What's Past is the 'Present' ::: Fast forward: What's the roadmap ahead for RSS-BJP bond? ::: Future of Bharat and Hindutva is also well linked !!

What's the roadmap ahead for RSS-BJP bond?  -- Fast forward

Modi, Keshubhai Patel and others 

A man is known by the company he keeps. This is generally true for the BJP as a political outfit vis-a-vis its relationship with the RSS. 

In fact, doyens of pro-Hindutva philosophy politics Ike LK Advani have called RSS-BJP bond as the umbilical cord. Students of Biology can tell us that the umbilical cord is a flexible, tube-like structure that connects a developing fetus to the placenta. 

As the Modi Govt completed 12 years in office and created a new record of having PM Narendra Modi as the 'longest serving elected PM' surpassing Nehru; it is not without good reason that all eyes are on the future course the Sanghparivar fountainhead RSS chooses for itself.

It was/is more than an exciting event on cards (or in the past) as time and again an impression has gone that Nagpur does not approve of the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah 'hegemony' in all aspects of running of the saffron party and running of the NDA government. 

However, the 'past and the present' events related to the RSS-BJP relationship deserve a closer scrutiny. Contrary to the impression that it is Prime Minister Modi chiefly who is pushing all veterans into sidelines sources both in BJP and RSS confirm that right from 2013 the Sanghparivar fountain-head has been in "control" of things.  

In fact, about the BJP team formed by Rajnath Singh after being elected as national president in March 2013 showed "Kisi ek neta ki nahi chali".  

The RSS diktat was to work on next generation leaders. This was carried forward under a well thought and planned system and hence younger generation leaders were encouraged and projected too. 

Now that Nitin Nabin (age-) is the new president; things are further crystal clear.

On March 31, 2013 precisely the Easter Day-the then BJP president Rajnath Singh announced the bearers' names and also national executive of the party. It had a fine balance of caste, community and politi-co-societal considerations. 

But more importantly the new team of BJP had a clear imprint of the RSS. A senior leader later summed up the complex decisions in fewer words.  "For the first time in 33 years since formation of BJP in 1980, the party had shown dead woods their place and created a second generation in most states". 

This push to the generation next polity was given a much crucial bolster in 2014 after Amit Shah replaced Rajnath Singh as the BJP president. The move to inculcate fresh blood or new faces was refreshing and RSS insiders later said the "transition' was akin to L. K Advani's moves in 1980s when the likes of Pramod Mahajan and Sushma Swaraj were encouraged.

Mohan Bhagwat 

In 2014, it goes without saying the RSS also deputed one of its dynamic and then a media friendly personality Ram Madhav as the BJP gen-eral secretary. While PM Modi and BJP chief Shah are often accused of being 'autocratic', in the case of Ram Madhav he was given key responsibilities to handle trouble torn state of Jammu and Kashmir and "almost a free hand about Nagaland and other north eastern states".

That Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio survived so long especially after 2018 is a testimony to the influence of Ram Madhav. 

Sanghparivar leaders also say that in 2013 the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had categorically instructed Rajnath Singh that no general secretary should be above 50. It was a blueprint for the future. 

At the same time Amit Shah was allowed to be made the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh and the outcome is known to all. 

The state of UP ultimately gave BJP as many as magical 71 seats and the NDA tally was 73. 

Rajnath Singh 

RSS and Policy Making:   

The decision to frame a New Education Policy (NEP) was taken around 2014 itself. And after many twists and turns today the NEP bears the clear imprint of of the RSS ideology or Hindutva punctuated.

It talks about  ancient civilizational values and neo nationalism. PM Modi has also made it clear that his vision on ‘New India’ will actually represent the strongest pillars of original RSS agenda – Uniform Civil Code, emphasis on Patriotism, Cultural Unity and moral roots.   

More than once key BJP leaders and RSS ideologues have stated that the ideology hold of Nagpur must be strengthened on the BJP and crucial government departments.

It was argued that the “Congress suffered” immensely in terms of people's perception and a party’s value system and principles because - it was influenced and guided by ministers. 

Under Modi, hence it was a deliberate decision that the BJP and RSS should continue to “guide” the ministers and even prescribe “Dos and Don’ts” for critical ministries.

In fact, all key leaders PM Modi, RSS chief Bhagwat, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath (he is non-RSS background man) have been working to a good script and ensured that the BJP is in the "right synchronisation with the RSS on Education system, Swadeshi Economy and Growth, Ram temple and other pro-Hindutva agenda like Art 370 and Uniform Civil Code.

