Home Minister Amit Shah has tele talk with Farooq Abdullah ::: Says man who tried to assassinate him has been "caught"

 “I received the call from Home Minister (Amit Shah) last night and he told me that accused is caught and investigation will be done”, says former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, after a man allegedly tried to assassinate him during a marriage function on Wednesday night.  

"The Central and the UT govt should see if the situation here is really improved. We might have differences of opinion, but we have to work together as we are a democracy and voice our opinions....

An elected govt doesn't have powers- how can it continue this way? We were promised that statehood would be restored..."

"NSG and local police personnel with me risked their lives to save me. I have no words to express what they have done," the former Union Minister ex Chief Minister of J&K said. 

"The central govt should tell both Trump and Netanyahu to stop this war," he said. 

"No matter how much security you increase, the killer always has an advantage. The problem is that we live in an era where terrorism is up in the sky, and we cannot control it...".  

Farooq Abdullah also said:

"I don't know what his (accused Kamal) intention was. To say it was a security lapse would be a big statement to make. Many big personalities were present at this wedding, but there was no police present. 

By Allah's grace, my security was present with me, and my life was saved.  I did get a call (from the Union Home Minister) who asked me about my well-being and assured me that they would investigate the matter. An inquiry should be done. Such things keep happening when there is a situation of hatred now.... 

No religion teaches hatred, but only to love...". 

There is no switch with the Speaker or chair to control the mike or to mute it in #LokSabha : Speaker Om Birla

 Even Prime Minister and other Ministers who want to make a statement in #LokSabha have to seek chair's permission under the rule : Speaker @ombirlakota  

There is no switch with the Speaker or chair to control the mike or to mute it in #LokSabha : Speaker Om Birla 

"Chair does not belong to one person but is a symbol of prestige of the House" 

In his first remarks a day after No Trust motion against him was defeated; Birla said he always tried to ensure that every MP got to speak in the Lok Sabha while underlining that the Leader of the Opposition was not "above the House", taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi

 

"I have always encouraged those who hesitate to participate in House proceedings" : Speaker Birla  

I always strived to ensure that House runs impartially and as per rules: Birla, a day after resolution seeking his removal defeated in LS

"In the parliamentary history of independent India, this is the third time that the House has discussed a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. 

Over the past two days, honourable members have held extensive discussions so that the views, arguments and concerns of all members could be presented before the House... 

This House represents the sovereign will of 1.4 billion citizens of India. Every member present here comes with the mandate of lakhs of citizens and carries the hope of addressing their problems, deprivations and difficulties, as well as fulfilling their aspirations and expectations... 

"I have tried to provide adequate opportunities to all members for this purpose... This august House gave me the responsibility and opportunity to serve as Speaker for a second time. I have always tried to conduct the proceedings of the House with impartiality, discipline, balance and in accordance with the rules. 

Along with all members, I have tried to maintain order, harmony and efficiency in the functioning of the House while fulfilling my responsibilities... 

My predecessors strengthened the dignity and traditions of this House and always enhanced its prestige. Institutions, decorum and traditions remain permanent. 

I express my gratitude to all members for the confidence expressed in me by the House. I assure you that I will consider this trust as my responsibility and will strive to fulfil it with complete dedication, impartiality and adherence to constitutional propriety."

"We should always work hard to ensure that the prestige of Indian democracy is held high overseas"

Military to Military engagement is often "better" than diplomatic engagements with some neighbouring countries : Deputy chief of Army, Lt Gen Ghai

There is certainly a great importance about 'Diplomatic engagements' with India's neighbourhood; but Military to Military engagement to the surprise of many is perhaps often "better" than the diplomatic engagements with some countries. 

This was stated by Lt. Gen Rajiv Ghai, Deputy chief of Indian Army. 

The remarks were made at a seminar on 'Security Challenges to the North East : Assessment and Way Forward' organised by Assam Rifles and the USI.  

Lt Gen Ghai 

Many of the challenges affecting the north east have "trans-national dimension", he remarked underlining of importance of elements like intelligence sharing and diplomatic engagements. 

However, he went onto add that -- "It will always surprise some people to know that our Military to Military engagements with many of the neighbourhood countries today ... the way the relations exist ....are possibly the better than the diplomatic engagements that we are having with these countries". 

