Eat, Pray and Go back to War ?? Paradox of our time ... a country that plays hide and seek with Terror and FATF norms hosting 'Peace Summit' ::: Pakis will shuttle and Indian Sickular gang to play cheer leaders

"If there were not an Israel, we’d have to invent one,” Joe Biden had said long back in 1986. 

There's a theory - called the bigger power of the biggest mischief maker.

In 2026; Donald Trump must be saying - "If there were no Pakistan and if there was no Munir ... we would have to inven them".

Welcome to human world's biggest dilemma of circa 2026.

A rogue nation is hosting the most crucial Peace Summit of the new century.  Pakistan is a country well known as one that plays hide and seek with Terror and FATF norms !!

    

More about 'power of lobbying' vis-a-vis Israel. You should get a better clue.

In the US, for example, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee lobby has spent $221m since December 2021, including on huge donations to political campaigns. Of course Pakistan is a beggar country and ask Trump - he would say ---

"an useful beggar under my favourite Field Marshal".   

It may this way. The best hope for the ceasefire talks in Pakistan is that both the United States and Iran have strong reasons to call a halt to the war. 

The biggest obstacle to their success is a total absence of trust.

Ask Shehbaz Sharif; he may have to agree that there is no discernible common ground.

Moreover, Israel, America's full partner in the war, has hugely escalated its onslaught on Lebanon. Israel also gave a mouthful to Pakistan and its foreign minister. 

There are a few more interesting stuff.  

The Pakistani intermediaries including the country's PM - who circulated a 'draft tweet' will have to be shuttling between the two delegations.

Pak diplomats - poor fellows - will have a tough job on their hands. 

The declared positions of the two sides are as far apart as it is possible to be.

Trump has his 15-point plan that has not been officially released but "leaked" deliberately.

Iranian diplomats know what Washington wants is more like a surrender document.

Pakistan is the interlicutor?

On the other hand, Iran's 10-point plan contains a list of demands that America has consistently rejected in the past.

Even informal sources in India say creating a meaningful atmosphere for Peace so that Pakistanis and Indian Sickular gang led by Congress leaders can celebrate; they would need something more on the table. They would need some kind of agreement to at least keep talking.

Moreover, time is limited. 15 days. 

 

For more drama; Donald Trump is already speaking about the war in the 'past tense'. 

He has declared victory. But he needs an exit route. Vice President J D Vance will be thinking about 2028 Presidential election more than the Iran-US issues.

The US President is behaving like India's very own Rahul Gandhi. Only jeans and T-shirt is missing.

Not only does Trump have a state visit from King Charles later this month, he also seeks to hold a summit meet with China's President Xi Jinping in May.

November 2026 is midterm elections in the US.

The Americans will needs petrol prices to fall.

But Trump is superb capable. He mistook Persian DNA with those in Venezuela.

So he has to make a good combo of War with high-flying diplomatic engagements, Royal visits and an irritant called mid-term elections.

Now, come to Pakistan's third neighbour - Iran.

Two others are very much well known India and Afghanistan.

Iran's regime has "own reasons" to press Peace button.

But it has remained as defiant as ever. It still knows and have the appetite to launch missiles and drones.

Truth is - Iran has suffered massive damage since Feb 28th.

Cities have come to an economic standstill and the regime needs time to regroup. 

Look the other way again. Trump openly defies international law – but the rest of the world aso understand that the so-called international law was already in ruins. 

India too knows it and so does Israel, Russia and China.

Israel committed war crimes in Gaza with western-supplied weapons. Since the international criminal court issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, many western states have refused to honour them. 

The international judges were put on a sanctions list by the US and the European governments forgot 'lectures on Democracy' and abandoned them. 

For a change, as Indians we must sympathise with Pakistanis. 

Hope for Miracles while drawing strength from the Ghazal: 

"Chupke chupke asu behena ....".

