US Mid-term polls is "internal matter" of America, says MEA spokesman :::::: "India is in continuous contacts with Ukraine and Russia, and have shared certain suggestions with both"

On the US Midterm election results, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: 

"It is an internal matter of the United States. I have no specific comment on them beyond underlining that India and the United States' relationship enjoys bipartisan support in the United States." 

He further told a regular briefing that -- "India will continue to work to further strengthen our comprehensive global strategic partnership that we share with the US."

On PM Narendra Modi having a conversation with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the MEA spokesperson said:

"As you are aware, it has been our consistent position from the very beginning that peace can only be restored through diplomacy and dialogue. In recent months, you may have observed that our Prime Minister has emphasised that the ongoing conflict must come to an end—the war needs to cease. 

"Keeping this in mind, we have been in continuous communication with both Ukraine and Russia, and have shared certain suggestions with them." 

Jaiswal also stated: "The safety of vessels in the Black Sea; addressing the concerns of both nations regarding energy exports and food supplies; and exploring various non-attack possibilities. 

"We have shared our views and suggestions on these three issues with both sides. As you might have noted, our Prime Minister spoke with the President of Ukraine yesterday; both leaders presented their respective perspectives on the ongoing developments in the conflict, with a particular focus on the humanitarian aspects." 

It may be pointed out that Prime Minister Modi held a telephone conversation on Monday, Nov 9, with Ukraine President, wherein Zelenskyy shared "his perspective on recent developments related to the ongoing conflict", an official statement said.

Modi has "reaffirmed India’s human-centric approach" and reiterated India’s consistent position that the conflict must be resolved through "dialogue and diplomacy". 

The Prime Minister also conveyed India’s readiness to "contribute" to all efforts aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict. The two leaders also discussed measures to further strengthen India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation in various sectors for the mutual benefit of the two peoples.  

The talks between Ukraine president and PM Modi came ahead of the Abu Dhabi peace talks.

The American, Ukrainian, and Russian officials are meeting in Abu Dhabi to discuss peace efforts to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has lasted over four and a half years. 

The Trump administration, represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is leading the U.S. delegation. The discussions focus on security guarantees, territorial disputes, and a potential settlement,

MEA spokesman, Jaiswal also told reporters: "They (Modi and Ukraine President) also discussed other ongoing efforts aimed at achieving peace. 

"The Prime Minister underscored India’s firm commitment to doing everything possible to help restore peace in Ukraine." 

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also spoke with his Russian Foreign Minister, Lavrov, and they discussed the diplomatic initiatives currently underway regarding the conflict in Ukraine...".  

On Nepal's PM Balendra Shah's visit to India, MEA spokesperson said:

"We have extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Nepal to visit India.  The discussions between the two sides are continuing regarding the visit... 

The entire range of bilateral relations that we have with Nepal will be discussed. This is an expansive partnership. This is a very special partnership, and all matters of mutual interest would be discussed."

On the extradition of the former prime minister of Bangladesh, he says, "This is a legal matter, and it will be dealt with accordingly."  

On Quad, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said

"Recently, you would have seen that we've had several high-level engagements of the Quad Summit. 

We also had a foreign ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Atlanta. We will keep you informed of other high-level meetings of the Quad, including at the summit level."  

On Chinese vloggers reportedly livestreaming from slums in Dhaka, Jaiswal said:

"We have seen media reports in this regard. Such efforts to present a distorted picture of any country are unfortunate. 

Insofar as efforts to buy foreign elements to portray Dhaka as Delhi are concerned, the peddling of false narratives only undermines the credibility of those who are undertaking such actions and those who are behind them. 

And I would urge the authorities concerned to take action against such people."

Blogger in China : 2019 

ends 

"Mom's hug lingers long after she has let go!" ::::: Our daughter Tanvi was taught how to blow 'Shankh' Conch by my mom :::: My love for fiction reading, and belatedly writing came from my mom's love/craze for Bengali fiction.....