"The North East of India is neither an appendage nor a burden. It is India's eastern conscious, a civilisational bridge to South East Asia and for those of us who served there. it is the most demanding and also the most rewarding place that you could have possibly served," he said.  

The challenges on the frontier are real and they have also evolved; but so "is our response", the deputy chief of Army added. Dwelling on various facets of security-related issues; he said - without political legitimacy the Security element cannot make a better sense. 

"Therefore, the most durable counter insurgency retreat in the north east is Mizoram," he pointed out.  

Even matters and groups involved in Nagaland and Bodo areas have "been at the negotiating table", he said adding "that's the final barometer of success".  

The role of Assam Rifles has been significant in north east of India; he said the paramilitary force has been at the centre of "consolidation of peace in the region". There has been a "notable diminishing" instances of insurgencies in these states. 

"So, what can be the road ahead ... firstly border infrastructure and connectivity. But .... you may build as many roads; you will still require technology," he said.  

Reconciliation and political settlement ... is vital, General Ghai said adding, "The lasting settlement in north east will invariably and finally rest on Political Solutions and negotiations ... that cannot be wished away".  

DGAR Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera 

Let us shun the word Mainstream, says DGAR Lt Gen Lakhera 

Speaking on the occasion, DG Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera said sometimes I feel "why this region is called north east ... but there is no north west and no south west".  

"We also talk about another word ... which is Mainstream .... I think this country has only one stream; that's the Indian stream. I think we should shun this word Mainstream. 

"We all are equal partners of our nation and the north east of India which is the far east and by 2047, the north east of India will definitely play a stellar role in each and every manner possible".  

He further added: -- "Generally when we talk of north east, we discuss Security situation; but is it so?"

ends 

Rahul Gandhi continues to be a 'blessing' to Modi ::: Congress 'drowned' into dynastic Slavery .... Rest of the Opposition find themselves helpless and hijacked by Crown Prince's Tantrum

In every sense there was no justification to bring a No Confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Not only the number factor; even on merits the Congress and other opposition parties did not have any solid point to make against Om Birla. Thus, the defeat of No Trust motion against Speaker was yet another costly miscalculation by a fractured opposition.

The episode underscores the continued inability of the INDIA bloc to translate procedural manoeuvres into effective parliamentary pressure — and hands the BJP a ready-made narrative heading into the remainder of the Budget Session.

Rahul Gandhi remains the commander-in-chief of a party not only in failures; but a party that remains wedded to mistakes. 

Incidentally, the Congress is the only national opposition party but it disorganised, weak and lacking effective leadership. It flails when not in power goes the refrain.

It made considerable ground nevertheless in 2024 having won 99 seats. But arrogance is its characteristic and if this is a virtue; prospect of political divided is less. Worse, the Congress party seldom learns any political lesson.  The 2014, the 2019 and the 2024 polls - the Congress suffered a third consecutive electoral defeat.

This did throw out the question of 'political viability' of the grand old party and yet hardly any corrective step has been taken. The 'Gandhi family' is accused of elitism and Rahul Gandhi remains a symbol of a dynast who is not only far away from ground reality; but he is grossly arrogant.

 

No step taken to strengthen the party organisation because Rahul Gandhi is solely depending on trying gimmicks like Vote Chori or Chowkidar Chor hae slogans to unseat Narendra Modi. On the other hand India's Prime Minister remains the most popular popular icon of last two decades.

This has given Modi the confidence as he says India under him will brave throw the new Gulf war crisis and LPG shortage if any as the people and the country did come through the turbulent days of Covid19 crisis.  For many Congress leaders within its ranks, the party without the the dynastic control is "unfathomable". Hence Rahul Gandhi remains the only recognisable face of the party. 

The power lies with him even as Malikarjun Kharge is there as a rubber stamp president. The 'family' has over the years instead enhanced its grip on the party structure. It now has three MPs - Rahul and his sister Priyanka in Lok Sabha and their Italian-born mother (reportedly ailing) Sonia Gandhi has moved to the Upper House of parliament.

