Americans hate inflation, but they get particularly irate about high fuel prices :::: Death Knell of Trumpism has finally sounded ::::: 'American electorate' votes decisively to curb President’s power

Donald Trump will now have to contend with angry Democrats in both the House and Senate. 

The Democrats can block his agenda, decide on government spending, and also initiate impeachment proceedings. This will make Trump a lame-duck president.  

Image : Tehran Times : Iranians know the significance of US mandate 

Americans may hate inflation, but they get particularly irate about high fuel prices.  

Now, with a Senate majority, Democrats will be able to investigate the president and his cabinet members, draw public attention to their own agenda items, assert Congress’s constitutional prerogatives, and block Republican judicial appointments.

In the coming days and weeks, Trump will alternately say that the Republican losses were fake – the result of fraud by a nefarious but ill-defined conspiracy of Democrats and illegal immigrants – and that they were real, but somebody else’s fault.  

America went to war with Iran, and everything changed.  

Washington once imagined that its war against Iran would be a swift demonstration of American military superiority. Months later, with the conflict still exacting a heavy economic and political price, the White House is discovering that wars do not always end when their architects declare victory. 

Sometimes, they come back home — and this time, they may arrive at the ballot box.  

Trump has acknowledged the role the war on Iran has played in Republican losses in the midterm elections. “I think a part of it was Iran, but at the same time, people understood the importance of what I’ve done with Iran,” Trump said during a telephone interview with Fox News.

Frustration among voters about inflation, and the rising cost of fuel and groceries have been among the main factors behind their rebuke to Republicans. Democrats tapped into this by campaigning heavily on affordability and domestic spending.

Trump embarked on the war on Iran with Israel in February without congressional authorisation. He could still order attacks, but he could also face constraints from the new Congress. Lawmakers could use their power to deny additional funding when the current government-funding bill expires on December 11.  

The 'Blue (pro-Democrats tsunami' reflects strong dissatisfaction with the direction in which Trump has taken the country over the past two years. 

Cost of living, rising cost of diesel, and the economic consequences due to the Iran war proved to be the bugbear for Trump and the Republicans.  

Of course, Trump, not known to accept defeats gracefully, can veto any bill passed by Congress. The eccentric US President has said he would "veto" Democratic legislation if necessary, and gave him the moniker "Mr Veto".

As per the US Constitution, a president can veto legislation passed by Congress. Overriding a presidential veto requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers, something Democrats are unlikely to achieve without help from Republicans.  

The Democratic Party has signalled they would investigate the Trump family's stock trading and cryptocurrency ventures, funding of his White House ballroom project and his administration's handling of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The business dealings of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and son Donald Trump Jr. are expected to see greater scrutiny. Jason Crow, a Colorado Congressman, has hinted at starting with the Pentagon amid reports of defence money being steered toward companies linked to the Trump family.

However, congressional investigations have limits. It cannot bring criminal charges itself and will have to refer to the Justice Department, which falls under the executive branch.

Oil prices surged to four-year highs. Diesel prices hit a record. And gas prices had never been this expensive on an Election Day.

Liangmai Naga Council steps in :::: In run to Manipur polls; all eyes on 'battle of guns and ballots' between Conrad's NPP and Neiphiu Rio's NPF

As possible elections dates for battle of 2027 are approaching faster than expected; the wide complexities of socio-political differences are coming to the fore among tribal and especially amongst Nagas of Manipur. 

The latest tale is from the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur.

The organisation has clarified that its decision to "remain unaffiliated" with the Zeliangrong Union (ZU) and Zeliangrong Baudi (ZB) was not a rejection of ancestral brotherhood with the Zeme, Rongmei and Inpui communities. 

Instead all these were due to "organisational divisions" within the Zeliangrong community. There are substantial Zeliangrong community in Manipur and various civil and even 'militant' bodies have their love-hate relationships with other Naga organisations - both overground and underground.  

As a backgrounder, it could be stated that at the Liangmai Naga Peoples’ Convention held on October 9, 2015, at Konsaram, the community adopted five point declarations. 