Ma !! left us on Nov 11, 2019  (post mid-night of Nov 10th)

My love for fiction reading, and belatedly writing came from my mom's love/craze for Bengali fiction..... 

Dad was a practical man. Real tough man as the head of the family but never showing he was tough. The unpleasant task of 'son-beating' was left for mother.

My mom's weakness !! An acclaimed artiste

Baba was never much thrilled by the idea of 'power of written words'.  

Our daughter Tanvi was taught how to blow 'Shankh' Conch  by my mom. 

I took this snap : 1988

"During their period we were blessed by your Dad & Mom like close one which we all cherished. Definitely their souls will rest in peace in heaven like such kind hearted souls. 

We prayed to Shri Krishna to bless them and rest of you to live in peace happiness and prosperity."

- Bidhan Chowdhury (and Shikha Kakimoni), (Mr Bidhan (Kaku) served in Nagaland as Sr Principal Private Secretary to the state Government and they were our neighbours in Kohima, Midland House. 

(They have two sweet daughters. The younger one ... Ms Moon (now a Delhi-based educationist) was a great 'chamchi' of my mom. She would report everything to mom ... including which films we were watching and all. )

For those taking interest in Nagaland politics may find it interesting to note that Mr Bidhan Chowdhury served as senior PPS to the then Power Minister Neiphiu Rio (present chief minister, Nagaland )   

In Nov 2025, my 'very good friend' Jacinta D'Souza, ex PTI, Mumbai and now in Australia wrote on Facebook

"A mom's hug lingers long after she has let go! 

"Your mom is with you, you need to learn to feel her heavenly presence around you. She speaks through people you know, she whispers through thoughts she plants in your head and she visits you in your dreams to let you know she hears and communicates to you but from a different world." 

Tanvi playing Shankh 2020 as my dad keeping an eye "whether it is good enough" 

It may be added; Mom also taught me - to read and write in Bangla. 

"At least letters to elders on occasions". Letter is already a vanished art !!

Dad and his gang of grand children - after Mom's demise in 2019 : Backdrop Siliguri house

 

Flower : Planted by mom in Siliguri house 

It appears now ... man making was her forte. Three brought up - her own - two sons and one daughter. 

But I am sure many of our cousins and all our Didis and Dadas and younger brothers and sisters -- who knew her when they were kids will have fond memories. Her love and affection always had the guiding theme - Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child.

Bamboo-made hockey sticks in Mizoram were her favourite 'tool' to be applied on feet of two brothers. 

Even some relatives' kids were caned by her. But she was a fantastic teacher to them. 

One or two cousins of my dad -- Mom's brothers-in-law that way would rush to her with their books and Tables (Multiples) with typical one-liner -- 

"amra Boudir kacchey porbo (We will do the learning only with Boudi)".

It is not without good reason - one such youngster (to mom) and our uncle in relation Mr Pranab Roy (Babla) a successful careerist with LIC -- rushed to Siliguri on hearing my mother's demise. He stayed with us for 15-17 days till the last rites were completed.

On the day of Shradh .... I saw him wailing leaving most of us emotional. 

That was mom.

Mom, Dad and Grand Ma (lady who spoiled the blogger) 

ends 

"Serves as an indicator of Delhi’s economic progress" :::: 'Namo Yamuna River Safari' service launched in Delhi

In a major milestone, the 'Namo Yamuna River Safari' service has been launched at Sonia Vihar in the national capital on Tuesday, Nov 10, 2026. 

The eco-friendly tourism initiative offers a 6-km round-trip experience between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

Union Minister for Shipping and Warerways, Sarbananda Sonowal, alongside Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, enjoyed a cruise ride on the Yamuna River.

The eco-friendly tourism initiative offers a 6-km round-trip experience between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal says, 

"...To bring this initiative to fruition and translate it into a ground-level reality, our Prime Minister Modi fulfilled the promise he made to the people of Delhi during the elections... 