 

ends 

"Har ishq ka ek waqt hota hai" ::::: Remembering the star, Rishi Kapoor :::: 'Bobby' was not made to launch Rishi; the film was actually made to clear Raj Kapoor's financial debts of 'Mera Naam Joker'

April 30 happens to be Rishi Kapoor's death anniversary. Here we may look into his life and times and of course some of his performances on the silver screen.

Born 4 September 1952, Rishi Kapoor expired on 30th of April, 2020 .. around the time when the world was confronting Covid19 and India was dealing with Lockdown and related challenges. 

With regard Rishi Kapoor, it may not be wrong to suggest say after so many decades that the son of legendary Raj Kapoor - Rishi could not be anything else other than being an actor. 

Prior to Bobby itself - Rishi Kapoor walked away with the 1971 National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his incredible performance in 'Mera Naam Joker'.

'Bobby' was one of the decade's biggest hits and in contrast 'Mera Naam Joker' had flopped commercially even though it was billed as one of the dream projects of Raj Kapoor. Dreams, hard work and quality performance not always get rewarded!

Making his debut in 1970 film 'Mera Naam Joker',  Rishi had played a childhood/basically an adolescent role of his father and left his mark certainly.

In an interview in 2012, Rishi had stated: "There was a misconception that the film 'Bobby' was made to launch me as an actor. The film was actually made to pay the debts of 'Mera Naam Joker'. 

"Dad (Raj Kapoor) wanted to make a teenage love story and he did not have money to cast Rajesh Khanna in the film"."

Life is about 'Reflection and Cyling' - snap Amarjeet Singh (once a lensman with The Statesman) 

For many years Dimple Kapadia had gone into oblivion. In 1985, came in 'Saagar' and yet again the silver screen magic was created between Rishi and Dimple.

'Saagar' was a comeback film for Dimple and it also became India's official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1985. Of course, ever talented Kamal Hassan mesmerised the audience with his melancholy emotive touch as a 'wounded lover'!

Kamal Hassan bagged the Filmfare Best Actor award, his first and only award in that category for a Hindi film. 

'Karz' was magical and musical. 

The film's ever-hit number 'Ek Haseena Thi, Ek Diwana Tha' by Kishore Kumar attracts youngsters of this new era - Gen Zee too. 

The song is used in new era movies 'Haseen Dillruba' (2021) and its sequel 'Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba' (2024).

The romantic thriller films available on Netflix, has Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, and Harshvardhan Rane (2021) / Sunny Kaushal (2024). They follow a suspenseful love story filled with investigation and mystery and the song is used in brilliant manner.   

....perhaps the best tribute for Rishi Kapoor - a permanent heartthrob came some years back when his 'Bobby' co-star Dimple Kapadia had said: "I lost my heart some years back(during filming Boby), and yet to get it back".

Rishi's mass level success came in 1973 with 'Bobby', and it was around the same time Bollywood had its dream run with 'Sholay' - both the films were direct anti-thesis to each other. 

One a love story, rebellion of the younger lot and the other almost a 'masala' variety but with very powerful and magical dialogues.

'Karz' directed by Subhash Ghai was another run away success and it had established Rishi's toehold in the industry. In later films - he displayed talent in more ways than one and put out severally critically acclaimed role.

Who can forget his role as a NRI dad in 'Namaste London' -- who has to lament the manner his daughter behaves and dismisses her marriage with an Indian backhome.

Again in 'Damini', came in another emotional performance by a husband who is distraught with his parents' approach towards his wife and he screams helplessly: 

"aadmi jhoot kyon bolta hae (Why does one have to depend on falsehood)".

In some of these films, Rishi's co stars shine and walk away with limelight but none can ignore the supporting effectiveness provided by him as well.

Some may also believe that perhaps his uncle and father - Shashi Kapoor and Raj Kapoor were far more talented and were better quality stars than him. 

Now let us take a closer look at some of his catchy oneliner dialogues!

In 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', he has a classy comment: 

"Har ishq ka ek waqt hota hai ... woh hamara waqt nahi tha ... par iska yeh matlab nahi ki woh ishq nahi tha 

(Every love has its own time ... that time was not ours ... but that does not mean that the love itself was not there)".

