Congress 'crying' over SIR and CEC is misplaced :: How ? --- Ask yourself honestly: would Narendra Modi still be in power if he had not delivered on promise of development?

This is truly a changing world.  One international 'Democracy Report' produced by the V-Dem Institute claims only 7% of the world’s population live in liberal democracies. 

Having said so, we know there is a special importance about Democracy in India. The heart of a healthy democratic process lies in the Election System. The Congress has been traveling the wrong route while trying to get back its rhythm in national politics. We need to see the mandate of 2014 when Narendra Modi first became the Prime Minister. This was also an election when Congress figures came down all time low to 44.  

Mind you the mandate in 2014 - had two clear messages. First, it was a mandate against UPA and especially the Congress. It was anti-incumbency vote. But there was also an expression of hope in the BJP and especially the prime ministerial face Modi. 

The BJP and NDA benefited because people expressed hope in the alliance and in particular on Modi.  The Congress party and even other opposition parties need to analyse things pretty deeper. 

If in 2014 -- anti-incumbency against Congress and trust in Modi gave BJP the unexpected number of 272 ... five years later .... the BJP's figures jumped to 303. Importantly; here Trust in Modi and people's desire for a strong and decisive leadership surpassed everything. 

In both 2014 and 2019 elections; the caste equations did not work. 

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However, it worked in 2024 but within a limit and only in Uttar Pradesh. This was compounded by wrong selection of BJP candidates and hence the Lotus party's number dropped. The Samajwadi Party gained in UP. 

Now taking the debate to the next stage,  we know people are over interpreting US mid-term elections outcome in the context of India. 

Former News Editor of 'Maharashtra Herald', Mohan Sinha argues: 

"The people dreaming of @narendramodi  losing the “Trump way” refuse to accept a basic fact: India’s voting system is far stronger and more reliable than most. 

If voters wanted to throw Narendra Modi out, they had the chance in 2019. Instead, they gave him ... (another) term. That is the proof."

Between 2014 and 2019; Modi showed what he could do with more than five years. He delivered the most basic things to the poorest people — things Congress could not manage in sixty years. 

And he gave the middle classes and the rich the idea that India could change.

Mohan Sinha 

Mohan Sinha adds: "Ask the older woman in the Northeast who saw electricity in her home for the first time. Ask the villager in Maharashtra who finally got water from a tap. Ask the people who saw a proper road reach their village. 

Why did successive Congress governments fail at these elementary tasks?

Kalahandi once gave Rajiv Gandhi a hard lesson: promises have to be kept. The same rule still applies."  

PM Rajiv Gandhi’s August 1985 visit to the drought- and poverty-stricken Kalahandi district in Odisha became a defining political moment that exposed deep structural flaws in the welfare system.  

Stunned by widespread corruption and systemic leakage, Rajiv Gandhi famously admitted that only 15 paise of every rupee allocated by the central government actually reached the intended poor beneficiary, while the rest was lost to middlemen and administrative overheads.

You can keep complaining about SIR and “electoral manipulation.” In your heart you know the truth: 

It's obvious; whether in elections or otherwise --- when one side keeps winning, the other keeps losing. For this it is always safer to bet that these are always linked to the "trust" between the the voter and the political party and candidates.

Sinha has his argument: 

"You can abuse Modi all you want because he is a Gujarati or a tea-seller’s son. You can hate Modi and wish him dead. But hiding behind the flawed ‘vote-chori’ campaign is doing great disservice to the world’s finest electoral process and the Indian voter. You (Congress especially) need to stop lying to yourself."

Taking a closer look to Indian politics around 2013-14 would be a meaningful exercise. This was the period; everyone saw the 'return' of massive crowd in public rallies especially those addressed by Narendra Modi.  Here too, the transition process was visible. 

The problem with the Congress party most often is that it starts believing its own propaganda. The propaganda is also believed by the Sickular ecosystem but not by hundreds of Youth Congress workers and office bearers. Otherwise, why over 200 office bearers across seven states were suspended for defying Rahul Gandhi's call. 