For tourists—both from within the country and abroad—visiting Delhi, this offers an opportunity to spend three to four hours enjoying various recreational activities... 

We are also set to introduce new cruise services; you have already seen one such cruise. 

"There is an arrangement for a light and sound show in the evening, and further components will be added to enhance entertainment for tourists and ensure their valuable time is well spent—we will continue to explore further possibilities in the coming days...", he said.  

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said: 

"Today is a wonderful day for the residents of Delhi... This safari offers Delhiites an opportunity to get closer to the Yamuna River. By connecting with nature, families, children, and the youth of Delhi will now be able to experience the presence of the Yamuna... 

"We are addressing long-standing 'legacy' issues—such as the mountains of trash, the cleaning of the Yamuna, and various environmental challenges. The government is working on these issues 24x7, with a comprehensive, 360-degree approach... 

I assure you that this year, we will celebrate Chhath with even greater grandeur and divinity than before...".

 BJP President Harsh Malhotra says, "This is a difference in intent, a difference in leadership. It has been 18 months since CM Rekha Gupta's administration took charge in Delhi, and 27 kilometres of the Yamuna River have already been cleaned. 

"This also serves as an indicator of Delhi’s economic progress. Today, the ‘Namo Cruise’ is operating here; it boosts Delhi’s tourism and strengthens its economy. For the first time, the people of Delhi will be able to experience the Yamuna River while aboard this cruise...".  

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari says, "This is a wonderful gift for Delhi... 

Spanning 28 kilometres of the Yamuna River, starting from upstream of Wazirabad, this initiative is being overseen by a dedicated team. 

I assure the residents of Delhi: if you feel like it, do pay a visit—just be sure to register online so you don’t have to wait... 

"There is potential for more such launches; in fact, discussions are already underway to bring in a second boat, ensuring that while one is in operation, another is ready to go."

ends 

Sheikh Hasina's demand for Passport denied by Bangladesh Govt :::: A former Indian diplomat says - "... Give her a travel document; she will be back, and then the legal process can take its course"

The BNP Govt in Bangladesh might have played a good diplomatic game by keeping former PM Sheikh Hasina at bay. 

Rejecting passport on technical ground or otherwise would also mean Dhaka does not want to create any fresh political row by allowing protests and rallies by the Awami League leadership and cadres.  

Bangladesh has ruled out the possibility of issuing Sheikh Hasina 'a new passport'.

Instead Dhaka is insisting that she must "return to Bangladesh through the existing extradition procedures" between India and Bangladesh. 

On Sheikh Hasina seeking a fresh passport and national identity card to facilitate her return to Bangladesh, former Indian Diplomat Veena Sikri said: 

"Sheikh Hasina has clearly announced that she wants to go back and is prepared to face the courts in Bangladesh. It is a logical move for her to apply for a travel document because they have cancelled her passport...".  

Bangladesh first formally sought her extradition through a diplomatic note verbale in December 2024 and renewed the request following her conviction in November 2025. Hasina has lately reiterated her resolve to return to Bangladesh this December.

Dhaka’s extradition request included the required legal documents under the 2013 India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty. The treaty provides for the surrender of individuals charged with or convicted of offences, while excluding certain political offences. 

However, it lists serious crimes, including murder, manslaughter, assault and incitement to murder, that cannot automatically be treated as political offences.

Ms Sikri also said:

"The reaction of the Bangladesh government has been very surprising because the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir, is still harping on extradition. 

Now, it is very clear from his focus on so-called extradition that they do not want Sheikh Hasina to go back"

She further opined:  

"... Just give her a travel document; she will be back, and then the legal process can take its course.... The extradition process takes two to three years...". 

Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly applied for a new Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card, with a UK-based legal advisory firm, Matrix Chambers, emailing the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to request their issuance on her behalf.  

