Yunus makes 'tongue-in-cheek remark' on north east India, tries to woo China :::: Experts call it distasteful ... Namo extends Eid greetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a heartfelt message, expressing his warmest wishes to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and the people of Bangladesh, on the joyous occasion of Eid-al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. 

Yunus shared the letter on X and wrote, "Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sends the following message to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to wish people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitar."

In the letter, Modi wrote, "As the blessed month of Ramadan comes to a close, I take this moment to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and the people of Bangladesh on the joyous occasion of the festival of Eid al-Fitr."

Meanwhile a controversy has been triggered. 

"The seven states of India, in the eastern part of India - called the seven sister states are completely landlocked. They have no way to reach the ocean. We (Bangladesh) are the only guardian of the ocean for the entire region (northeast India)," Yunus is seen saying in the video.

Yunus has tried to jab New Delhi by issuing a veiled threat to India's northeastern states while appealing to China to "extend" in the region. Mr Yunus, who was on a four-day visit to Beijing last week, asked Beijing to make an "extension", saying that the "seven sister states are landlocked" by Bangladesh to its west.

The tongue-in-cheek remark, which defence analysts have called distasteful, surfaced on social media upon Muhammad Yunus's return to Bangladesh. In the video, he is seen urging the Chinese government to "extend" in the region by establishing a base in Bangladesh and indirectly stifling India's northeastern states since they are "landlocked".

On the other hand, on Yunus' statement, '7 sisters of India landlocked. defence Expert Dhruv Katoch says, "... He had no business to mention India... If we have connectivity and how we connect them to the oceans, that is the problem of the government and we are handling that." 

"We also have the 'Kaladaan' river project which will be completed very shortly... As far as access to the sea is concerned, we don't need Bangladesh... I did not understand the relevance of that statement and why he made it in China. He is obviously trying to send a message to India and there are two kinds of messages that are trying to go across. 

He is trying to tell China that if China invests in Bangladesh, Bangladesh's unique location can give China access through India's northeastern states in a cooperative manner to Nepal and Bhutan... 

To put India into the conversation is very threatening... Is he directly trying to tell India that he will cut off the northeast from us?... 

On the sidelines of BIMSTEC, PM Narendra Modi will be meeting Mohammad Yunus, or in other words, Mr Yunus has sought a meeting with PM Modi... India is too big a country to be threatened by any country... Bangladesh is totally irrelevant...".

Economist and member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Sanjeev Sanyal, questioned the logic behind invoking India’s internal geography in an economic pitch to China.

“Interesting that Yunus is making a public appeal to the Chinese on the basis that 7 states in India are landlocked. China is welcome to invest in Bangladesh, but what exactly is the significance of 7 Indian states being landlocked?” Sanyal posted.  

The comments came also at a time as Bangladesh signed nine agreements with China after Yunus’ meeting with President Xi Jinping. The deals cover economic and technical cooperation, infrastructure, media, culture and health.  

Bangladesh also welcomed Chinese participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project — a plan previously linked to India under the Hasina government — and the Mongla Port modernisation initiative.

Yunus used the meeting to highlight the 2024 student protests that led to regime change in Dhaka and urged China to play a “greater role” in ensuring peace and stability. He also requested Chinese support for water management, calling China the “master of water management,” and sought a 50-year plan from Beijing.

Xi described Bangladesh as a “trustworthy neighbour” and confirmed zero-tariff access for Bangladeshi goods until 2028. He proposed negotiations on a Free Trade and Investment Agreement and promised greater investment support.

Yunus further called for a reduction in Chinese loan interest rates from 3% to 1–2% and a waiver of commitment fees. He pitched Bangladesh as a relocation base for Chinese manufacturers looking to offset U.S. tariffs.

ends 

China has hosted multiple delegations from Dhaka in recent months, including advisers, opposition leaders, and hardline religious groups. Yunus is now scheduled to attend the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, where he has requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi — which India has not yet confirmed.

As Beijing expands its role in the region, Yunus’ positioning of Bangladesh signals a clear shift in Dhaka’s diplomatic and economic alignment.

Great Nicobar Island Development Project :: Chinese lobby reportedly 'hires' two Kerala-based journalists for negative reporting

 

An alleged Chinese lobby has reportedly hired two Kerala-based journalists for campaigning against the Great Nicobar project. 

Both are editors of known publications. One is a well read magazine and web o environmental matters, local media reported. 

These to scribes are expected to write and propagate anti-Nicobar project stories and articles. 