To strengthen this argument, I come back to Mohan Sinha, who tweeted rather acidly:

"This is the same voter who threw Indira Gandhi out in 1977 and brought her back with a thumping majority in 1980. This is the same voter who voted for India’s first BJP Government and (also) voted them out in 2004, unimpressed by the ‘India Shining’ campaign." 

Sinha also says: "Ask yourself honestly: would Modi still be in power if he had not delivered on his basic promise of development? He said he needed more than five years to do the job. Voters gave him that time, and he used it well. 

The day he starts behaving like the Gandhis and their party, voters will throw him out without hesitation. It will not be because some editors, drunk on their own self-importance, keep ranting on TV and think they have the power to remove him." 

The real question is why so many of those editors still cannot see the difference between the India of the 1980s and the India of today? 

Blogger 

However, for BJP too, the complacency would be the road to self immolation. It's true, India’s strongman - that is Namo - has performed and somewhere underperformed especially with regard administrative and economic reforms. He has changed the country - -- as they say - for ill and for good. 

But the reality is -- Modi and his pro-Hindutva forces - meaning BJP and the RSS - all combined are facing one of sternest tests yet. 

In political battle fields often strategies fail. Long back Partition was intended to avert the threat of civil war between Hindus and Muslims. It completely boomeranged on the common people - both Hindus and Muslims. 

But the fear mongering and the vote bank politics helped Congress for long. It is no longer helping anyone; not even Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal.

In West Bengal too; the Hindu-Muslim divide did not work as much as the development card. Therefore, people have high expectations from chief minister Suvendu Adhikari. 

Voters in Bengal are smart about politics.  They trusted Congress between 1947 and 1977. Then reposed faith on communists for 34 years. Between 2011 and 2016 - 15 years - three elections, they trusted Mamata Banerjee. In 2021 - Mamata was warned. 

Modi was also warned in 2024. The corrective steps have been taken for various states including the tougher ones like Maharashtra, Haryana and West Bengal. But 2029 will be much more competitive. 

The Congress may still be not aware of ... how they left the country behind in 2014. 

In 2004, Manmohan Singh inherited 8.5 per cent growth. In contrast between 2012 and 2013 and 2013 and 2014 - India had grown less than five percent growth for two years. Rahul Gandhi may be in his wild dreams; others should be little more pragmatic.

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What's Diwali in its true sense ? :::: Life is all about optimism. Optimism leads to patience .... "our greatest battles may not be against others but against inner weaknesses"

There are many ways to look at Diwali as a festival.

At the global stage or say in the US; Diwali is not a federal holiday. However, several US provinces have granted it official state-level recognition or holiday status:

• California: Became the third state to formally recognize Diwali as a state legal/public holiday

• Pennsylvania: ... Connecticut: Recognized Diwali as an official state holiday.

New York: Offers official school holiday recognition in New York City and specific high-population districts. New Jersey and select high-population districts in states like Texas also recognize Diwali through school closures or local observances.  

More than creating 'segments' like Hindu culture or fest, certain things are emerging now as a global phenomenon. 

The timing of Diwali festival in between autumn and winter is not something to be lost. The light and sound kill some bacteria in the air - that's for the rational school; and in pursuing this argument, one knows the problems lay in overdoing things.

Bursting of firecrackers would have been pleasant and a tasteful experience had not this become a symbol of showmanship. If firecrackers are bad for the environment, so is gambling and the so-called gift-exchange culture of Delhi for human behaviour. Here too, the problem is in overdoing things; not ordering a blanket ban as a presumed corrective strategy.

The global recognition by the UN and ongoing craze for Yoga and a renewed zeal for festivals such as Deepawali have some messages. Of these, the big picture message is - the international game can be no longer about pushing a single-agenda item. Soft power games also means persuasive diplomacy. It may be out of the box, but not something to be dismissed as out of the blue. Life is often like standing in the dusk, to use poetic jargon. 

It is all about optimism. Optimism leads to patience.  

Sometimes, the biggest battles people face are not against other people but against the inner weaknesses. 