Hasina’s passport and NID were revoked during the tenure of the interim government. Matrix Chambers sent the email on November 9, seeking new travel and identity documents for Hasina.  Speaking to 'The Daily Star', Bangladesh mission’s press minister, Md Saidur Rahman, said they had received an email from an organisation called Matrix Chambers requesting Hasina’s passport and NID. The firm claimed to be Hasina’s legal counsel.

“We are not sure whether the request is genuine. There is no way for us to establish that the request was made on behalf of Sheikh Hasina, as the email sent by the law firm did not include any document or proof of her authorisation. Still, we have forwarded the email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Bangladesh official said passports and NIDs were highly personal documents and that a legal representative could process such applications only with proper authorisation from the individual concerned.  

Asked how she could return to Bangladesh without a valid travel document, the official said a passport was a state privilege, not a right, and that governments could revoke passports to prevent criminals from fleeing.

“To repatriate or extradite someone, our missions normally issue a one-way travel pass. Once India completes Hasina’s legal process, we will be able to issue that pass,” the official added.

Sheikh Hasina has been staying in India since fleeing Bangladesh in the face of a mass uprising in August 2024. 

In November 2025, she was sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity.

ends 

Differences and Rivalries between K C Venugopal and V. D. Satheesan far from over :::: A new book "published in Dubai" further embarrasses Rahul Gandhi's close aide

It has not not come at a right time for the Congress. The high command is undecided - should it celebrate the "success" of Nov 1 Ram Lila ground rally or should it think of new strategies as the SIR issue has lost its steam. 

The rivalry between six-term MLA V D Satheesan, now chief minister, and Rahul Gandhi's trusted aide K C Venugopal is far from over. In April-May this year; Satheesan had led the Congress-led UDF’s poll campaign. He had declared that if the UDF failed to win less than 100 of Kerala’s 140 seats, he would “quit politics and go into exile”. 

He was right and the alliance eventually crossed that mark. The Congress emerged the single largest party with 63 seats and the UDF won 102 seats. But when it came to selection of chief ministership; Venugopal wanted to make full use of his right contacts. 

VD Satheesan with KC Venugopal, Shashi Tharoor and Rahul and others during the Bharat Jodo Yatra 

Satheesan won the first round. But leaking their wounds; the Venugopal camp had given one-year deadline promising their 'faction of legislators' that the incumbent chief minister would be ousted by May-June 2027. 

Now a new book has been released in Dubai. It has certain serious allegations against Venugopal. The author is a woman Congress activist from Keralam, Ms Vani Prayag. According to reports; about the book she said - 

"Even if no one else in the world reads this book, he will track it down and read it.” 

I say this is Malayali 'style' of putting things across. And it is quite a powerful message and a serious allegation. 

Vani has shared an AI-generated image showing K.C. Venugopal holding her book titled “Udalum Njanum Thammil” (Between My Body and Me). 

The title itself is controversial and has 'double meaning' messaging. 

The Facebook post states that she is a scapegoat in Kerala politics. 

Are all these related to Venugopal-Satheesan rivalry? Politics is an art of the possible.  

Vani also says: " ..... the face of that wolf in sheep's clothing... I and my book are at the Haritham stall in the Sharjah Book Fair..... 

Many things that the world needs to know... I am beginning to speak. Let the world read... my dreams that once ended up confined to some newspaper headlines....".

Following the Congress-led UDF victory in the May 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, Venugopal and V. D. Satheesan had emerged as the two primary contenders for the Chief Minister post. 

They represented distinct political roles and organizational backgrounds within the Kerala Congress.  Satheesan had the backing of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) because of his staunch opposition to Hindu caste groups such as SNDP.  

Satheesan also enjoyed support from the Kerala Congress (Joseph) faction as well as grassroots party workers. In political sense; unlike "Delhi's Venugopal"; the chief minister was considered as an accessible, clean-image state leader with a direct track record.  

Venugopal was reportedly backed by a significant majority of newly elected Congress MLAs (around 40) of the 63 Congress legislators are said to have enjoyed the blessings of 'resource coordination'. 