These two have a background of engaging in similar projects like Cutting South and Save Lakshadweep.

One of them is understood to have deputed a team to Andaman to cover the issue but alert central government agencu officials "intercepted them" and and directed them to return home, it is said.

The other journalist organised a seminar at Thiruvananthapuram Press club on Nicobar Ecological issues. 

Lately, two of the three gram (village) panchayats in the area earmarked for the ambitious project in the Great Nicobar Island have consented to the development area notification, but highlighted that amenities and utilities being built should benefit locals and that fair compensation should be provided.

Reports also suggest that agencies are keenly observing the moves of these 'urban Naxal elements' as Nicobar project is of great strategic importance considering the Chinese defence threats.  

The gram panchayats actually responded to a letter from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration sent on January 1 that sought views of gram panchayats in Great Nicobar on notification of the project area as ‘Great Nicobar Island Development Area’ for the holistic master plan for Great Nicobar Island, as per the Town and Country Planning Regulation, 1994. 

The gram pradhans of Laxminagar and Govindnagar gave consent to the development area notification according to their responses sent to the administration. 

The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar and Great Nicobar has, however objected to the diversion of certain areas currently reserved for tribals.

Modi and Xi Jinping : 2019 

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has been gathering testimony from experts, stakeholders and local residents from areas impacted by large development initiatives, according to committee chairperson Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka. 

The panel may submit its report in July.  

The Great Nicobar Island Development Project, a Rs 72,000 crore initiative by NITI Aayog, aims to transform the island into a hub for trade, tourism, and strategic military presence, including an international transshipment terminal, airport, power plant, and township. 

The project aims to boost regional economic growth by positioning Great Nicobar as a key hub in global maritime trade. 

The project has faced criticism from environmentalists and scientists, who raise concerns about the potential environmental impact, including the felling of trees in the rainforest and the impact on endemic species and indigenous tribal groups. 

The project has also raised concerns about the impact on the indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese communities, who reside on the island. 

Strategic Importance:

The project is also seen as having strategic importance for India, with the potential to enhance its presence in the region. 

The Rs 72,000-crore project, which will take up 166 sq km of the island’s 921 sq km area, has four components – an international container transshipment terminal, a power plant, a greenfield international airport and a new township. 

A pre-feasibility report states that the port will put the island on the map of the “east-west shipping route that links East Asian exports with the Indian Ocean, Suez Canal, and Europe”.

The airport will “attract international and national visitors” to “participate in sustainable tourism activity”. 

The project is also seen as one that can make the islands “the first line of offence against any attempt from the East to undermine India’s maritime security”.

ends 

Nidhi Tewari, IFS officer, appointed as PM Narendra Modi's Private Secretary

A 2014-batch IFS officer, is currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Her expertise in international relations has been instrumental in the PMO, particularly in the ‘Foreign and Security’ vertical, where she reported directly to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Nidhi Tewari has been appointed as the new Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

The appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, was officially announced by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) on Monday.

Tewari is currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Her new role is set at Level 12 of the pay matrix and will be co-terminus with her current position or until further orders are issued.  

According to the order dated March 29, Tewari will transition from her current role to take on new responsibilities in the Prime Minister’s Office. Her tenure will remain linked with the term of the present administration or until further directives are provided.  

The 2014-batch IFS officer is from Varanasi's Mahmoorganj area, PM Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency since 2014. She secured the 96th rank in the Civil Services Examination in 2013 and initially served as an Assistant Commissioner in Varanasi before joining the Indian Foreign Service.

She has been serving as Deputy Secretary in the PMO since January 6, 2023, after initially joining as an Under Secretary in 2022.  

Before her tenure in the PMO, she worked in the Ministry of External Affairs, specifically in the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division.

ends 

Role of Civil Society in working for Solution to Naga issue can never be ignored ::::: "If someone is against Solution, be open without inhibition"

Bad times can only turn worse when common people are compelled to accept falsehood and echo lies. 

This is the stage with the Naga peace talks and so-called attempts being made for an early Solution pact. The story only turns grimmer when 'leaders' are drugged to maintain silence. Writing anything about Nagaland these days, one can end up penning/typing four-five words. 

Nothing Doing ,,, but Poor Performance. 

While trying to create a short format ... well there are every chance one will remember Mr Chingwang Konyak ! 

Well, a political party cannot be made scapegoat. There are other pillars of failures too but they cleverly go away to the 'safer' haven of isolation and still can claim that they want to help the people genuinely. In this case -- help bring Solution to the age-old Naga political imbroglio.  