"Indians like selflessness and the spirit of sacrifice. The Congress party and the dynasty is just the anti-thesis. And yet they think voters will endorse them," says Kolkata-based Ashirbad Poddar, whose father served in the Congress party for decades in Bihar.  Many like him talk about Narendra Modi's 2014 national pledge - 'Congress Mukt Bharat'. 

However, in Assam - analyst Ashutosh Talukdar says -- "Modi wants o create an India without Congress. This is not wiping out the party as may suggest. It actually meant wiping out the Gandhi dynasty and the Congress seems determined to resist that even at the cost of the future of the party itself". 

Much may still depend on UP elections in 2027 

The Congress party has to quickly take corrective step and work on organisation and next year's elections in UP and Punjab in particular. There is a political vacuum in Punjab and if the cards are played well; the Congress may unseat AAP in the critical northern state.

 

In Uttar Pradesh of course, it cannot come to power on its own. But it can play a key role as an associate of the Samajwadi Party.  

In 2024 parliamentary polls, the dynamics of 'differences' within BJP came up in Uttar Pradesh and hence they paid a huge price.   

It was the INDIA bloc alliance, led by Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi party, working closely alongside the Congress party led by Gandhi, that proved to be a winning formula. However, it is easier said than done especially the BJP - a party that is a very quick learner. 

UP is India’s largest and politically crucial state with 80 parliamentary seats.

It was/is a BJP bastion since 2017 in particular. Earlier in 2014, BJP's performance was exemplary.

But the fact is after Akhilesh Yadav and Congress party including Rahul Gandhi and sister Priyanka worked collectively pushing a narrative vis-a-vis fears over losing caste protections, they managed to win maximum seats.

People from lower-caste backgrounds prior to 2024 Lok Sabha polls had voted BJP rather overwhelmingly.  

Yogi Adityanath could be immensely popular but 10 year's incumbency should not be ignored from political considerations completely. As they say there is a 'groundswell of dissatisfaction' with the total dominance of the BJP and one or two upper castes. And this has to be tapped.  

But primarily, both Samajwadi Party and the Congress will have to work to a plan and do so sincerely. 

The Congress party has been allegedly facing existential questions about its both long term and short term future amid a groundswell of malaise within its ranks. 

Correction must come from within, and it should come soon. 

Congress should come out of the present stage of having 'drowned' itself into dynastic Slavery.

Rest of the Opposition should not allow the polity to be hijacked by Crown Prince Rahul's Tantrum. 

ends 

Russia is the “only winner” of the Iran-US and Israel conflict !! :::: The war "exposes" the limits of Russia’s eroding influence in Middle East

Russia sees the war as carrying “risks, but also many opportunities”

The crude oil supply can be partially managed through diversification.

The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) may prove harder to replace if disruptions in the Gulf persist.

European Council President António Costa said Russia is the “only winner” of the conflict so far.

For Moscow, the developments related to the latest West Asia war appear to present an opportunity for its sanctioned oil. Some caution that the war could ultimately benefit Russia. 

Highlight : India purchased around 1.5 million barrels per day of Russian oil in March, up from 1.04 million barrels per day in February.

The effects of this distraction are not limited to Ukraine or the Middle East. Some analysts suggest the war offers Moscow an opportunity to test U.S. readiness in other theaters as well.

Bob Hamilton, a former U.S. Defense Department official, says that the conflict represents a double-edged equation for Moscow. The war is like “a sword with two edges—it has positive aspects and negative ones.”

On one hand, the conflict could give Moscow an opportunity to benefit from higher energy prices and divert Western attention away from Ukraine. 

On the other, it exposes the limits of Russia’s eroding influence in the Middle East.

“Iran was the second pillar of Russia’s strategy in the Middle East alongside Syria, and now Moscow has lost both,” Hamilton added.

** Bangladesh has sought US waiver to buy Russian oil  

India's Russian oil imports jump 50% in March 2026 as Middle East war hits energy supply

India currently consumes about 5.8 million barrels of crude oil per day, with nearly 88 per cent of that demand met through imports. A large portion of these supplies typically comes from Middle Eastern producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.  

The shipments of crude oil from the traditional suppliers in the Gulf region are delayed. India, which is the third-largest crude oil importer in the world, is seeking alternative sources to meet its massive demand and ensure its domestic markets are kept stable.  