Now the issue is how far would this rivalry go ? 

Blogger 

“I do not see this position as a personal achievement... it was Venugopal who coordinated all the activities (and) his support was immense," Satheesan said for records after he was elected legislature party leader. 

Venugopal returned the gesture politely. "I was saying the decision of the High Command will prevail...," he said. 

But all that glitters is not gold. Politicians know how to work against each other despite being best of friends and party colleagues. 

The same problem has come back.  But Keralam has own peculiarities. 

The LDF's defeat in Kerala marks for the first time in 50 years that no state in India has any Communist party in power on its own. This is especially true in case of the CPI(M), which was founded in 1964 & formed the world's first democratically elected Communist government in Kerala under E. M. S. Namboodiripad in 1967.

In the 140-member assembly, IUML has 22 MLAs. The BJP is a marginal force with just 3 MLAs and so even if the Congress house is burning; it is no position to do anything extra ordinary. 

However, the fact that the Lotus party is in power in Delhi gives it some space for necessary game plans. The central agencies can be made use of 'directly or indirectly' by either Venugopal camp or by the state chief minister himself. 

In the past, one CPI-M leader A. P. Abdullakutty suddenly joined BJP. Many say, he was always a good friend of Venugopal.

Abdullakutty 

ends 

Sonia Gandhi's book show .... aimed to "relaunch" Rahul and Congress .... Can it boomerang ?

There are many ways to look at politicians. There are many ways Netas launch their careers. In the case of 'dynasts' like Rahul Gandhi .... opportunities and space are created for "relaunch" of the career. 

However, as the saying goes --- it is easier said than done.  

Building a party requires political maturity, sustained hard work. 

There is a need for visibility, organisation and identifying right issues and then right candidates.

All these are "challenges" taken as single units or separately. The sincerity of the concerned Neta and the track record of his or her functioning is also vital. Sincerity is crucial. A book launch may be too little. 

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen on what is stored for  Sonia Gandhi's book 'Belonging ...".  

In simple words; books alone do not launch a political career. Of course - as times writing or publishing a book can help shape a public profile and build 'name' recognition.

If someone does authoritatively; a new book by a politician may also signal authority on key issues. In Sonia Gandhi's case, it is presumed it was ghost-written by a professional author or a team and regularly guided by party colleagues and her children.

This is never the debate. The subject in question is -- whether some issues she has touched in the book and some she did not would give any ammunition to BJP to attack the Congress back. 

Already there are some controversies.  Here is only a tip of iceberg.  

".... she was the mightiest in the country (between) 2004-14," writes S Gurumurthy, a right wing intellectual.

 

"I took her on and challenged her with articles after articles in the 'New Indian Express' questioning her loyalty to the country and also her honesty and charging her with holding secret billions abroad in two articles in 2009 and 2012.

Neither Sonia nor the Congress would respond or sue me

When Sonia Gandhi told her party workers in Mangalore on April 27, 2009 that "the Congress was taking steps to address the issue of untaxed Indian money in Swiss banks". I challenged her," notes Gurumurthy. 

Now the obvious question -- are those things also addressed in the book.  

Gurumurthy's article (2012) says: 

"The title of the expose in German read “Fluchgelder — Die Schweizer Konten der Dictatoren”. In English it meant, “Curse of money — The Swiss bank accounts of the Dictators”. 

Blogger 

Rajiv Gandhi figured in the expose as one with slush funds in secret accounts. Schweizer Illustrierte is not some rag. It is the Number One Swiss magazine and sells some 2,10,000 copies."

The report under the picture of Rajiv Gandhi, translated into English, read: "2.5 billion francs on the Indian secret accounts in Switzerland" of "Rajiv Gandhi, Indian". Today the amount of 2.5 billion Swiss Francs equals 2.2 billion US Dollars. But as Rajiv was no more by then, it must become the family inheritance, notes Gurumurthy. 