Some of these organisations often beat around the bush. They like to be called Meta Physical and often seek 'Godly' protection cover ! 

On Jan 14, 2023 a joint statement signed by NSCN-IM chairman Q Tuccu and N Kitovi Zhimomi of NNPG had declared "unconditional commitment to collaborate on the basis of our respective agreements (Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017) for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with Govt of India". 

The said 'intellectual organisation (with command over good English)' had played a part. Everyone seemed happy. 

The fact of the matter was that everyone was being fooled. The political class belonging to NDDP and BJP were doing their calculations. 

Should we become Ministers yet again and should we bargain for good (read juicy) portfolios?  

Sycophancy also prevailed === the leader knows it well. The 'deep state' for the hills of Kohima was also too happy !! 

Because the trick worked on New Delhi.

On Jan 18th election schedule was announced and the 'victory' was snatched. Within hours came another statement --  

-- "The Nagas do not acknowledge any agreements signed under the Indian Constitution" -- negates the NNPG-NSCN(IM) joint statement of Jan 14. And perhaps more importantly, it conferred a 'virtual Padma medal' on the UDA regime in Kohima.

The NDPP, the BJP and the NPF --- none could really wash off hands. 

The real missive was for New Delhi.

The Ministry of Home Affairs acted in a matured manner. It did not want to disturb the election process -- so vital in a democracy. But the mandarins took note of the fact that within four days the NSCN-IM had 'backtracked' from an important agreement. 

That also meant Jan 14 (2023) statement was only a fallacy just to drug people to believe something else. While Kohima protagonists would be smiling; it is also a bitter fact that the 'meta physical' forum had failed to rein in the signatories of the Jan 14th, 2023 statement.  

The saga of betrayal can often have no limitation. 

What makes status quoists and saboteurs so confident ? 

The answer lies with the voters. The answer also lies with the Govt of India which has so far trusted a faulty leadership. 

On this, we must also refer to lack of conscious play and genuine leadership of the intellectuals and civil society. 

The turn of events show the old fable yet again. On Jan 14th (2025) yet another statement was issued -- as if to remind New Delhi ... look we can keep on fooling you !! 

Here the reference is to the statement which talks about 1929, 1947 and also 1951 plebiscite. 

N Kitovi Zhimomi has grown smarter now and he is raising objections to these. 

In a way the new statement (backed by meta physical elements) seeks to undermine the principles of Agreed Position and the Status Paper inked by NNPG in 2017.

Elsewhere the story is the same ---- 

A king's foremost duty is to keep himself in power. But once you can kill the parrot and the puppet; King will be defeated automatically.  

The paradox is the puppeteers are calling someone puppets. 

The moral of the lesson : Nothing will succeed in Naga peace talks without adequate role taken upon themselves by the civil society organisations. 

So far, the boleros have failed to dampen their spirit.  NTC was virtually sent on pension but some individuals are again on the streets.

Tomorrow, we may not know what will drug them also into silence zone.  

It's time, Mr Prime Minister. 

Finally, probably it is in decades now that an elected Chief Minister of Assam has played havoc with the fate of Nagaland politics. 

Both Nagaland and Assam will regret this. 

The onus is equally on the Centre ... for showing trust in elements those have a tract record of mistrust and 'Nothing Doing ... etc etc.

In 1998, the NSCN-IM had favoured a boycott of polls because S C Jamir was the target.

In 2023 .... well, someone had diagnosed the malady -

"If one is for a solution say so, whereas if the other is against the solution, be open without inhibition".

In 2025, let Kitovis and Alezos fight it, no body will be bothered in Delhi.

ends 

Coalition of extensive network of youth, ex-army, radical fundamentalists ousted Hasina and brought in Yunus regime : New Delhi must read b/w the lines

The ouster of Sheikh Hasina did not happen simply by so-called youth protest and massive violence.

Internal reports by various agencies (including within Bangladesh) and a few privately-operated international organisations and research panels reveal that a "coalition" was built based on an extensive network, integrating youth leaders from various ideological backgrounds and placing 150 key operatives in governmental and private institutions. 

Some information and anecdotes were later reportedly collaborated by Awami League functionaries as well. 

Prominent figures in the big games included Md. Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan (Tarek Chayan), who is in Bangladesh Mission in Kolkata and is a trusted associate of Muhammad Yunus. 