Video link 

'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' Rishi's dialogue

Then there is a very powerful dialogue depicting the predicament of our time and some of these issues are only discussed closed door.

"Agar Aap Meri Dadhi Or Osama Bin Laden Ke Dadhi Mein Farak Nahe Kar Parahain To Bhe Mujhai Haq Hai Mere Sunnat Nebhanay Ka"

 (If you cannot distinguish between my beard and that of Osama bin Laden, I still have the right to follow my religious ritual) -- says Rishi in 'Mulk' - 

-- a film based on the story of a Muslim family trying to reclaim its lost honor after a young member is caught in terror act.

ends 

White Papers on Corruption, Political violence, and Restoration of law and order ; BJP pledges Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal ::: "We will be in Opposition for another 20 years than sit with someone who builds Babri Masjid in Bengal," - says Amit Shah

BJP's Chanakya for electoral politics and and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday:

"Several BJP-ruled states have implemented the Uniform Civil Code. Within six months, we will implement the UCC in Bengal and ensure that a single, uniform set of laws applies to all citizens across the state... 

We will not only seal Bengal's borders against infiltrators but also ensure that not a single cow is smuggled out of India through Bengal..." 

On the viral video of AJUP founder Humayun Kabir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Kolkata:

"You may be unaware of Mamata Ji's capabilities; she is capable of producing 2000 such videos. 

Humayun Kabir and the BJP are like the South Pole and the North Pole—we can never align. We would rather sit in the opposition for another 20 years than sit alongside those who build the Babri Masjid in Bengal."  

On the Malda incident, Amit Shah says, "...The Supreme Court and the Election Commission have taken cognisance of this and have ensured that the elections this time are free from fear... 

BJP cadres are also committed to elections without fear."  

Meanwhile, on his viral video, AJUP leader Humayun Kabir said: 

"...A video from 19th December is being made viral on April 8. What was CM Mamata Banerjee doing all these days?...I will answer them in the High Court. 

Mamata Banerjee shares good relations with BJP and RSS. Together, they are doing this against me. 

On AIMIM withdrawing its alliance with his party, he says, "Ask them about this. I have nothing to say."  

Amit Shah also said:

"Within 45 days, the BJP Government in West Bengal will complete the task of making available to the Ministry of Home Affairs all the land required by it... 

We will once again take forward schemes such as the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM KUSUM Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana 3.0, and Khelo India...". 

The BJP leader pledged further that: 

"We will constitute a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate all instances of political violence—regardless of which party was targeted—

and ensure that every case is brought to its logical conclusion... 

Three White Papers will be introduced to address corruption, political violence, and the restoration of law and order...".  

"Our government will move forward with a strategy of zero tolerance towards infiltrators. Dearness Allowance (DA) will be ensured for all government employees and pensioners, and the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission will be implemented within just 45 days...  

The BJP government will transfer Rs 3,000 into the bank account of every mother between the 1st and the 5th of every month... We will implement all BJP schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, in West Bengal...",  

"This manifesto is a path to bring every section of Bengal out of despair. It will show a new way out for farmers surrounded by various kinds of fears... This manifesto will also place before the people of Bengal the roadmap for the developed India envisioned by Prime Minister Modi... 

The people are frightened and disillusioned. The people want change from the heart... Today we are working as the main opposition party in the Bengal Assembly...". 

ends 

Swinging Political Pendulum ::::: Modi’s failure to seize Bengal will be seen as failures of pro-Hindutva over-zealous nationalistic politics ::: "If Mamata wants continuity for the sake of it; people may no longer be impressed"

If it can defeat Mamata Banerjee and wrest power in West Bengal; the BJP will emerge almost as an Unstoppable political force in the sub-continent.

In 2021 also the situation was almost similar. It was then 'defeated' by a strong-rooted regional party, that is the Trinamool Congress. 

"People had enough. People are oppressed and repressed. They want change."

How is the political pendulum now swinging in 2026 ? 

What are the issues at stakes?  