Hence, we feel - the Congress leadership thought -- such issues are dead. However, there are chances - the Corruption issue could be revived in public debate and this is a "pitch" where Congress is always found defensive. In contrast - Modi's and BJP's 'pitch' on corruption is much stronger. 

There are other issues like 1984 avti-Sikh riot. Whether Sonia had something to say on her husband Late Rajiv Gandhi's now infamous quote - "when a big tree falls; the earth shakes".

The Congress party paid some  prices over 1984 carnage in both 2014 and 2019 elections. In 2019 - it was Sam Pitroda's "hua toh hua" remarks. 

In his January 2014 interview with Arnab Goswami on Times Now, Rahul Gandhi had made several key comments regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots:  

When asked if Congressmen were involved, Gandhi stated, "Did innocent people die? Absolutely... Some Congressmen were probably involved". He added that some of those individuals had gone through legal processes and been punished.  

Rahul had declined to issue a blanket apology on behalf of the Congress party for the 1984 riots, pointing out that legal processes had taken place. When pressed about the nomination of leaders like Jagdish Tytler to the cabinet in 2004, he noted that public and media furore led to the withdrawal of such nominations.  

There was also a controversy when Rahul said:  

"I am saying that there was difference between the 1984 and the riots in Gujarat". Rahul had claimed as a child (then 14 year-old); he saw Rajiv Govt trying to stop the riots but in the case of Gujarat .... his allegation was the Modi Govt in the western state was "allowing the riots to happen".    

The BJP has questioned the purpose of the memoir. It said that the book contains political rhetoric rather than pure personal reflection.  

'The Guardian' newspaper reported: “Sonia Gandhi recalls crying as she witnessed the demolition (of the Babri Masjid in 1992) on television. She says she knew then that they faced ‘a long battle for the secular nation that Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and their colleagues had strived to build’. 

She accepts that failures of her own party in part contributed to the rise of the BJP and its hardline Hindutva politics.”

These remarks have also drawn criticism because there was no live telecast those days. She is also being critical of the Narasimha Rao Govt and hence yet again she is being 'politically correct'.

It is true Rajiv Gandhi’s government had obtained permission for prayers at the disputed site in 1986, after which a symbolic foundation-laying ceremony was held in 1989. 

Paradoxically, these facts the Congress has often cited to deny the Modi government credit for the Ram temple. But the family has not visited the grand Ram Temple. No one from the party was authorized to attend the inaugural ceremony in Jan 2024. 

Delhi BJP minister Parvesh Sahib Singh shared a news report of Sonia’s comments and wrote on X that the Babri issue was back in the news “after 33 years”.

“The same crocodile tears, the same lament. Why has this old issue resurfaced today? Looks like elections are around the corner,” he posted.

Asked during the interview why the Congress had remained tied to the Gandhi family, Sonia dismissed the question, saying “You would have to ask the party,” The Guardian reported.

But what about 1999 -- when she made a desperate bid to be Prime Minister and even claimed - "We have 272 and we will have more".

“(Sonia) Gandhi also skates over the question of nepotism, simply saying, ‘We all fight elections: we win them, we lose them’…. After once pleading with her children to stay out of politics, Gandhi now says, ‘It’s good that they’re there. Now more than ever before’,” the report in the London daily says.

ends 

Post Diwali "revelations" ::::: Muslims said "Enough" ::: "hum panga lenge aur Christians and Congress raj karenge" --- such theory cannot work any more !! :::: 'huge disadvantage' for Akhilesh Yadav and even Congress ::::: SIR lost its steam and CJP "died" Cockroach-like death

There are a few basic things about India. Some credit may be given to the Narendra Modi Govt but even otherwise; there are some national merits. It is one of the most open as well as self-critical nations in the world. There are certainly advantages for that. 