A few retired army officers joined under Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan’s leadership, including Captain Nasir (66 BMA Long Course, Facebook alias Shuvo Afridi). 

The bigger intent was not only ouster of Hasina. Even tasking Yunus to lead an interim arrangement was only a temporary plan. 

The chief 'mission' was to help BNP of Khaleeda Zia.

So, all that happened in 2024 in Bangladesh presumably also blessed by America's 'deep state' was to help the BNP regain power.

After the 2014 elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) devised a strategic plan to reclaim power, with Tarique Rahman, the party’s acting chairman, at its core. Assisted by M Naser Rahman, son of former Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman, the BNP orchestrated a multi-layered approach that leveraged youth activism, social movements, and international networks.

They went step by step. --- Phase 1 focused on Building an Ideological and Structural Base

Tarique Rahman is son of former Bangladesh PM Begum Khaleda Zia and was on 16-year-long political exile in London.  

The BNP’s early efforts focused on research and understanding public sentiment. 

In late 2018, a pivotal research paper, "Under the Leadership of Asif Saleh, the Youth of Bangladesh and the Agents of Change?" was published. 

This study explored Youth of Bangladesh to work as Agents of Change.

Few soft spots were identified too. 

1. Religious education and self-identity

2. Internet and social media influence

3. Freedom of choice and gender inequality

4. Youth assessment of law and order

5. Political engagement and national planning

6. Social mobility and economic challenges

7. Polarization and emerging political optimism

This research became a foundation for shaping a youth-driven movement, particularly targeting dissatisfaction with governance and economic disparities. 

Tarique Rahman discussed the findings with influential circles, paving the way for strategic alliances.

Then came the Phase 2 -- Seeking to Strengthen Alliances and Mobilizing Forces

By 2019, Tarique Rahman reportedly involved a prominent ideologue to craft narratives that resonated with the public. 

Simultaneously, an over estimated individual called Muhammad Yunus engaged with former Army Chiefs Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and Nuruddin Khan.

The international allies were worked on. 

Rahman made his intent clear once he decided to return home with his quite well read and shared message:

“Let us unite to end political vengeance and open a new chapter in history where no one’s life or family will be destroyed because of political differences".

The operational framework was handed over to the Yunus Center, enlisting key figures such as photojournalist Shahidul Alam and writer-activist Farhad Mazhar. Under Mazhar’s guidance, a faction of radical fundamentalist leaders emerged, incorporating elements from various extremist groups, including:

Mahfuz and Nahid (Radical fundamentalist), Sarjis (Hizb ut-Tahrir affiliate) and Hasnat and Sajeeb Bhuiyan (Shibir activists)

Under Phase 3; the works involved -- Exploiting Social Movements for Political Gain

To galvanize mass support, BNP needed a polarizing issue. 

The quota system for children of Liberation War veterans became a focal point to rally youth discontent. 

"By infiltrating and influencing the 2018 quota reform movement, the BNP strategically positioned itself as a champion of youth concerns," says an Awami league insider. 

Things were planned and executed well with foreign funding.

Thus Key Elements of the Movement were --

Strategic Messaging: Framing the movement as a youth-driven demand for justice.

Broad-based Mobilization: Involvement of Jamaat-Shibir, Hizb ut-Tahrir, madrasa students, Chhatra Dal, and liberal activists.

Media and Social Media Influence

Subsequently, it is learned that Shahidul Alam’s network amplified the narrative.

False information was disseminated internationally to garner sympathy.

Misinformation spread on YouTube.

One 'Earki Facebook group' allegedly supported by 'deep state' played a crucial role in meme-driven political criticism.

Rival ladies 

The movement’s momentum peaked with violent clashes in July 2024, escalating further with coordinated digital propaganda.

In the next stage, Violence intensified after the killing of Abu Sayeed, a Shibir activist, during clashes in Rangpur on July 16, 2024. 

Tarique Rahman then called for a nationwide blackout in support of the movement, followed by an orchestrated incident on July 18, where protesters staged the death of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho in Dhaka.

The Awami League government responded by banning Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir on August 1, 2024. 

In retaliation, opposition forces pivoted to spreading misinformation about student arrests. The involvement of ad agencies, particularly Asiatic Society, amplified the propaganda.

By August 4, 2024, nationwide clashes escalated, culminating in mass riots from August 5 to August 20. 

The strategy focused on instilling fear through targeted violence against law enforcement agencies, reinforcing the perception of an unstable government. However, the state’s decisive crackdown and exposure of BNP’s orchestrations neutralized the uprising.