In 2017-the Sanghparivar fountainhead did not mind the experiment and allowed Yogi Adityanath to be made the UP Chief Minister. And this also fetched dividends. West Bengal election was a testimony of good team work between RSS and the BJP.

But Indian politics and Indian public are unpredictable. No final word can be said about polity and more so in the manner RSS leadership would handle the post UP elections of 2027.

But in case if certain or all all calculation goes topsy-turvy; heads will certainly roll.

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"Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India. Not just now but for many years," says Dr Jaishankar

 External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar strongly defended India's Russian oil purchases at the Kultaranta Talks in Finland. 

When requested by the interlocutor to expand upon his statement, Jaishankar reiterated India's long-standing security concerns regarding Western arms supplies to the region. "Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India. Not just now but for many years," he explained.

He said the West had no moral authority to lecture India as weapons from European countries had been used against it while Delhi never posed any threat to Europe.

Speaking at a discussion on 'Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition' at the Kultaranta Talks during his visit to Finland, Jaishankar said India's decision to buy Russian crude after the Ukraine war was driven by affordability and availability. He added that the US had itself encouraged India in 2022 to continue purchases to help stabilise global markets.

Jaishankar's remarks came as a journalist questioned India's position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, accusing the nation of being "too sympathetic to Russia" and "too willing to buy oil from Russia".  

Dr Jaishankar, a former career diplomat, responded by stating that India had no choice but to turn to Russian oil after European consumers started to buy oil en masse from India's traditional suppliers in the Middle East after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.  

Expanding on his criticism of Europe, Jaishankar said many of the weapons supplied by European nations over the decades had ended up in the hands of countries that used them against India. He contrasted this with India's record, saying New Delhi had never contributed to threats against European security and that no Indian-made weapon had been used against a European country.

"No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for Europe weapons vis-a-vis India," he remarked, subtly reminding the audience of India's history and relations.  

 "I'll make two observations. I buy oil based on cost and availability. So at that point of time, much of the oil available in the market was Russian because Europeans were essentially buying oil from the Middle East, which was our traditional supplier. So circumstances pushed us in a certain direction," Jaishankar stated.

He also added that the US had itself encouraged India to step up imports of Russian energy in 2022 in order to stabilise the global energy market, which had been shaken by sanctions that isolated the West from Russian oil reserves and increase pressure on Middle Eastern suppliers.

"At that time, the US directly asked India to buy Russian oil to stabilise the oil market. We buy oil based on cost and availability," Jaishankar stated during his address in Finland.  

EUROPEAN WEAPONS USED TO ATTACK INDIA, SAYS EAM JAISHANKAR

Aside from defending New Delhi's reliance on Russian energy imports, Jaishankar also argued that European nations lacked the moral authority to lecture New Delhi on the issue. He pointed out that weapons manufactured in European factories had, over the years, ended up in the hands of countries that later used them against India.   "Europe sells weapons which are used to attack India. Not just now but for many years," the seasoned diplomat told those in attendance at the discussion in Finland, highlighting New Delhi's longstanding concerns regarding Western arms sales.

Jaishankar also highlighted New Delhi's record, arguing that no Indian-made weapon had ever been used against a European country and that India had never posed a significant security threat to the continent.

"No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for Europe weapons vis-a-vis India," Jaishankar stated, adding that, "We Indians have never done anything to endanger Europe. I think that's a reasonable point."

Trinamool Congress's rebel faction in Lok Sabha all set to meet Lok Sabha Speaker on Monday :::: They want recognition as 'real TMC' .... if this happens "Trinamool will be out of Mamata's grip"

The rebel TMC MPs are understood to be closely watching the Centre's plans to make another attempt to pass the Women's Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill in Parliament.

 Amid mass resignations and a rebel camp threatening a split in the Trinamool Congress, an alleged signature forgery case related to the selection of the Leader of Opposition and other key Assembly appointments has become a thorn in the side of party national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee.

He has been questioned by the West Bengal CID for nearly six hours on Thursday in connection with the case. 

TMC MPs Saayoni Ghosh (left), Yusuf Pathan (centre), and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.

Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar was chief whip till May first/second week. Saayoni Ghoshi is a Abhishek loyalist has slammed Modi Govt on numerous occasions. She traveled across the state during polls. Yusuf Pathan, hails from Gujarat and had emerged giant killer by defeating Adhir Ranjan Choudhury in 2024. 