Under Declaration No. 3, the convention resolved to uphold the distinct recognition and use of the name ‘Liangmai’ in accordance with its separate Scheduled Tribe status in Manipur.

They wanted a distinct recognition and representation within the United Naga Council (UNC).  

All these issues are now coming to the fore in the run up to the assembly polls due by March 2027. The centre is keen to ensure a general 'peaceful atmosphere' to conduct polls. 

The failure of law and order may be attributed to the state Govt headed by chief minister Y Khemchand Singh; but failure to conduct polls will be considered as a failure of the Central government. In the Naga areas - which have 10 seats in the 60-member assembly; the chief battle is expected between NPF led by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and NPP led by Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma. 

The BJP may try one or two seats but looks difficult.  The Congress which won the Lok Sabha seat in 2024 is not expected to perform 'miracle' in the state polls for obvious reasons that it does not have power of influence in Delhi. 

BJP's Biren Singh and NPP boss Conrad Sangma 

But the assumption is things may not end at these levels only. The split in NSCN-IM and the series of disturbing incidents between Kukis and Nagas in some vulnerable pockets are bound to leave serious implications at the EVMs on the polling day. 

Like in Nagaland, the NSCN-IM and other armed groups often take keen interests in "Indian elections" in politically crucial seats in Manipur too. 

In 2026, the NSCN-IM has split with the creation of Eastern Flank. 

The security analysts in Delhi now are 'examining' how much would Eastern Flank cadres and leadership take interest in polls in Manipur. One refrain that is coming in for informal discussions among political elements is "whether and if the Eastern Flank backs NPP candidates". In such a situation, going would be tough for NPF candidates because on ground in key pockets of Manipur - the Eastern Flank has "better hold" than the Hebron camp.  

Due to obvious reasons, the Hebron and NPF leadership in Kohima are likely to "not disturb each other", analysts say attributing it to local issues related to Nagaland politics.   

Time to act decisive and firm : Manipur Challenge for Modi 

"We know what works during elections in Nagaland and parts of Manipur especially. One factor is - who is in power in Delhi - Congress, Janata Dal or BJP. The threats from different Naga factions should not create any fear psychosis," says a source in Delhi.

Another analysts added: "It is the high time for the Nagas to vote for the right party both in Nagaland and in Manipur. Under BJP, Manipur was doing pretty well between 2017 and 2023... some forces derailed all that". 

The moot point is - people have to rise above narrow considerations and "vote for parties and candidates who will work for the development of the state and peace".

Both Manipur and Nagaland states receive high financial support from the Govt of India and it should reached the grass roots.

The refrain also is - in Manipur, the BJP is against any experiments like "territorial council".  

There is an argument that the societies as a whole in Manipur and especially in Naga and Kuki areas have become "intoxicated and imprisoned" by identity politics. 

By viewing every identity as a potential geographic territory for possible self-rule, the communities have become exclusive, suspicious of one another and prone to violence. 

But they have harmed the common people's welfare and interests too.

ends 

Foreign Secy Vikram Misri meets Nepal Foreign Minister Khanal, discusses India-Nepal ties ::: Nepal’s proposed economic package with India also on agenda

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri began a two-day visit to Kathmandu on Wednesday, Nov 4, with a meeting with Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, tweeted -- "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal at the Ministry today.  On the occasion, various matters related to further deepening the multifaceted partnership and strengthening the age-old ties of friendship between Nepal and India were discussed."

Misri, who arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Amrit Bahadur Rai, paid a courtesy call on Khanal. 

Misri is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Rai over a working lunch. The discussions will cover the full range of bilateral relations, including Nepal’s proposed economic package with India.

Preparation related matters for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s planned visit to India, a review of Indian-funded projects in Nepal and potential new areas of cooperation are expected to figure at the talks. 

During his stay, Misri is also scheduled to meet Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle. 

He will call on Prime Minister Shah on Thursday (Nov 5) before returning to New Delhi.  Misri is expected to convey an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Shah to visit India.