What about International Influence and Economic Disruptions

Reportedly, even Economic sanctions were subtly encouraged to weaken the government’s financial stability.

Additionally, BNP-aligned groups infiltrated key economic sectors, disrupting supply chains and creating artificial inflation to generate public dissatisfaction. 

Strategic alliances with business tycoons, such as Mohammad Junaid (Chairman of Infinity, Lubnan, and Richman), ensured financial backing for these operations, Awami League sources claim. 

Exiled BNP leaders coordinated efforts from abroad, particularly through online platforms. 

Final words:

The BNP’s plan to regain power was a complex mix of ideological solidarity, strategic alliances, digital manipulation, and violent street protests. 

They exploited youth discontent and media narratives to destabilize the entire system of governance.

The involvement of international actors, cyber warfare, and economic disruption highlight the evolving nature of modern political conflict.

Once upon a time : Modi, Sheikh Hasina and Mamata Banerjee 

ends 

PM's visit to RSS Hq. ::::: Best example of ties between RSS and BJP is the Father-Son bond !!! Namo has strengthened that further

The Hindutva-backed Nationalism is a reality. The 'Hindu nationalist push' will definitely shift power to the political advantage of BJP and also give a greater power of influence to the RSS and other Sanghparivar organisations. 

Different analogies are often given about RSS-BJP relationship. Perhaps the best similie is drawn in comparing the ties between a father and a son. For my part as a son I can understand that better.

If the son doesn’t listen to his father or ignores his dad numerous times, the father would give up and even "leave" the son to his own life and fate. But, if the son is in big trouble, the dad will immediately plunge into to the son's rescue.

In 2024 - as 'ghamand (proud and arrogance)" supposedly caught up with the BJP and its top leaders; the RSS withdrew from election campaign.

The results on June 4 showed the errand child was already taught a lesson and hence the RSS later came out full steam to the aid of the Lotus party in the assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra.  

It may be mentioned that Hindu nationalism is a political ideology that has been guiding the fate of Bharat since time immemorial. Western history writers say that phenomenon dates back to the 19th century. 

But it is true the Hindu Nationalism encompassed a broad range of groups but at its core is a belief that Indian national identity and culture are inseparable from the Hindu religion.

For the first time since becoming Prime Minister, Narendra Modi visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday, March 30. During his visit, he paid tribute to RSS founder icons Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and M.S. Golwalkar. The visit is seen as an attempt to iron out differences between the RSS and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Modi also laid the foundation stone for Madhav Netralaya, an eye hospital aided by the RSS. According to reports, Modi and Bhagwat engaged in a discussion on the sidelines of the event.

Modi’s visit came amid speculation of discord between the RSS and the BJP. “

The RSS is India’s huge banyan tree of immortal culture and modernisation, the Prime Minister waxed eloquent. 

Of course, RSS is the ideological mentor of the BJP and all towering figures in the BJP including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have RSS connections. There are a few exceptions too - such as Yogi Adityanath.   

PM Modi, a former RSS pracharak himself, sharing the stage with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat first at the Hedgewar Smruti Mandir and later at the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre is seen to be indicative of the “narrowing differences” between the BJP and the Sangh. 

There were also footages of two leaders exchanging jokes and laughing out loudly. Modi is a master of symbolism and hence he knows, what to do when.

The two leaders had shared the stage in Ayodhya during the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22 last year.

After last year's general elections; RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat twice indirectly criticized PM Modi for claiming to be “godsend” and suggesting that he was not a normal biological human being. 

The RSS had also openly criticized the Modi government for mishandling the Manipur conflict. 

Some observers may link Modi's visit to Nagpur to election/selection of BJP's new president. But these are short term and even temporary issues. The bigger issues at stake are how effectively is the Modi Govt aligned with the philosophy of the BJP's ideologues - social, political, privatisation, small-scale industry etc. 

The Modi Govt does not shy away from pro-Hindutva issues. It has ensured Ram temple and also abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. A few BJP-ruled states are also implementing Uniform Civil Code. 

“The RSS is our ideological mentor. Today, PM Modi reiterated the Sangh’s role in nation building and the country’s development,” Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said. 

A number of RSS associates and leaders have been made Governors such as La Ganesan -- now in Nagaland. 

PM crediting swayamsevaks for playing an “important role” in the recent Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj is being perceived as a sign that some of the RSS’ core agendas are returning to the forefront.

The Centre has also lifted the ban imposed on government servants from participating in social activities undertaken by the RSS.