A May 18 letter signed by 19 Trinamool Congress MPs seeking a separate parliamentary faction has surfaced. 

The signatories include:

Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar

Satabdi Roy

Bapi Haldar

Dr Sharmila Sarkar

Prasun Bandyopadhyay

Jagadish Barma Basunia

Asit Kumar Mal

Arup Chakraborty

Rachna Banerjee

Saayoni Ghosh

Khalilur Rahaman

Abu Taher Khan

Yusuf Pathan

Mitali Bag

Mala Roy

Kalipada Soren

Deepak Adhikari

June Malia

Partha Bhowmick

The 'dissident MPs' have informed the Speaker of their intention to function as a separate parliamentary group.

The move has sharpened the party's internal crisis, raised questions over recognition and sparked rival claims over its symbol.

He reached the CID headquarters at Bhabani Bhavan around 5:50 pm shortly after obtaining interim protection from coercive action from the Calcutta High Court. 

Abhishek Banerjee left the CID office around 11:30 pm and proceeded to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee’s residence. 

He has been directed to appear before the CID again on Sunday as the investigation intensifies.  

Trinamool Congress's rebel faction in the Lok Sabha is all set to meet Speaker Om Birla on Monday. The faction will stake its claim as the real Trinamool Congress.  

The development leaves only nine of the party's 28 Lok Sabha MPs outside the rebel camp, although the positions of some members remain unclear.  

Sources said the communication submitted by the rebel MPs carries the date of May 18, a day before senior MP Kalyan Banerjee was appointed chief whip of the party in the Lok Sabha on May 19.

The Speaker will now have to determine whether the dissident group can be recognised on technical and procedural grounds.  

Asked about the apparent contradiction between Ritabrata’s supposed anti-BJP stance in Bengal and her own support for the NDA, Kakoli told India Today TV she had “nothing to do” with him.

“I have nothing to do with him. He’s in the Assembly and I’m in Parliament. When I started off, I was the only one to raise my voice against this; now, 19 others have joined me, and together we will work for Bengal,” the Barasat MP said.

To another question, Dr Kakoli ruled out Sreerampur MP Kalyan Banerjee joining the rebels despite his recent outburst against Mamata Banerjee’s No. 2 Abhishek Banerjee. She cited her official complaint against his alleged misogyny.

LoP West Bengal assembly, Ritabrata Banerjee appeared taken aback when asked to respond to Dr Ghosh Dastidar's  statement dissociating from him.

“Who said what? Come again... Kakolidi? What did she say?” he asked, before laughing when her remarks were read out to him. “I don’t know… best not to get into these things.”

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India and Bangladesh to coordinate border patrols, share intelligence ::::: BJP, which governs Tripura, Bengal and Assam, has said tackling alleged undocumented migration ​is a priority !!

India and Bangladesh to coordinate border patrols, share intelligence after migration row.

The Border Guard Bangladesh and BSF described the talks as 'cordial, positive and forward-looking' in a joint statement issued after a four-day meeting of senior border officials in New Delhi  

Bangladesh and India have agreed to deepen cooperation along their shared border with improved intelligence sharing and coordinated patrols, according to a joint statement released on Friday, amid strained relations over alleged undocumented migration.

Earlier this week, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said that any push-ins without due process were “absolutely unacceptable,” warning they could undermine efforts to improve bilateral ties.

Dhaka has accused Indian authorities of attempting to force migrants across the border without due process, complicating efforts to stabilise ties following the 2024 ousting of Sheikh Hasina and India’s broader effort to identify and deport undocumented migrants.  

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) described the discussions as “cordial, positive and forward-looking”, according to the statement released at the end of a four-day meeting of top border officials in New Delhi.

The regular talks also covered “illegal, inadvertent and forcible crossing at border areas,” an increasingly contentious issue in recent months. Bangladesh and India share a more than 4,000-km (2,500-mile) border, one of the world’s longest. 

 BJP, which governs key border states including Tripura, Bengal and Assam, has said tackling alleged undocumented migration ​is a priority and has been trying to push Bengali-speaking Muslims branded "illegal infiltrators" into Bangladesh since last year.

Bangladesh has said it has sent more than a dozen letters to New Delhi seeking an end to the practice.  

Bangladesh said it had intensified patrols and launched awareness campaigns along parts of the frontier to tackle the alleged forced crossings, while India said in May it had asked Dhaka to verify the nationality of more than 2,860 suspected Bangladeshi nationals living in India without formal documentation.