A test case Bangladesh !!  

Bangladesh imported 3 lakh tonnes of petrol during the same period -- between January 2025 and March 2026.

Only five percent, or around 36,000 tonnes, came from the Middle Eastern countries Oman and Qatar, while the largest share was sourced from Singapore, which supplied around 1.15 lakh tonnes, accounting for about 38 percent of total petrol imports. For diesel and furnace oil, Bangladesh relied heavily on Singapore and Malaysia, with no supplies sourced from Middle Eastern countries.  

During the last 14 months, Bangladesh imported around 20.69 lakh tonnes of crude oil, of which Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iraq supplied around 13 lakh tonnes, or 63 percent of the total. Malaysia was another supplier, selling 3 lakh tonnes of crude oil, which was 15 percent of the total crude petroleum imports.

Bangladesh imports crude and refined fuel oil from a range of countries including Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, 

-- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar in the Middle East, as well as Singapore, Malaysia and India, to meet its annual demand of roughly 70 lakh tonnes.

India currently consumes about 5.8 million barrels of crude oil per day, with nearly 88 per cent of that demand met through imports. A large portion of these supplies typically comes from Middle Eastern producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.  

It has been 12 days since the US-Israel war on Iran pushed the Middle East into turmoil.

There is already fears of a global energy crisis. 

Many countries, including Pakistan, have taken austerity measures, such as introducing a four-day workweek for public employees and announcing holidays for schools beginning March 16.  

On March 10, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said in an interview with CNBC that Russia had informed Trump it was not sharing information with Iran about U.S. military assets.

This ambiguity serves Moscow. It appears to want to support its Iranian partner enough to keep it standing, but without sliding into a direct confrontation with Washington or risking its relations with other partners in the Gulf.

ends 

"Those who are accustomed to dynastic privilege will feel equality is injustice" :::: Shah blasts Rahul, says Opp. "lowered the structure/prestige of Indian democracy deeper than Patal (underground or hell)

Using the metaphor of patal (underground), he further added that the opposition MPs have lowered the structure of Indian democracy deeper than it.   

During the debate on No Trust motion against Lok Sabha Speaker, Home Minister Amit Shah defended Om Birla strongly and questioned the significance of the Opposition party's intent.

Alleging the Opposition motion had severe shortcomings, he told the House that the Speaker is the Chief of Lok Sabha, elected with the support of both the government and the opposition, and that doubting his intentions shakes the basic foundations of Indian democracy. 

Amit Shah shreds Rahul Gandhi

Refers to "Winks, kisses, low attendance" 

While defending the Lok Sabha speaker during his speech on the no-trust motion, Amit Shah launched a scathing attack against the Leader of the Opposition for his alleged low attendance in Parliament and took a jibe at his foreign trips and actions like winking eyes and blowing flying kisses.  

Shah cited that Rahul Gandhi had an attendance of approximately 51 per cent during the 17th Lok Sabha. This figure was contrasted against a national average of 79 per cent for the same period.

During the high-voltage debate he stated that Rahul Gandhi's attendance in the 15th and 16th Lok Sabha stood at 43 per cent and 52 per cent, respectively. 

The Home Minister's remarks, which included accusations that Gandhi travels abroad during key parliamentary sessions, triggered loud protests from Opposition MPs who demanded an apology. 

KC Venugopal and other Congress leaders interrupted the speech, questioning why the debate had shifted focus from the Speaker to the Leader of the Opposition's personal record.  The Hindu Logo

Amit Shah said Congress members spoke for more than 175 hours in Lok Sabhe, "which Speaker stopped you?"

The resolution seeking the removal of Om Birla as Speaker was on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) defeated in Lok Sabha by a voice vote.

 Amid protests and sloganeering by the opposition seeking an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP lawmaker Jagdambika Pal, who was in the chair, announced that the no-confidence motion was defeated.

Pal earlier urged the opposition to take their seats so that he could put the motion to a vote. But as the protests continued, he sought the vote of the House and the resolution was rejected by a voice vote and the treasury bench members raising their hands.

Among others, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and Rajnath Singh were present in the House. 