Deendayal Upadhyaya, the Jana Sangh ideologue, also has been given his due respect and honour by the BJP under Narendra Modi.  

Almost a line has been pushed that what is Deendayal Upadhyaya is to the BJP has been what Mahatma Gandhi was/is to the Congress.

From naming schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana after him to erecting a large 72-feet statue of him in front of the BJP office in New Delhi; from holding a nationwide celebration programme to mark his birth centenary in 2017 -- all these does ensure a harmonious bond at a high level.

It is understood that Deendayal Upadhyaya has had an overwhelming ideological presence in the party and government’s rhetoric over the past 10 years. 

Upadhyaya had suggested that the civil services need not be handling all industrial affairs — the government could have saved enormous money and effort in the first Five-Year Plan had it sought the cooperation of private sectors.

In 2021, PM Modi himself echoed the spirit of this argument.

PM had said -- “Sab kuch babu hi karenge. IAS ban gaye matlab woh fertiliser ka kaarkhana bhi chalayega, chemical ka kaarkhana bhi chalayega, IAS ho gaya toh woh hawai jahaz bhi chalayega. 

(Babus will do everything. By dint of becoming IAS officers, they’ll operate fertiliser warehouses and also chemical warehouses, even fly airplanes. What is this big power we have created? What are we going to achieve by handing the reins of the nation to babus. Our babus are also citizens, but so are the youth of India.) 

More of RSS ideologies and teachings and argument put forward by Deendayal Upadhayaya and RSS founder icons Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and M.S. Golwalkar will be visible in day to day governance and publicity 

blitzkrieg. 

ends 

Ding Dong bell ... Netas cannot take the Naga Peace talks into "well"

It is easier to write as a journo than taking policy decisions as Netas or delivering things on ground as administrators and Babus. 

 

But the breed called politicians never retire. In Nagaland, veteran protagonist of nationalism Hokishe Sema agreed to suffer the humiliation of a defeat in 1993 at the hands of Vikishe Sema. An erudite of electoral politics, S C Jamir too lost his by-poll. 

But the focus here in on the Netas as a class. What are Naga Netas of this generation up to?

The easiest answer from common people's point of view is - "Na jaane ho".

The candid question that pricks every voter in the state of Nagaland is - "Why the persistent endeavour of the Netas in power and position to remain in power even manipulating things and dividing Naga armed groups is not seen yet by the faceless Naga voters?" 

 

As a journo often eating and sleeping with the politicians; one does appreciate their point of view.

Apprehensive of their future; my political friends and some of them 'very old friends'  in Nagaland have reasons to be against Solution to the Naga issue. 

A few of them especially think - they could be rendered jobless. 

The saying is very old and was once much popular.  Late J B Jasokie (during the stint of Vamuzo as Chief Minister) had said - 

"Thanks to politicians, the Naga problem will never be solved. If the problem is resolved. Then politicians will have nothing to do". 

That was one way of looking at things.

But this is also true all problems need to be taken by 'horns' and resolved. That's the pragmatic way of moving forward.

But a few leaders (as in 2025) have created a phobia.

The fear-mongering revolves around the phrase ‘paving the way’ even before the other details or so-called "competencies" for the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position are finalised.

It is possible the Mizoram experience of the 1986 haunts them. Laldenga came to power in that state and the Congress government headed by Lal Thanhawla had to step aside. 

It is altogether a different chapter that within few months Lal Thanhawla struck back and used the formula of 'Mr Come, Mr Go (defection)' to unseat Laldenga. 

But in the contemporary setting; it is possible the Naga leaders (especially elected 60 club) are keen to explore options to "bargain" for their own career-security in lieu of working towards a Solution. 

In Biblical context, it may appear too selfish.

In the context of future of  Naga youths; actually this is dangerous and "playing" with the hopes and aspirations of the common people. 

But it goes without stating that politicians in 2023 elections have invested immensely from their pockets. A few "friends" sponsored even candidates from other parties. 

So it is natural he/they will have to explore ways and means to garner some 'profits' from the business called Politics. 

Blogger .... see the 'writing on the wall' 

Next important point - but often ignored is - that the Indian Constitution is not intended merely to enable my politician friends to play the unending game of power. 

The Indian Constitution is neither a structure of fossils like a coral reef.

Of the Naga leaders, I have always admired Late Chalie Kevichusa -- more because he was an Editor and always very encouraging to youngsters.

From some of his oneliners one remembers is - "You cannot teach new tricks to old dogs". 