The joint statement said the two sides also discussed human trafficking, border deaths, smuggling, infrastructure and implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, tranquility and stability along the India-Bangladesh border,” the statement said, adding they would strengthen coordinated patrols, enhance vigilance, improve real-time information sharing and step up joint action against trans-border criminal networks.

The BGB has reported foiling several alleged attempts in recent weeks and has stepped up deployments, intelligence operations and drone surveillance in border areas.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and allied Islamist parties have earlier announced that they would march to various border points with India on Friday protesting against the alleged Indian push-ins and killings near the frontier. 

The anti-Hasina student's NCP has called for Bangladeshis to form a human shield along the border even as high-level talks between India and Bangladesh are being held in New Delhi.

What's happening in Indian Education sector ? :::: The Flip Flop, Over Ambition and Conspiracy of the 'sharks' and foreign universities

The decision to allow foreign higher educational institutions (FHEIs) to operate in India appears to be driven by multiple factors. 

The first is to offer high-quality higher education to Indian students who are otherwise compelled to go abroad.  

Why suddenly a Boston-based student realises the importance of seeking Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation; wonders a BJP leader.

In 2022, nearly 1 million Indian students moved to foreign countries to study. But studying abroad shifted significantly in 2025. 

Facing stricter visa rules, high housing costs, and tighter work-permit caps in traditional "Big Four" destinations (Canada, US, UK, Australia), the total number of Indian students enrolled overseas saw its first decline (-5.7%) after three years of steady growth, though overall volumes remained above 1.2 million.  

India has only a handful of private universities that have the potential to become world-class universities. Allowing FHEIs to operate in India will increase competition and compel emerging private universities to build capacity. 

The draft UGC regulations appear to be seeking to arrest the significant outflow of capital and young people from India. 

The Govt of India wants to 'attract reputed FHEIs' and build an ecosystem of high-quality teaching and research in the country. 

In pursue of their ambitious drive for a Viksit Bharat by 2047; the Modi Govt has flagged  "revolutionary approaches and methodologies" in Indian education system.

In a very raw sense these include -- study of History and the mandatory three language system. There are reasons to believe that a vast number of large private varsities in US, UK and countries like Canada and Australia are upset.  

There is another feature that's making raise eyebrows.

The Coaching centres already face critical operational and ethical challenges, including the need to navigate strict government regulations.

There are also issues around managing immense student stress and burnout, and adapting to tech-savvy learners. These hurdles require a delicate balance between driving academic success and ensuring holistic well-being. 

Hence, it is possible that the CJP is being pushed into the game by larger education-oriented stakeholders and lobbies.  

The foreign universities from UK, the US, Australia and Canada together make an earning roughly $ 5 billion annually from Indian students.

Around 2.5 million of them.

Analysts say if the the 'India's own system' is streamlined and defects corrected; a confidence will be rebuilt. Automatically that 'pipeline' will start shrinking. Hence, various stakeholders have reasons to be unhappy. 

The Govt of India also wants to make education system less 'dependent' on English language and hence the vested interests in western countries would be impacted immediately and also in the long run. 

As a result, we are at a situation when we may "listen" for what has not been stated at all.  

Dharmendra Pradhan may have emerged as a soft-target of a criticism of the intellectuals and academicians and not without good reasons.

The Education Minister is working New Mathematics Curriculum and also a New set of NCERT books for Class IX to XII especially the New History Curriculum  

UGC's proposed undergraduate mathematics curriculum integrates ancient Indian concepts like sutra literature and calendrics, aiming to demystify math and emphasise on values. 

Since Vedic times (several millennia before the Christian era), Indians represented whole numbers in the decimal place-value system, enumerating very large numbers with ease and without ambiguity.  

Ancient Indian knowledge systems like Kala Ganpana (traditional timekeeping), Bharatiya Bijganit (Indian algebra), the study of Puranas and concepts from texts such as the Surya Siddhanta and Aryabhatiyam may soon become part of undergraduate mathematics courses. 

The detractors of the newly floated CJP allege the 'movement' uses calculated "dark psychology" and meme-based engineering to brainwash Indian youth and steer them against the establishment. 

Because founder Abhijeet Dipke is a former political communications strategist for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and is currently studying in Boston, critics argue the party is a front for mainstream opposition forces.  

The CJP's immense digital footprint was artificially inflated. 