Firstly, the West Bengal poll outcome either way - either in favaour of the TMC or the BJP -- will be in the ultimate analysis decided not by one or two factors. It will be decided by a combination of longstanding local factors, financial or economic factors - 

** which is essentially at all three levels - global, national (Modi Govt's performance) 

*** and local - that is provincial and based on Mamata's delivery.

If the BJP wins Bengal, immediate statement would be that the mandate have been "spun" as validation of Modi's performance vis-s-vis leading Double Engine governments in states where the Lotus party either has a chief minister or has its coalition partner(s) such as TDP or JD-U in power. 

On the other hand, PM Naredndra Modi’s failure to seize Bengal will be seen in part as failures of pro-Hindutva over-zealous nationalistic politics in a province that believes in cultural autonomy and wants to hold on to its linguistic and habitual (food) pride. 

These have been so important that even Maccher Jhol or BJP's fascination for vegetarian dishes are now election issues. 

If Mamata wins, if will be her fourth term return to power. The first was in 2011 and then in 2016 and 2021.  

For chief ministership, Narendra Modi himself won thrice - 2002, 2007 and 2012. In 2014 - of course, Modi came to national polity as the Prime Minister.

His party has won two subsequent elections in Gujarat - 2017 and 2022. Once under chief minister Late Vijay Rupani and second time under Bhupendra Patel, also the incumbent CM.

From amongst BJP leaders; Shivraj Singh Chouhan had won twice - 2008 and 2013 and failed in 2018. 

But in 2023 while the BJP won in Madhya Pradesh; Shivraj has been replaced as the chief minister.  Hence, if TMC returns; Mamata's stakes will certainly go up the ladder in national politics. 

Will she emerge as a challenger to Rahul Gandhi's position as an anchor man for opposition unity will have to be seen ?

                       Communist supporters are still there in some parts of West Bengal 

Multiple factors have shaped the politics of Bengal and also can now help explain the fate of a maverick TMC supremo.

- Sort of conviction that last 15 years saw Misgovernance and lawlessness. The economic decline of West Bengal has been exemplary while other states including Odisha and even Assam in north east beyond river Brahmaputra have come up the ladder.

- The emergence of a 'genuine' alternative in BJP. Marginalisation of Communists and Congress - the 'evils' of both describe the epitome of Trinamool politics.

- The corruption and incompetence embedded over 'unchallenged' Tolabaji

- A largely 'unreconstructed ideological language' that makes aspirational younger Bengalis to flee home state.

- No more tricks of a demagogue who had over the years 'cleverly exploited' the weakness of the emotional voters to position herself for power. 

Mamata's trusted aide Partha Chatterjee being taken into custody in 2022

Partha Chatterjee, once second in command in Trinamool Congress and a former Education Minister, was arrested by the ED in July 2022 following the seizure of over Rs 50 crore in cash and gold from properties linked to his close aide, Arpita Mukherjee. 

The raids were part of an investigation into a teacher recruitment scam.

The scale of fraud by TMC was unmatched. In April 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel the appointments of approximately 25,753 staff members from the 2016 recruitment panel.

"Tainted beyond Repair": The courts ruled that the entire selection process was "vitiated by fraud," involving manipulated OMR sheets, rank-jumping, and appointments for candidates who submitted blank answer scripts. 

The end of Left era 

The end of communism in 2011 marked a paradigm shift. 

The Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm had said around 2011 that the collapse of the Left forces in West Bengal was one of the developments that had surprised him most in recent years. 

There were hasty 'rebuttal's from the CPI-M leadership in Delhi and in Kolkata. The communists have survived in Kerala but it practically vanished in West Bengal and also got marginalised in Tripura - with a substantial tribal and Christian population. 

Now that focus has moved to the TMC. Will it meet the fate of the communists or the Congress - which last lasted power in West Bengal only in the 1970s.

Analyst Ramakanto Shanyal says: "If you say TMC is nervous; I may have to agree. Mamata Banerjee almost lost her sense of reading people's pulse. It appears, they know they are going to lose but what is important is how they fight.