Veteran Shurhozelie also liked to use the phrase.

The statement generally referred to frequent defectors - a menace Nagaland politics was synonymous for years.

And it was heavily influenced by profit-making menace and muscle-flexing of money bags.

Paradoxically the old defection game is back.

It has almost transformed into "political head hunting" in armed groups as well.

New Delhi mandarins have been directed to collect details on "every pros and cons" of the matters involved in the recent split in the NSCN-Unification. 

The centre sees this as more as an attempt to split the NNPGs.

The NNPGs was created after a lot of hard work of the official agencies, the authorities in power (in 2016 and 2017) and also Naga village elders and the Naga Tribes Council (NTC).

The Govt of India especially the Home Ministry will not tolerate this hard work of the Modi regime going into waste.  

The March 22 development vis-a-vis Khehohi camp brought soothing news for New Delhi. 

It is not that anyone in Delhi has any special weakness for N Kitovi Zhimomi, the man who dethroned S S Khaplang once. 

They all need a respectable and acceptable face. Kitovi suits the bill.

And hence developments post-March 22 and some media statements show things are not going in right direction. And there are 'external' influence.

Politics is strange. The rolling stones and those who know the art of sleeping with enemies often flourish. 

New Delhi is aware of the circumstances those make people 'sleep' with the enemies.

They might give any excuse. But they are saboteurs. The Govt of India will soon find ways to deal with the saboteurs. 

But from Naga people's point of view - they need Solution today and as early as possible. They want a reunited NNPGs and of course the Status Quo club will have to be shown their place by hook or otherwise.

ends  

RSS/Sangh ‘banyan tree’ of Indian culture, says Naerndra Modi in first visit to RSS headquarters as PM

In first visit to RSS headquarters for an Indian PM, Modi calls Sangh ‘banyan tree’ of Indian culture  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, marking a significant moment in Indian political history. His presence at the memorial of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar coincided with the foundation stone laying of a new eye institute in Nagpur.

Modi shared the stage with Bhagwat at the Eye Institute event. This was for the third time that the PM and the RSS chief shared the stage since 2014 and the first time since the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Narendra Modi on Sunday became the first Prime Minister of India to visit the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Modi visited the memorial of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at the Sangh’s headquarters in Reshim Bagh. He was accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at RSS headquarters.

Later, Modi laid the foundation stone laying of an extension building of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in thee city. RSS is the ideological mentor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). No Prime Minister of Indiahas ever visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur.

Speaking at the eye hospital function, Modi described the RSS as the "vatvruksh", or banyan tree, of India’s immortal culture and modernisation whose ideals and principles were to protect the national consciousness.

Modi shared the stage with Bhagwat at the Eye Institute event. This was for the third time that the PM and the RSS chief shared the stage since 2014 and the first time since the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

'Kerala connection' to formation of RSS is a vital part of Indian history -- a bit bitter and controversial though !!

Between 1918 and 1921, the Khilafat movement was supported by Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress, leading to mass mobilization of Muslims. As a counter-reaction, Hindu political leaders formed the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha. Hedgewar and Moonje became its members.

The year 1921 saw the horrific Moplah riots in Kerala, against Hindus. It was the first of more than 20 rounds of communal flare-ups across India. Frustrated by the response of the Hindu Mahasabha, Hedgewar resigned and, on 27th September 1925, he and Moonje co-founded the RSS.  

The Moplah revolt or Malabar riots often gets branded as a freedom struggle gone wrong. Far from it, it was a genocide.

In the Indian education system, particularly in Kerala, history teaches the 'Wagon Tragedy' next to the 'Jallianwala Bagh Massacre'. Naturally, one tends to conceive the Wagon Tragedy and its victims as part of the Indian Independence movement. 

There is no question that the act committed by the British against the Muslim detainees is merciless – squeezing over 90 people into a freight wagon, ultimately suffocating and killing 67 of them. Everyone knows this much of the history but not much about the events that led to this incident. 

It has been argued that those who were bundled into the wagon weren't freedom fighters; they were rioters who brutally murdered thousands of Hindus and displaced tens of thousands in the Malabar region of Kerala. (Swarajya magazine)

On 27th September 1925, an organisation was launched that would influence the politics of modern India. It was the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its first Sarsanghchalak was Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.

Hedgewar was a protege of Congress leader Balkrishna Moonje, who was an associate of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. On Moonje’s advice, Hedgewar completed his medical studies in Calcutta and, during this time, he became involved in revolutionary societies like the Anushilan Samiti.