Nepal PM Shah’s proposed visit, which would be his first bilateral trip to India since taking office, is expected to take place later this month. Neither government has formally announced the dates.

On Misri’s visit, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said he would discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest with Nepali officials. It described relations between the two countries as strong and friendly, and said cooperation had made significant progress across various sectors.

“Misri’s visit will continue the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and contribute to further strengthening the overall bilateral partnership,” the ministry said.

Reports say Vikram Misri was originally scheduled to visit Kathmandu in May, but the trip was postponed amid reported differences over protocol and renewed tensions over the Lipulekh boundary dispute.

The dispute resurfaced in early May after Nepal objected to India’s plans to facilitate the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage through Lipulekh, a mountain pass near the Nepal-India-China tri-junction that Kathmandu claims as its territory.  This is Misri’s second visit to Kathmandu since he took office as India’s foreign secretary in July 2024.

Massive rebuke to Trump ::::: Democrats win Senate control ::::: Trump acknowledges Iran war played a role in midterms

A blue wave appeared to take hold across the country, Donald Trump said he was prepared to accept the results.  

While the vote was widely seen as a referendum on his leadership, Trump insisted on social media: “I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!”

It came as series of stunning defeats for his party in former Republican strongholds saw Democrats retake control in the US Senate. Democrats are widely also expected to take control of the House of Representatives.

Kanas elected a Democrat, Adam Hamilton, to the Senate for the first time since 1932. Texas elected a Democrat, James Talarico, to the Senate for the first time since 1988. And in South Carolina, a Democrat, Annie Andrews, won a Senate seat for the first time since 1998.  

Democrat James Talarico made a Democrat’s first statewide victory in Texas in more than three decades. “The people of Texas were my slingshot,” he told a crowd in Austin. “And tonight, we defeated Goliath.”

Talarico’s win comes as Trump endorsed scandal-ridden Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn. The race saw record-breaking spending topping half a billion dollars, with the majority coming from trillionaire donor Elon Musk, who spent at least $212m supporting Paxton.

Trump acknowledges Iran war played a role in midterms

More now from the president, who was speaking to Fox News a short while ago.

Trump addresses reports that the US is planning a strike on parts of Iran.

"We have to do something large," he tells Fox News, adding that it could involve a "heavy hit".
"They will never have a nuclear weapon," the president says.

He then goes on to acknowledge that gas prices hurt Republicans during the midterm races – saying people "didn't like it" when they had to pay more for fuel.  Concerns over the cost of living, rising fuel prices and an unpopular war with Iran loomed large over the campaign. Trump’s approval rating has slumped to record lows, saddling Republicans with an unenviable task as they defend narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress.

Trump has held 30 campaign rallies over the past month. The 80-year-old’s speeches have been strewn with lies, prejudice, repetitions and ruminations on men’s physiques including the “ass” of the Ohio senator Jon Husted. His closing address at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Monday focused mainly on algae, granite, re-caulking and grass.

In remarks apparently aimed at swaying largely Democratic-leaning voters unhappy with US support for Israel, Trump said the US would stop $4bn in annual funding to Israel after the end of this ⁠year. 

ends 

People talk about 'Hindutva laboratory' ::: Why there has been no talk about "Jehadi laboratory" West Bengal ::: How BJP win in West Bengal in 2026 frustrated Sickularism and brought a paradigm shift

Why question the essence of the robust "election system" in India ?

Who is the real target ? Who benefits by all these ?

In all practical sense, for 70 plus years -- West Bengal was a "Jehadi lab" where none imagined the Hindutva politics would shine. The results of May 2026 has frustrated the Sickular ecosystem - the powerful lobbies of Communists, Islamic radicals, pseudu-intellectuals with 'anti-Sanatan' prism and the Congress party.

Hence, frustration is deep and understandable. Therefore a new polity is unleashed ... "discredit Indian elections" itself. 

blogger 

The defeat of the Mamata aapa-led-Trinamool Congress would not have been so much frustrating had the communists or Congress replaced the dispensation. The problem was with the convincing victory of the BJP and that too after raising pro-Hindutva issues. 

