, Justice V R Krishna Iyer had said that this is an era of guided missiles and misguided politicians. This seems to be often prophetic for politicians during elections.

When 'misguided'; the Netas do often end up harming their own political interests. What's in store for the voters and the political leaders and parties in West Bengal ?

Sujapur assembly segment within Malda Dakshin Lok Sabha seat has one of West Bengal’s densest Muslim concentrations  – as high as 89.3%.

** Poor people do not mind Mamata as long as cash flow is there.

$$ Left and Congress are too weak to fight TMC or create any split in anti-BJP votes. 

The BJP is ambitious to unseat Mamata Banerjee. They tried hard in 2021 but could not even as the Lotus party emerged as the principal opposition party and the communists and Congress could not open account. 

If hard work and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image are just a few 'advantages' with the saffron camp; the demography and the manner Muslim population are spread across .... give BJP huge disadvantage to penetrate deeper.  

Thus. Battle of 2026 in 2026 will be less of ideology or Polarisation but more MATHEMATICAL. Why Mathematical or more of Arithmetic ?  

The BJP’s good performances in a select belt came from Cooch Behar, parts of Uttar Dinajpur and pockets of North 24 Parganas.

The two well known Muslim-stronghold regions - Murshidabad, Malda and large sections of Nadia and even North 24 Parganas were held by the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit.

From the six border belts - there are 102 assembly seats in the 294-member state legislature. 

These districts are Murshidabad (over 66 per cent Muslims), Malda (about 52 per cent Muslims), Uttar Dinajpur, North 24 Parganas, Cooch Behar and Nadia.

The Trinamool Congress had won 67 of the 102 Assembly seats in 2021.

TMC symbol: Writing on the wall and Blogger - Sitai region of Cooch Behar 

(Info-analysis --- In 2019, the Hindu-dominated Baharampur and Kandi assembly segments ensured Congress veteran Adhir Chowdhury’s victory in the Lok Sabha polls. 

But in 2024; the BJP candidate harmed Chowdhury and Trinamool nominee Yusuf Pathan won the seat)

Of course, the RSS and BJP poll strategists would always cite the case of Uttar Pradesh to drive home the point that India's largest Muslim population state could be captured more than once. But still things may not work in West Bengal simply because Muslims in Bengal are in 'blocs' in a very large number of seats. 

In contrast in Yogi Adityanath's UP, Muslims are more "dispersed across constituencies and rarely form decisive blocks".  Thus, it was no surprising that in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election, the Trinamool Congress won 123 of the 160 seats especially from 

South 24 Parganas, 

North 24 Parganas, 

Murshidabad and Birbhum. 

Therefore, real battle in next year's elections will be in following districts - where Muslim population is substantial.

Birbhum (37.06% Muslims), 

Cooch Behar (25.5–26.5%), Nadia (26.76%), 

Howrah (26.20%) 

North 24 Parganas (25.82%). 

Murshidabad (66.27%), 

Malda (51.27%)

Uttar Dinajpur (49.92%) and South 24 Parganas (35.57%).

Additional Info-analyses:

** Hindus in many places face discrimination and oppression in West Bengal.

 -- Fear works and they often speak vaguely

** There have bee curbs imposed on Hindu festivals.

The appeasement of Muslims is a reality. But even in some pockets; Hindus have the status of 'second-class citizens' ...; they vote for Trinamool like probably for years they did for the communists.

Therefore, the BJP and the RSS will have to work for "further and deeper expansion in Hindu-majority areas".

The saffron party will have to do well in -- Kolkata - and industrial belt.

** Also in non-Muslim parts of North Bengal, Here seats are around 20 only and therefore they will have to win practically all the seats.

This also means the BJP will have to work harder in the Jungle Mahal region, 

But all these are easy said than done. 

* TMC has organisatonal presence everywhere.

** Poor people do not mind Mamata as long as cash flow is there.

*** Trinamool's "syndicate" also controls shows in many segments especially among Hindus. 

$$ Left and Congress are too weak to fight TMC or create any split in anti-BJP votes. 

Rural Bengal 

In 2024 Lok Sabha polls - the split in Muslim votes between parties pledging Sickularsm helped BJP retain Malda Uttar Lok Sabha, where Muslims constitute about 45% of the population.

Raiganj, where the Muslim share of the demography is about 46%, also came to the BJP.  How things actually work ? --  

In Raiganj, the Left-Congress cumulative vote share stood at 20.8% in 2019. 

The BJP won the seat securing 40% vote.

In the 2021 assembly election, Muslim votes polarised in the TMC’s favour. 

But in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, votes split like in 2019 – the BJP won with 41% vote share.

TMC polled 36% and the Left-Congress alliance secured 19.24%.  

In 2024, voters polarised behind the Congress, giving its Malda Dakshin candidate a lead of 83,629 votes from Sujapur.

A Faceless resident : Perhaps also a voter 

In Baharampur Lok Sabha, where the Muslim share of the population is slightly above the Hindus, a majority of Muslim votes appear to be gone to the TMC’s Yusuf Pathan, former cricketer. 

Hindu votes remained divided between the Congress, the BJP, and the TMC. This helped the TMC breach the Congress bastion, which has been represented by Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury since 1999.

In Jangipur and Murshidabad seats, where Muslims make up two-thirds of the demography, the contest was between the TMC and the Left-Congress alliance. T

TMC won both with handsome margins – 1.16 lakh in Jangipur and 1.64 lakh in Murshidabad.

ends