On his return to Nagpur, Hedgewar became involved in local politics under his mentor Moonje. In December 1920, he was a volunteer making arrangements for the Indian National Congress session. He set up a small group for this purpose and called it Rashtriya Swayamsevak Dal.

It was Hedgewar who introduced the concept of daily ‘shakhas’ as the first permanent units of the RSS, in Nagpur city. Next, the concept of ‘pracharaks’ or ‘officers’ who renounce their family and careers and work full time for the cause of the RSS, was set up. 

When Hedgewar’s health declined, he handed the reins of the RSS to Madhavrao Golwalkar, in 1940. It was Golwalkar who made the RSS a pan-India force with shakhas across India. He was one of the strongest proponents of Hindutva and a Hindu Rashtra.  

After India’s independence in 1947, the RSS, which had traditionally eschewed politics and was a purely social organization, began to support the Jana Sangh founded by Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The Jana Sangh would evolve into the Bharatiya Janata Party.

With the setting up of organizations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Bajrang Dal, Rashtriya Kisan Sangh and Rashtriya Mazdoor Sangh, the RSS has evolved into the fountainhead of what we know as the ‘Sangh Parivaar’ today.

(from Economic and Political Weekly) 

Upto 1937 the Hindu Mahasabha was a loosely organised group collected around prominent individuals. The two major issues dividing the reformers (in the Hindu Mahasabha), led by Lajpat Rai and Sharaddhanand, from the Sanatanists (the orthodox ones), led by Parmanand, Munje and Kelkar, were the elimination of caste restrictions and political participation.

In 1937 Savarkar was elected President of the Mahasabha and settled these differences by resolving to build it into a political organisation representing the Hindus. 

By turning the Hindu Mahasabha into a political organisation, Savarkar ensured that whatever support the RSS had rendered to the Mahasabha would cease. 

Many RSS members were active in the Congress. 

During World War II, the Mahasabha sought to enroll Hindus in the army and to negotiate with the British to get itself represented on various government councils. 

This policy was to fail The British at the Simla Conference in June, 1945 treated the Congress as the representative of caste Hindus and the Muslim League as the representative of the Muslims. 

The weakness of the Hindu Mahasabha was the more apparent because — unlike the RSS — it lacked any youth, peasant or para-military foundations. It tried to make up for this lack by appealing to the RSS, but in vain. It could not become a mass organisation because so many of its supporters were big landlords who were unwilling to allow any hint of mass mobilisation. 

Meanwhile, the RSS — due to its unstinted help to Hindu refugees during and after partition — had increased its influence throughout northern India.

"May the glory of Mother India continue to shine through our efforts" .... - PM Modi in his hand written tribute to Hedgewar at RSS hq.

PM Narendra Modi's handwritten note at Nagpur's RSS Smruti Mandir: This place inspires us

The Prime Minister in his handwritten note paid tribute to Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and other revered leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

This visit to RSS headquarters at Nagpur is first by any Prime Minister in office. 

Modi’s visit coincides with the Sangh’s Pratipada programme, marking Gudi Padwa, the beginning of the Hindu New Year. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was present during the Prime Minister’s visit to the Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh, the administrative headquarters of the RSS. 

The PM highlighted the role of the memorial in motivating countless volunteers dedicated to the service of the country.

"The dedication and hard work of all the great personalities associated with this place serve as a source of energy for millions of volunteers committed to serving the nation."

"This sacred place, dedicated to the values of Indian culture, nationalism, and organisation, inspires us to move forward in the service of the nation."

The PM also paid floral tributes at memorials dedicated to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, and second sarsanghchalak (chief) M S Golwalkar.

"I pay my heartfelt respects to the revered Dr. Hedgewar Ji and the esteemed Gurujis. I feel overwhelmed after visiting this memorial temple, which preserves their memories," says his note written in Hindi. 

PM Modi is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, an extension of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute and Research Centre. The facility will include a 250-bed hospital, 14 outpatient departments (OPDs), and 14 modular operation theatres.

He will then visit the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited's ammunition facility, where he will inaugurate a newly constructed 1,250-metre-long and 25-metre-wide airstrip designed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). He will also open the live munition and warhead testing facility for Loitering Munition and other guided munitions.

After Nagpur, Modi will head to Chhattisgarh today where he will lay the foundation stone for development projects related to power, oil and gas, rail, road, education and housing sectors worth over 33,700 crore.