Reports claimed that hundreds of thousands of the CJP's Instagram followers originated from Topeka, Kansas (a city whose total population is lower than the alleged follower count), alongside suspicious metric spikes from Palestine, Malaysia, and Ivory Coast. 

Online theories target CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das. Accusations on social media suggest his past investigative journalism on the judiciary was part of a long-term "confidence trick" to build credibility ahead of launching the CJP.

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First FIFA World Cup match ::: Mexico beats South Africa -- Two goals .... Three Red Cards

Three red cards mark historic FIFA World Cup 2026 opener as Mexico get off to winning start

Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez score as co-hosts beat South Africa 2-0 in a fiery World Cup opener that makes history with three red cards handed out. 

South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole committed a rash foul on attacker Brian Gutierrez when the latter was through on goal. Sithole was shown a straight red as the game tilted more firmly in Mexico’s favour.  

S. African midfielder Themba Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute for slapping an opponent leaving S. Africa to play with 9 men for the rest of the match. 

However, the numerical disadvantage was reduced slightly with Mexican skipper Cesar Montes received marching orders for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity in the dying moments of the game.

The match ended with only 19 players on the pitch and a promise for an exhilarating, drama-packed World Cup.

Tournament co-hosts Mexico were always favourites going into the game, but South Africa provided them with an early opportunity after giving the ball away cheaply while playing out from the back. 

The hosts pounced on it, with Julian Quinones slotting the ball away in the 9th minute of the game to score the 3rd fastest goal in any World Cup opener.  

Mexico dominated possession, but indecisiveness and poor finishing prevented them from extending their lead in the first half. The second half began with a bang, with South Africa going a man down inside four minutes of the restart.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and allied Islamist parties threaten to "march" to various border points with India :::: Protest against 'push ins' of illegal Bangladeshis in Bengal

Form human shield: Islamist Jamaat to march to India border over 'push-ins'

Rallies will be held in border districts on June 12 and in Dhaka on June 15

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and allied Islamist parties have announced that they would march to various border points with India on Friday protesting against the alleged Indian push-ins and killings near the frontier. 

The anti-Hasina student's NCP has called for Bangladeshis to form a human shield along the border even as high-level talks between India and Bangladesh are being held in New Delhi.

Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami and its coalition of Islamist and other opposition parties, including the former anti-Sheikh Hasina students'-led NCP, have announced protests along the India-Bangladesh border over alleged "push-ins" by India and the "killing of Bangladeshi nationals near the frontier". 

The protest plan of the Bangladeshi parties was shared by the Shafiqur Rahman-led Jamaat.

The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance said it would hold protest rallies in border districts and key border points across Bangladesh on Friday (June 12) followed by a rally and procession in Dhaka on June 15. 

The alliance has attacked PM Tarique Rahman's BNP government and has accused India of attempting to force people across the border. The Jamaat alliance also alleged that "Bangladeshi citizens have been killed in firing by India's Border Security Force (BSF)".  

Bangladesh Jamaat leader Hamidur Rahman Azad said that although border killings had long been a concern, the situation has become more alarming under the current Suvendu government in Kolkata and the Modi Govt in New Delhi.

Citing media reports, he said attempts had been made to push people into Bangladesh at more than 50 locations along the border during March, April and May this year, involving 2,479 individuals.  

He further claimed that during the first 100 days of the current Tarique Rahman government in Dhaka, 19 Bangladeshis were killed and 24 others injured by gunfire from India's Border Security Force (BSF). 

He also alleged that 83 people had been detained or abducted by the BSF and Myanmar's Arakan Army.

Criticising a recent statement by the home minister, Azad said, 

"There is no legal provision for killing anyone at the border. Even if a person commits a crime, there are legal procedures to arrest and bring them under the law. Directly shooting and killing people is a clear violation of human rights and an attack on Bangladesh's sovereignty."  

Calling on the government to take action, he said, "We have remained uncompromising in defending the country's independence and sovereignty, and we will continue to do so. Push-ins will be resisted at any cost."  

India has consistently rejected the description of these actions as "push-ins".

New Delhi maintains that only 'illegal foreign nationals' are being repatriated after due verification and in accordance with existing procedures. 

Responding to remarks by Bangladeshi officials, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India expected Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification so that repatriation could proceed smoothly.

The Jamaat bloc's announcement comes amid a diplomatic focus on an issue which Bangladesh calls "push-ins". Dhaka said the issue was raised during the 57th Director General-level talks between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF) held in New Delhi from June 8 to 11.

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