Hence, there is an underlining message when it is argued that just as a lamp dispels darkness without making much of a show or a noise, greater self-awareness can dispel ignorance.

Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan symbolises the triumph of righteousness over wrong. But its message extends beyond the battlefield. 

On to a different plane, but not so different as well.  Statesmanship, mutual benefits, and strategic significance, not necessarily in that order, decide foreign policy ball games in the contemporary settings. 

Therefore, it is time to add 'Soft Power' as a major tool. Under Modi Govt; it is true this emphasis is bigger and more thrustful especially in the post pandemic era and in a year of Iran war.  

Look at the US mandate of mid-term polls 2026. War mongering and a political war has been rejected. Within our own lives, we may face conflicts between what is right and what is convenient, between duty and desire.

In modern context, comes a battle between wisdom and impulse.  

The most successful ambassador of India’s soft power image has been Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violenct struggle.

Yoga and meditation emerged as soft powers in the sixties and seventies when Westerners disillusioned with their materialistic lifestyle began thronging India. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi succeeded in making June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

After yoga received the United Nations stamp of recognition; it has been Diwali — the pan-Indian popular Hindu festival. 

In 2025, 'The New York Times' wrote an article - "Why do more people seem to Be celebrating Diwali?"

And it also added : "The South Asian festival of lights is becoming more popular in Western countries, where millions of people have immigrated from India in recent decades." Is it allergic to use the word 'Hindu' ? Nevertheless, it is a Hindu festival -- one likes Modi or hates him !  

Blogger 

Nevertheless; the New York Times reports shares a story.

Yogesh Patel, 69, has always celebrated Diwali — as a boy in Kenya, as a teenager in Zambia and as an adult in Britain. But until recently, he had not celebrated with so many white people. Over the past several years, large numbers of visitors have traveled to see the marbled Hindu temple that rises above the marshes of northwest London, where Patel has been a volunteer for about four decades. 

They arrive by the busload from schools and foreign countries like Germany and Spain, he said. This Diwali, he expects even more curious — and hungry — visitors to join the crowds of about 30,000 Hindus praying and feasting at the temple.  

“Non-Hindus visit us during Diwali to see the spectacle,” he said. They’re drawn to the fireworks that explode over the temple’s white spires, to the stalls full of samosas and to the saffron marigold garlands that dangle in front of jewel-encrusted shrines.  

On Diwali itself, people wear their best attire — often new saris made from sumptuous fabrics and beads — and gather with family and friends. They buy sweets, called mithai, and give them to everyone: family members, neighbors, clients and friends.

Sometimes the same Soanpapri box gets passed around 15 times. This happens in Delhi, it happens in NCR and even in London it seems. 

Diwali is a celebration of light — symbolically and literally. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil, justice over tyranny, knowledge over ignorance. It should also means 'defeat' of everything artificial and fake. 

In Indian context - I say --- 'fake secularism' is Sickularism. We still ought to fight some of the menaces.  

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Normalcy returned in some areas: Hundreds of factories shut in Bangladesh despite hike assurance : Workers protest continues as garment workers clash with police

The BNP government's challenge is to negotiate a settlement that neither bleeds factory owners nor pushes workers further into economic distress.  

Tensions persisted in parts of Ashulia and Savar, where demonstrations continued and some factories remained closed as a precaution. Reportedly normalcy largely returned to Gazipur, Narayanganj and Mirpur. 

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has begun using drones for real-time surveillance in industrial areas of Dhaka and neighbouring districts.

According to a BGB press release, the force has deployed three platoons in Mirpur, 11 in Savar and Ashulia, 12 in Gazipur and seven in Narayanganj.  After four days of labour unrest, the situation appeared to ease with workers returning to garment factories and production resuming in some key pockets across industrial belts.

Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Amjad Hossain said “99.99 percent” of garment factories in the district were operating yesterday, and traffic movement had returned to normal.

In Narayanganj, factory operations and traffic also resumed as usual. Security was tightened at Chashara, a key intersection in the city.  

The Bangladesh economy is likely to take a hit after hundreds of garment factories were forced to suspend operations as workers continued to take to the streets demanding higher wages.