Unfortunately, the TMC is fighting almost taking a wrong path highlighting wrong issues. Freebies like Lalkhir Bhandar, she is banking.

If they want continuity for the sake of it; people may no longer be impressed". 

In North Bengal, a Christian pastor says - "Politics has changed a lot. The BJP knows where they can hurt the Trinamool and its leader the most... The Muslim support base. That's a reality. On the other hand Mamata Banerjee seems no longer knows which buttons to press".  

His refrain is based on ground zero analysis. 

Several 'bedrocks' of TMC support have grown disillusioned by broken promises of development and failures of government apparatus.

Others may agree with this refrain; but some also say even if BJP comes to power; effective governance will be a highly challenging task.

The Lotus party may need a leader of Yogi Adityanath's guts and Narendra Modi's political acumen. Suvendu Adhikari does not really fit that bill.

ends   

"TMC ka koi goonda kanoon se bachne walah nahi hae" :::::: Modi's Big Time 6 Point Guarantee include ::: "Mantri ho ya Santri ... Kanoon sabka hisab karega" ::::: "All old files related to rape and any wrong doing will be opened"

Important takeaway points on PM Narendra Modi and BJP's poll campaign in West Bengal 

Citing BJP’s performance in the 2021 Assembly elections, PM Narendra Modi pointed to Purba Medinipur, where the party had won 15 of 16 seats, and said the rest of Bengal was now following the district’s path.

Modi's 6 Guarantee for West Bengal include 

1 "Eradicate Bhoy" -- 

The BJP will bring in Bharosa replacing Bhoy (fear). "People's faith in law (Bharosa) will return under BJP".

2 Under BJP Govt's system and administrative machinery will be made accountable vis-a-vis service to people.

3. All scandals, all corruption and injustice meted to women will face the rule of Law

(all old files related to rape and any wrong doing will be opened)

4. Under TMC whoever has done corruption will have to go to prison (Mantri ho ya Santri) 

"TMC ka koi goonda kanoon se bachne walah nahi hae"

5. 

Those who have come to India seeking "shelters" (chiefly Hindus from Bangladesh) will get justice according to Constitution. 

But those who are ghus-petia (illegal infiltrators); they will be chased out. 

"They will not be allowed to stay in India"

6. The first thing that will be done here after BJP comes to power will be implementation of the 7th Pay Commission. 

 

At another rally in Asansol, PM Narendra Modi claimed that the state’s once-thriving industrial belt had declined under the TMC government. 

He said investment had “taken flight” and pitched the BJP’s “double-engine government” as the solution to revive industry. 

The Centre has allocated Rs 45,000 crore for the revival of industries in the region.

He also raised concerns over women’s safety, claiming that West Bengal ranks high in acid attack cases, and alleged that the state’s contribution to the national gross domestic product has declined over the years.

"People have punished Congress .... BJP will win 75 seats of its own" ::::: Assam Polls 2026: Voters turnout 85.60% .... It could go further ::: "High voting percentage means high vote for BJP", says a confident Himanta

 Assam Polls 2026: Voters turnout 85.60%  

"You can analyse the results that high voting percentage means high votes for the BJP and NDA," Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters.  

"The Congress party wanted to influence the outcome of Assam elections by forging documents," he said adding this is a criminal offence and not merely a defamation case as happens with normal political allegations.    

"Pawan Khera is going to spend a pretty long time in Assam jail".  

"I have seen in our Assamese villages voting percentage has gone up to 95 per cent. It never happened that way earlier. I think the additional vote which you have seen has come from our traditional supporters," Himanta said. 

In a significant shift from the previous Assembly polls held in three phases in 2021, this year’s election in Assam was conducted in a single phase.

A total of 2.5 crore voters were entitled to exercise their franchise in what was dubbed as one of the most closely watched political contests in the Northeast especially since 2014 - when Narendra Modi became PM or in 2016 when the BJP-led NDA had ousted the erstwhile Tarun Gogoi ministry of the Congress party. 

In the 126-member assembly, the majority mark is 64. 