Amit Shah said that while it is true Rahul Gandhi has to travel to different places for the party’s purposes and publicity, but he had also skipped the President’s speech, the Budget, and debate on Article 370. 

"During key parliamentary sessions, he travels abroad and then says he is not allowed to speak,” the Home Minister said.

Several Opposition leaders, speaking during the debate complained of the post of Deputy Speaker lying vacant, microphones being switched off, Opposition members being disallowed to speak.

"China is a part of UNSC because of the so-called liberalisation of Jawaharlal Nehru" -- Amit Shah

He also said that the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation got allotment of  Rs 1,35,00,000 from the government, but the FCRA licence of the foundation was revoked in 2022.

He asks what research was done by the “people of Congress” with the money.

He said that the Congress government signed a MoU with the Chinese Communist government.

Gandhi family's dynastic privilege makes them feel they can do no wrong ;

Tejasvi Surya

“I consider it a political, constitutional and moral duty to support the custodian of this House. The Main reason for a motion of this kind is the Congress party, and particularly the Gandhi family’s inability to accept equal treatment before everybody. 

Those who are accustomed to dynastic privilege will feel that equality is injustice. The Congress party feels that the Gandhi’s can do no wrong,”  said Surya.

ends 

Analysis : Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the Gulf War in 1991 provided the foundation of many changes ::: Mystery about -- “The Iranian people have called on me"

2026 ::: One camp of Maga world figures has thrown its weight behind Maryam Rajavi, the Paris-based leader of the Mujahedin-e Khalq, or MEK, 

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the Gulf War in 1991 provided the foundation of many changes.

First there started an era of cooperation between the US and Qatar. 

Some countries like the UAE embraced the new world order of the supremacy of might and money. Saudi Arabia continued with is influential religious and cultural baggage. But following the latest US-Israel conflict with Iran; carefully choreographed image of stability is being blown away. 

From Qatar perspective there was another important feature.  In 2011, Qatar gave upon itself a new role. Earlier it believed in mediation between conflicting interests of the west and the Arab world. But in 2011 it started exerting soft power by using influential media tool, Al Jazeera. It covered the Arab Spring unrest extensively and handled smartly issues related to support for 'regime change', financial and military aid and the so-called media propaganda.  

The use of Al-Jazeera, originally set up in 1996, was a clear expression of Qatar's role in regional politics. 

As a US battle group steamed to the Gulf in November 2002, competing Iraqi exiles, some championed by American insiders, jockeyed for position in the hopes of taking charge once George W Bush toppled Saddam Hussein. Bloomberg dubbed them “Iraq’s unruly opposition”.

The most notorious Iraqi exile, failed former banker Ahmad Chalabi, boasted to his neoconservative allies that his return to Baghdad would be welcomed by cheering throngs. Among his competition was a former doctor named Ayad Allawi, who was backed by Britain’s MI6 and the Central Intelligence Agency in his bid for support to rule Iraq.

Now it is Iranian rather than Iraqi exile factions who are tugging at the sleeves of American officials, jostling for the White House blessing to lead a future government of Iran following Donald Trump’s massive military operation. 

Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s former personal attorney, and one-time CIA director Mike Pompeo are among Rajavi’s most vocal supporters. Soon after US strikes began, Giuliani insisted that the MEK was poised to replace the regime. “They have a shadow government ready to go.”

Rajavi tried to stake a claim fast, announcing a “provisional government” the day the US bombing started.

Seven days later another figure, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, stepped in to contend that he will be in charge. “The Iranian people have called on me,” he said in a social media video.  

Both Pahlavi and Rajavi tout their political credentials and promises of grassroots support, but neither leader has the ties to Washington, or its security establishment, that the 2002 Iraqi candidates once enjoyed.

points to take  note :

Qatar's patronage of Hamas posed a problem for the United States as the Palestinian faction had been declared a terrorist organisation. 

Qatar's ability to balance these relationships was put to test when Israel directed its military operations against Hamas in December 2008. 

The gas-rich Gulf state used its financial prowess to assert influence by pledging US$250 million for a Gaza reconstruction fund.

In October 2012, the Emir of Qatar became the first head of state to visit Gaza after the formation of the Hamas government. He called for reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, and pledged an additional US$400 million aid for Gaza.

ends