Operations were suspended in 414 factories across Gazipur and Savar in Dhaka district. 

Some estimates even suggest that the number could have risen to 500-600 factories. The protests turned violent, with reports of intense clashes between police and protesters and incidents of vandalism in Gazipur, Mirpur and Savar.

The nearly $40 billion readymade garment (RMG) industry, which accounts for roughly 80-84 per cent of Bangladesh's total export earnings, contributed 8.5 per cent to the country's nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in FY25, according to Bangladesh Bank's quarterly review. It sustains around four million workers.

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A Spl Interview :::: “Nagaland state Govt has done precious little for Solution” -- eminent Naga social worker H. Khekuto Khulu, (Retd - IAS)

A Spl Interview ::::   

with eminent Naga social worker H. Khekuto Khulu, (Retd - IAS)

“Nagaland state Govt has done precious little for Solution” --  

Nirendra Dev (Blogger): 

I think some of you got together and launched a new organisation, the Concerned Naga Forum for Nagaland (CNFN). As we understand, more than any new organisation, Nagaland needs a new roadmap. Your take on this. 

 

Khulu : 

The ‘Concerned Naga Forum of Nagaland’ (CNFN) was launched in January 2026 with the sole aim of pressurising the Government of India and also the State Government – who has the role of a facilitator to implement the Solution agreement in Nagaland based on the two agreements signed between the Government of India and the Naga political groups or Insurgents — the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017. Talks were concluded on Oct 31, 2019, as announced by the Governor/Interlocutor Shri R N Ravi. 

A resolution was duly adopted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in the Motion of Thanks to the Address of the Governor on January 2020.

 

Blogger: 

In terms of issues and pending Solution to Naga talks, I think if there is a gold medal for patience, Nagas should get it. Peace parleys started in 1997. We are about to reach 2027. That's 30 years. Two interim pacts came - one in 2015 and another in 2017 - yet Solution is not in sight. How long can you tolerate these double standards of political class - I mean both overt and covert (or underground)?

 

Khulu: 

To be frank, the Nagaland state Govt has done precious little, even after having an Opposition-less Government, to facilitate the peace process…. All these, even after a lapse of more than seven years since 2019 since the conclusion of talks as stated by the Interlocutor and something which was adopted by the Assembly.

 

Blogger: 

The chief minister Neiphiu Rio claimed in his Independence Day speech that a Minister of State led committee 'has been constituted'. In Delhi, none knew about any such panel for days and weeks. This is a height of it. Such a statement came on a solemn day. You are a former bureaucrat yourself. Where is the Accountability gone down the Dhansiri river?

 

Khulu: 

The announcement made by the Chief Minister of Nagaland in his Independence Day speech on 15th August 2026 … certainly a solemn day. This is out and out a blatant lie as it has turned out. 

Ajit Lal, ex-IPS, a retired bureaucrat, has been appointed as the “interlocutor” by the Government of India. The letter came from Union Home Secretary. No appointment of such importance is done like that. We do not mind but there is no mention of any committee under a Minister of State or political-level mediators. 

Some people have developed a unique style of saying something and managing to stay fit and okay. I laugh at times.

 

Blogger: 

Now I want to ask something on the role of the civil society. As someone who has worked in Nagaland in the 1990s; we saw the civil society was always powerful. Today... the whispering ... someone is behaving like youth wing of the ruling party - often raising issues which the state Govt is comfortable. There are others - who have gone silent. The next generation will have to pay a price for this silence - one is afraid.

 

Khulu: 

Extortion continues. There are 38 factions, whereas ceasefire agreements were with only six groups. The State Government, which has to be responsible for law and order, seems to be helpless, and perhaps the Government of India is happy with the incumbent regime to let Nagas continue to fight amongst themselves. 

The youngsters, as well as right-thinking elders, have a serious concern for the future of the state, particularly for the upcoming generations. A group of youngsters, which started as “Fed Up Nagas”, has now matured and is pressing the issue or solution as the “Naga Youth Movement”.