"The BJP on its own will win 75 seats," he asserted, adding while the saffron party will be able to form the government of its own  but it would be a NDA ministry. 

Answering questions on personal allegations leveled against him and his wife by the Congress party especially Pawan Khera; the second BJP CM in Assa after Sarbananda Sonowal leader said: 

"That is why the people have punished the Congress party today. This is because when you level allegations and you cannot substantiate ...that too 72 hours before the elections; you always run the risk". 

Himanta further went onto say - "The Congress party miscalculated.. if they wanted to bring in allegations; they should have come out with clean proof. The false allegations, manufacturing documents ... the Congress has lost a large number of votes which otherwise would have gone to the Congress".   

ends 

What's not so great and what could be Great about US-Iran delegations meet in Islamabad ? ::: Pakistan now 'does not have' a regular US ambassador

Pakistan is preparing itself to host the much expected US-Iran talks on ending the now infamous six week-war of 2026.

 

                A labourer paints kerbs ahead of the visit of US and Iranian delegations in Islamabad 

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said on April 8 that talks could continue for up to 15 days — suggesting the possibility that at least some members of the delegations may stay in Islamabad beyond Saturday, or return to the Pakistani capital for subsequent rounds of talks.

Islamabad’s Serena Hotel located close to the foreign ministry in the capital’s Red Zone will host the delegations.  

Washington has confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation, joined by President Donald Trump’s top envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Nomination of Vance to lead the US team in the parleys is significant as there are chances Vance may emerge a key contender for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.

Analysts say Vance has positioned himself as a cautious negotiator about prolonged US military involvement in the Middle East. 

Indian forces along the border 

Pakistan shares a 900km (560-mile) border with Iran and hosts the world’s second-largest Shia Muslim population after its neighbour.

These factors may enhance Pakistan's relevance to Tehran.

Unlike much of the Middle East, Pakistan does not host US military bases.

Does this 'gap' give any additional credibility in Iranian eyes?

Pakistan, however, has been designated a Major Non-NATO ally of the US since 2004.

But there is some deliberate confusion or predicament in the US-Pak ties. tThe US ambassadorial post in Islamabad has often remained vacant. It's a vacant slot now.

Since 2018, only one confirmed ambassador, Donald Blome, served from 2022 to early 2025. 

It will be a rare for a US vice president to visit a country where Americans do not have an ambassador.  

The last sitting US president to visit Pakistan was George W Bush in March 2006.

The last vice president to visit Pakistan was Joe Biden in January 2011. 

There are already reasons to be pessimistic about the talks. 

Iran’s 10-point proposal for peace calls for Iranian oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, 

-- the withdrawal of US combat forces from the Middle East

, and a halt to military operations against allied armed groups, among other demands.

Of course, the United States has not formally accepted these terms yet. But making quick U-turns have been a characteristic of the US administration's foreign policy under Trump.  

While a ceasefire deal is in place the stakeholders Iran and the US have been busy in the past 24 hours contradicting each other.

It's not clear on what's actually been agreed to, especially regarding Lebanon. 

It has put Pakistan, which mediated the deal, at the centre of the storm. Israel is continuing to bomb Lebanon. 

The US and Israel said Lebanon, which Tel Aviv has pounded since March 2, was never part of the ceasefire deal. According to Iran, it was. When Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the ceasefire between the US and Iran on Wednesday, he explicitly mentioned in capital letters that it applied "everywhere", including Lebanon.

"Iran and the United States, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere, 

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY," Sharif tweeted. 

But how much of 'immediate' and 'effective' is everyone's guessing game now !! 

Lebanon got embroiled in the conflict after the armed group Hezbollah, a proxy of Iran, attacked Israel. Israel retaliated by pounding Beirut and key Lebanese cities, killing over 1,500 people since March 2.

In a sharply worded statement, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US and Israel of violating the ceasefire. "In such a situation, a ceasefire or negotiations are unreasonable," said Ghalibaf. 

Interestingly further Ghalibaf is commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — which is leading Tehran’s military response in the war.  

ends