Otherwise in the name of pseudu-liberal intellectualism and Marxism; West Bengal was almost dragged to a pro-Islamic and anti-Sanatan culture. Even Durga Puja season was deliberately and smartly dubbed as Sharat Utsav -- that's seasonal. Hindus were made to believe 'taking beef' is normal. This campaign was hugely successful in Kerala. 

The BJP's win of as many as 208 seats could not be palatable to the political rivals and the anti-Sanatan forces. West Bengal elections proved the 'acceptability' of BJP's programmes and policies with its demerits and limitations. On the other hand, the Congress and other parties realised the time for 'anti-Hindu' politics was up in the key eastern province.   

Therefore, there is now a craze to discredit the election system itself. Those who are doing it do not realise the dangerous fallout of such a policy. Or they know it petty well .. but they are not ready to fight BJP politically. 

Now in terms of BJP-Congress or Narendra Modi-Rahul Gandhi debate. Why there are problems with Rahul? 

In multiple segments of Indian society, men and women; the Congress leader is "perceived" as an entitled dynast - who rose to the position he is sheer by chance. Rahul's political legacy relies heavily on his family lineage rather than coming up the ladder roadmap or the grassroots-built administrative and political achievements of Modi. 

These differences are not being analysed properly. The West Bengal mandate eclipsed political career of Mamata Banerjee - who since 2011 was ambitious for a larger role in the national politics. Often there was minor and latent tussle between Nitish Kumar and Mamata. The former Bihar chief minister understood the practical problems.  

Mamata's defeat and Nitish Kumar's 'shift' to the NDA camp before 2024 polls made it clear that regional satraps were not enough to ake on the powerful electoral juggernaut of Team Modi-Shah.   

Hence, Rahul's semi coronation as the leader of all anti-BJP forces on Nov 1 was a foregone conclusion. But have the opposition parties gained anything more substantial politically ? 

Rahul remains a disruptor as a political protagonist. Therefore, he could not make adequate use of the Nov 1 rally too. He made a few unconvincing statements which do not go well with the stature of a Leader of the Opposition or someone who is ambitious to be India's prime minister. 

By inclination, he has been pro-ultra Left agenda and hence the worst fear since 2014 has been Congress party's gradual shift towards 'margins' of Indian political ideology.   

Late Arun Jaitley once said in Parliament -- "I have always maintained... that Congress has been a mainstream party and I was personally very surprised when I saw some statement supporting a fringe which we saw." His reference was to some sloganeering in JNU in 2015.

He also pointed out that the Congress had governed India for decades and 'traditionally avoided' lending its political weight to fringe or radical ideologies. At least they did not do it so openly. But under Rahul Gandhi things have changed. This is why the Congress is paying a bigger price.  

In contrast, we understand, -- Narendra Modi wins because he understands where India’s heart lies. The synthesis of Development, Nationalism and pro-Hindutva issues is political asset for him and this has been sustained by hard work and an effective delivery system. In other words, Modi's continuous electoral victories underscore how resilient the 'Hindu nationalist movement' has become.  

For years, liberals, western media and opposition have consoled themselves with a theory: Namo is an authoritarian. But people see him as a decisive leader. A Man with determination and vision.

ends 

 

Election Commission allows omitted voters to submit Form 6 'safely'

The Election Commission clarified that the submission of Form 6 by a voter whose name had been deleted from a draft revision roll would not, by itself, constitute a false declaration.

It said an Electoral Registration Officer could not initiate action under Section 31 merely because a voter who was on an earlier electoral roll submitted Form 6 during or after the revision.  

In a letter to all state chief electoral officers, the Election Commission said it had learnt that some people whose names were not included in draft rolls published during the ongoing revision were hesitant to submit Form 6 because of the declaration.

“Therefore, such electors believe that submission of Form 6, in view of their previous enrolment, would amount to making a false declaration and render them liable for prosecution under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950". 