 

Khulu and other public spirited Naga leaders with Governor Nand Kishore Yadav

Blogger: 

What is the next roadmap? The extortion continues. Youngsters are unhappy.. Do you see a gap has emerged between elders and young people? As I interact with some sociologists - they say - some Netas believe 'money' is answer to all problems. Long back, Nagaland has suffered due to 2 Ws - wine and wealth. Have we come back to the same point? 

 

Khulu: 

Some may believe that “money” is the answer to all problems, but most of the Naga people believe that peace, development and clarity of vision for the future of the people are the real need and the answer to a brighter Nagaland.

 

Blogger: 

What about the recent appointment of a businessman from Kohima district as ‘go between’ for parleys by NSCN-IM; people are raising eyebrows. One statement has already come from a faction criticizing such a move. What’s your take?

 

Khulu: 

I cannot comment on a matter which is beyond my jurisdiction. However, it is strange that a “go between” for Parleys by NSCN (IM) is appointed. It is not known whether the appointed person is a cadre of the NSCN (IM). 

Moreover, talks have already been concluded on 31-10-2019 agreement have already been signed with NSCN (IM) in 2015 and NNPGs in 2017. 

This is creating confusion among the people of Nagaland

 

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Over 200 Youth Congress leaders and office bearers suspended for "defying" crown prince Rahul Gandhi and skipping Nov 1 Ramlila ground rally

The Indian Youth Congress has suspended at least 215 office-bearers across seven states and its Uttar Pradesh Central unit for missing the November 1 rally convened by Rahul Gandhi. 

The state-wise figures were 60 from Madhya Pradesh, 

49 from Gujarat,

 32 from Jharkhand, 

26 from West Bengal, 

14 from Telangana, 13 from Himachal Pradesh, 

11 from Uttar Pradesh Central and 10 from Haryana.

The Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress' X handle also confirmed its action on social media. 

The order said the disciplinary action followed instructions from the national leadership and would remain effective until further notice.

The disciplinary action in Madhya Pradesh affected nine district presidents, five vice-presidents, 14 general secretaries and 32 secretaries.  

The INDI-alliance bloc held its "Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao" rally on November 1, targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities.

The gathering, addressed by Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other Opposition leaders, was projected as a major show of strength. 

"One thing is clear, there was no proper connect between the rally and the common people. Otherwise Youth Congress office-bearers could not give it a miss," says a BJP leader also adding that "this further shows there was "orders and instructions" to attend the rally.

"Nothing was spontaneous and organic," he added.

Reports said ---  On November 2 and 3, state units began issuing suspension orders, citing organisational indiscipline.

Seizing the opportunity, several BJP leaders including spokesperson C R Kesavan, mocked Rahul Gandhi and claimed that his own Youth Congress colleagues had snubbed him.  

The Youth Congress publicly announced the disciplinary action against its own workers through its official social media handles. The disciplinary action, reportedly involving 215 office-bearers across eight state units, has raised questions over how the Congress is treating its own workers. 

One of those suspended is Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress general secretary Rohit Rajoria, who told Aaj Tak's Ravish Pal Singh that he could not attend because of his uncle's terahvin, the 13th-day ritual following a death. Rajoria alleged that he had informed the organisation beforehand but was suspended without a show-cause notice.
Other suspended office-bearers cited weddings, illnesses and family celebrations as reasons for missing the rally.

RSS footprints increase with BJP in power in West Bengal

Although no BJP or RSS leader has stated that the BJP’s coming to power in West Bengal had changed the 'ground situation' vis-a-vis Shakha activities, it was a fact that people in droves joined RSS shakhas after the Lotus party ousted the Mamata regime.

State higher education minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay took to his social media handle and said -- “It is West Bengal after change” suggesting there has been immense increase in RSS activities in the state.

An RSS functionary said: “Many people associated with the RSS had faced resistance from the former Left and Trinamool governments. But now, the scenario has changed and the growth of our organisation has exceeded our expectations.”   

In West Bengal, the number of Shakhas was up by 150 per cent compared to 2025 when there were around 5,000 shakhas across the state.  