One may call them U-turn; but in the process - majority Indians and that way numerically more Hindus are quick to corrections.  Even at the level of Governance and Political Leadership - this quality works and hence even a hardliner Prime Minister Narendra Modi is often seen as "flexible" -- either with 56 inch chest or without it. 

India is a determined country willing to march ahead. At the same time it also keen to solve its own problems and meet the challenges head on. At least PM Namo has made it more forthwith. It does not want anyone's mercy or charity. The national pride is often like ego; but it is there. 

This summer and autumn weeks in circa 2026 - Indians have proved unto themselves that they may crictise the country. They are also open to listen to criticism from others. But what is essential is that the same criticism cannot lead to despair. 

This is something the Congress party and especially Team Rahul and the sycophants surrounding them did not understand. 

In 2026 - we have proved in crystal clear language - India that is Bharat is not a Nepal or a Bangladesh. And certainly not Pakistan or Sri Lanka. By July the CJP and their ideological and financial supporters wanted to create a Dhaka or Kathmandu like situation and hence the July 20 protest was planned to keep it vulnerable to violence against police. 

Delhi police applied all restraints and as PM Modi says - the urban or Dimagi Naxals failed in their ulterior motive. There were other elements. 

The Congress was upset with the CJP stealing limelight. Then came Nov 1 Ram Lila rally. Here attempts were made - at least in dreams - that a Dhaka like situation could emerge. Hence - as we celebrated Diwali - one thing was clear - the Congress party wanted a pre-Diwali chaos, violence and killings in Delhi. 

They had planned Twitter language and also headlines for 'propaganda Express' and other papers. - "Darkest Diwali in history" .. and so on.  

Hence - the big take away is -- the SIR has fizzled out and "lost its steam" as underlined a veteran political commentator Vidyarthi Kumar.  Listen to others and analyse objectively - even CJP has lost the initial euphoria. People are questioning their credentials and also want to know who really finance them. 

There is a third element - the Hindu anguish over 'theft' of donations to Ayodhya's Ram temple is also over. 

So where are we heading towards -- It's back to Parliament-level politics -- the routine and usual varieties and that also means 'advantage Modi-Amit Shah' duo.  Some of you may not endorse; it is also 'huge advantage' for Yogi vis-a-vis 2027 assembly elections and hence also 'huge disadvantage' for Akhilesh Yadav and even Congress. 

 

 

Therefore, suddenly Sonia and Rahul have started talking about Diwali. I have never seen such enthusiasm in the Nehru-Gandhi family (for all practical purpose they have been blindly with Christians and Muslims) to talk about Diwali. 

Has anyone seen any old photograph of Sonia and Rahul celebrating Diwali ?  

We should not complain -- this is the victory of 'assertive Hindu' spirit. Now let us examine the socio-political challenges of Christians and Muslims. Guided and rather misguided by some over enthusiastic catholic Christians - the followers of Jesus Christ believed "Muslims will take to streets" and hence Modi will be cornered. 

Their idea flopped.  On the other Muslims are not smart enough - they know the implications of 'being foolish'. 

A few friends in Gujarat told me in August itself - "Muslims across India know the power of numbers Hindus have and we would not want Gujarat-2002 repeated across northern states".  

In this context, BJP's win in West Bengal further strengthened the logical argument that "hum panga lenge aur Christians and Congress raj karenge".  (We will take trouble and Christians and Congress will rule) would not work. 

They resisted the idea of being misused. This is one reason - Congress youth activists and office bearers decided to stay away from Nov 1 Rahul's flop-show.  

There is another key revelation. If Muslims stay peaceful; only Popular Front of India (PFI) and perhaps Sikh-outfits (not even parties) can create "problems" on the streets. One is linked to Muslims and has been put on check in more ways than one and another minority-religion group and they are no longer keen for all that. 

This leaves us to ponder - who are with cadres. The Left parties - well they are very weak. And of course RSS or Bajrang Dal - and they are with their 'former pracharak' Narendra Modi.   

Catch the Bus: Be Smart 

ends