The clarification addresses concerns that submitting the form could amount to a false declaration and lead to prosecution under the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Form 6 includes a declaration that the applicant is seeking inclusion in the electoral roll for the first time.  

Citing an Oct 14 judgment of the Delhi High Court, the EC said concerns about making a false declaration were misplaced. It reiterated that previously enrolled voters missing from draft revision rolls could use Form 6 to seek inclusion in the final electoral roll.

The Commission further explained that any voter whose name does not appear in the draft electoral roll will have to enrol afresh under the SIR process or thereafter, irrespective of whether they were included in an earlier electoral roll.

"Therefore, submitting Form 6 in such circumstances is for the purpose of enrolling his or her name in the electoral roll under the SIR or thereafter and merely because the voter was previously enrolled is not in itself wrong," the Commission said.

The clarification comes amid intensifying protests by opposition parties against the SIR process, which they have termed illegal and flawed, while demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

ends

Reduction in ‘extreme poverty’ ... a sense of relief :::: Now the priority must be Job creation, Social security and greater Female participation :::: Poverty threshold could fall -- from 14.2 per cent in 2026 to 12.1 per cent by 2028

The World Bank report comes with a sense of relief for India. 

It estimates that the share of Indians living below $3 a day fell from 27.1 per cent in 2011-12 to 5.3 per cent in 2022-23. 

India lifts 496 million out of poverty in 12 years, extreme poverty plunges to 2.6%.

Its latest report, in October, puts the 2024 figure near 2 per cent, about 33 million people. On the older $2.15 line, the fall was from 16.2 to 2.3 per cent. 

Though in per cent terms the fall is significant yet in absolute numbers it is still quite large and given the fact that over 80 crore people "still depend" upon the government ration is still a cause of concern. 

The report, in fact, says it is a reduction in ‘extreme poverty’ which is synonymous with destitution. However, the milestone is significant as it shows the trend, a path that India is walking on.  

India’s sharp decline in extreme poverty is a major achievement. Now the priority must be job creation, social security and greater female participation  

Five states (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh) held 65 per cent of the extreme poor in 2011-12 and delivered two-thirds of the decline.

Incidentally or otherwise ... all these five states are now BJP and NDA-ruled states and has Lotus party chief ministers. 

This report is indeed a moral booster but no cause for complacency or celebration as yet. 

Escaping destitution is not prosperity, and it does not make India a developed country. The $3 line works out to roughly Rs 60 a day, a survival benchmark drawn from the world’s poorest nations. At $4.20, the lower-middle-income line, about 216 million Indians remained poor in 2024.  

At $8.30, the upper-middle-income benchmark, 1.14 billion fall short.  Development means decent jobs, schools, healthcare and security, not merely the absence of hunger. The scars of malnutrition and poor schooling do not vanish when a household crosses a line.

This has happened over a period of more than a decade is significant as it shows that the path is right but pace is rather slow. 

Indeed, steady growth, rising rural incomes and a post-pandemic jobs recovery helped, but the Bank report also cites free and subsidised food transfers as a major factor. Yet another reason is plugging in leakages, which ate most of the Government doles. 

Digital direct transfers helped close leaks that once swallowed welfare. 

Besides, better reach of subsidies through targeted subsidies on cooking gas, toilets, electricity and housing has made a difference.  

Notably, India has not revised its national poverty line since 2009. 

The way forward begins with honesty.  Several challenges cannot wait. 

Jobs come first: only 23 per cent of non-farm paid work is formal, and youth unemployment of 13.3 per cent climbs to 29 per cent among graduates. Just 31 per cent of women are in paid work, an enormous untapped engine of growth.  

Describing the progress as "one of the fastest poverty declines in the world", the World Bank attributed the improvement primarily to strong consumption growth, rising employment, particularly among women, and expanded social transfers, including food subsidies.

India's poverty levels are expected to decline further over the coming years, although at a slower pace. The World Bank's projections suggest that poverty at the $4.20-a-day threshold could fall from 

-- 14.2 per cent in 2026 to 

12.1 per cent by 2028.

ends