There were only 68 shakhas in Baruipur of South 24-Parganas earlier. Now, the number is around 279. 

In West Burdwan’s Asansol, where the number of shakhas was around 70, the total has risen to 180. 

“Earlier, 10-20 people used to come to a shakha. Now, 50-60 people do,” said another leader. 

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale says: 

“Earlier (before the change of guard in West Bengal), there used to be direct opposition to establishing Shakhas including physical resistance. However, that opposition no longer exists. The situation has changed". 

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Hindu nationalist organisation whose work played a large role in propelling Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to power, celebrated its centenary in October 2025. 

In a speech at RSS headquarters in Nagpur, its chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a range of topics, including the conflict with Pakistan earlier this year, climate change, economic inequality and political turmoil in India's neighbouring countries.

"The world functions through dependence on each other. That is how relations between any two nations are maintained. No country can survive in isolation," he had said.  

In all practical sense, for 70 plus years -- West Bengal was a "Jehadi lab" where none imagined the Hindutva politics would shine. 

The Congress, the Marxists-led Left parties and Trinamool Congress thrived with their blatantly anti-Hindu and Muslim-appeasing politics. 

The results of May 2026 has frustrated the Sickular ecosystem - the powerful lobbies of Communists, Islamic radicals, psedu-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. 

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US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal raised India's "internal SIR issue" ::: Was rebuked by Indian envoy Kwatra .... now re-elected from Seattle

 

US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal made news recently when she spoke about Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in India. 

Ms Jayapal defeated Republican challenger Nirav Sheth in the Seattle-area district, where the two candidates of Indian descent contested the same House seat from opposing sides of the political spectrum.

First elected to Congress in 2016, Jayapal represents Washington’s 7th Congressional District, which includes most of Seattle and neighbouring communities such as Shoreline, Vashon Island and parts of Burien and Normandy Park. She has an image of a 'progressive Democrat' and she has established herself as a prominent voice on immigration reform, workers’ rights.    

Of course now there is euphoria in the US about the mandate. Analysts says quite often when it is claimed there is "nothing better on offer", they are proved wrong. This is how many analysts are looking at the US mid-term elections outcome. 

Not long ago, an egoistic President (Trump) had said - “I could stand in the middle of the Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK?”   

Americans have - rightly - reacted angrily. 

Indian American candidates scored key victories in the Nov 3, 2026 U.S. midterm elections, securing seats in Congress and state legislatures. From established lawmakers winning re-election to newcomers making their way into elected office, the results highlighted the community’s continued presence in US  politics.

Democrats Pia Dandiya and 

Suhas Subramanyam secured congressional victories.

Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller won another term alongside Gov Wes Moore. 

Several other Indian American lawmakers also retained their seats, strengthening the community’s representation at different levels of government.  

Now, what's there from the US mid-term elections for India's foreign policy engine room - the PMO and MEA ?

From mere guess and past style of functioning - one can use two phrases rather comfortably - "India is cautiously optimistic" and there was "perhaps also a sigh of relief".

The turbulence in ties in the last one year and half was palpable everybit.

Hence, the Democrats seizing control of both the Senate and House of Representatives is a welcome development.

Narendra Modi's 2019 slogan "Abki baar Trump Sarkar" has come a full circle and more than India's Prime Minister; the US President has to be blamed for all that. 

The general public opinion in India has turned suspicious and also "against" Washington. There is no quick-fix to repair the damage. 

The US administration itself has damaged the meticulously built strategic trust between the two sides.

Of course, Americans did not vote considering the calculus of Indo-US ties. 

The issue of cost of living for average Americans is linked to the tariffs imposed on imported products including from India. This harmed India's export.

Now everyone will be keen to watch whether the US Congress -  dominated by the Democrats - will push back against the tariff imposition powers granted Trump and his Republican members in the Congress. 

The mid-term elections produced the wave, but the forces generating it were already in motion. They came in various forms -- 

Economic -- increasingly existential for millions of Americans.

Was America moving forward without them ?

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