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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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US elections take place under a shadow of uncertainty ::::: Midterm polls seen as referendum on Donald Trump

Americans head to polls in midterm elections seen as referendum on Trump  

Opinion surveys have suggested the Democrats are well-positioned to win the House. The party faces a tougher task to regain control of the Senate, although it has targeted several Republican-held seats including Ohio, Texas and Maine.

The US Congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Both must approve federal legislation before it can become law and both play important roles in overseeing the executive branch.

The House is elected every two years, meaning all 435 voting seats are contested at every congressional election. The Senate has 100 members serving staggered six-year terms, so roughly a third of its seats are up for election every two years.

The war with Iran – which Donald Trump launched last February in understanding with Israel – has stoked inflation by increasing global oil prices, which has led to higher prices at the pump for American motorists and raised the cost of diesel, a vital fuel for supply chains and farmers. The US elections take place under a shadow of uncertainty about whether Trump will accept the results if they do not go the Republicans’ way.  

Americans are heading to the polls today in US midterm elections widely seen as a referendum on Donald Trump’s second presidency and a chance for opponents to rein in his untrammeled power.

Democrats and Republicans have scrambled in recent days to deliver their final pitches to voters with control of the US Senate and House of Representatives – both currently held by the Republicans – at stake.

The campaign has been overshadowed by Trump, who has staged several dozen rallies across the country while urging his make America great again (Maga) base to vote for Republican candidates and pretend his name was on the ballot.

The party holding the White House typically loses congressional seats at midterm elections and Democrats are hoping Trump’s nose-diving popularity can be exploited to generate a “blue wave” groundswell of popular opposition that will win them both the Senate and the House.

They are seeking to wrest control over both chambers of Congress to put a brake on Trump’s presidential power, which has gone largely unchecked as he has launched a fierce immigration crackdown involving mass arrests and deportations, waged war on Iran, imposed tariffs on foreign imports , and embarked on vainglorious building projects, including a White House ballroom.

Formation of Territorial Council ruled out in Manipur :::: Total Shutdown in Kangpokpi by another 48 Hours by Kukis ::::: Several houses allegedly set ablaze in Tumuyon Khullen Naga Village

There is no sign of improvement or end to the cycle of  violence, Bandhs and the administrative inability in handling complex problems in Manipur.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has extended its ongoing total shutdown by another 48 hours, citing the government’s continued failure to take decisive action and deliver justice for the killing of two Kuki-Zo civilians.

In an urgent public notice issued on November 2, CoTU, a Kuki civil body based out of Kangpokpi announced the extension of the shutdown, stating that the government’s alleged inaction and failure to initiate tangible steps against those responsible for the killings would no longer be tolerated.  

The committee said the shutdown would continue for another 48 hours, while exempting schools, medical services, media and air travel for essential purposes.

File snap: 2005 - Bandh supporters enforcing the Sadar Hills bandh 

2023 snap 

CoTU expressed strong dissatisfaction with what it described as the government’s indecision and failure to ensure justice, stating that the two deaths had left bereaved families and the wider community awaiting accountability.

The committee demanded concrete, decisive and time-bound action against those responsible for the killings, rejecting what it termed empty assurances and administrative excuses.  

Naga Village Condemns Arson, Alleges Houses Set Ablaze by Kuki Groups 

Reports from Senapati said, the Tumuyon Khullen Village Authority has strongly condemned the alleged arson attack on the Maram Naga village on Sunday afternoon.

It ha been claimed that several houses were set ablaze by suspected Kuki groups. The incident occurred at around 3:30 PM on November 1, when numerous houses in Tumuyon Khullen were allegedly set on fire, local media reports said.  

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the Tumuyon Khullen Village Authority cautioned that its peaceful stance should not be misconstrued as weakness. It also warned that the authorities would be held responsible should they fail to act and further incidents occur.  

Meanwhile, both the state Governor Ajay Bhalla and chief minister Y Khemchand Singh are reviewing the situation constantly. 

Multiple issues are coming to the fore displaying yet again that the problems in Manipur have complexities like the proverbial wheels-within-wheels.  

In a recent statement, the Chief Minister's Office in a statement said - "The BJP-led government (in Manipur) will protect the territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost."

The statement mentioned that a delegation of three eminent activists associated with northeast, UPPL and NDA lawaker from Assam, Pramod Boro, Lt General (Retd) R. P. Kalita, and A. K. Mishra, retired Special Director, Intelligence Bureau and ex advisor NE, made a courtesy call on Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Mantripukhri last week.

"During the brief interaction, the leaders discussed the way forward for restoring peace and normalcy in the state and promoting reconciliation among communities for a better future of the State".

It clarified that no other agendas contrary to the aspirations and interests of the people and the State were discussed. 

The CMO clarified that : "The news item regarding the formation of Territorial Council in Manipur is totally baseless and fabricated. 

"It may be mentioned that, on several occasions, the Central Government and the BJP-led Government in Manipur have consistently maintained that they are firmly committed to safeguarding Manipur's territorial integrity."

 

In an article, Rajya Sabha MP, Pramod Boro of UPPL (NDA) said: "Manipur must not become a permanent symbol of humanity failure".  

The centre has released a substantial Rs 682 crore to Manipur as an "additional tax devolution instalment". 

"This timely support will boost development, welfare initiatives and capital expenditure in the state," the chief minister tweeted. 

The role expected to be played by the three member panel of public spirited citizens Pramodo Boro, Lt Gen (retd) Kalita and A K Mishra (ex advisor, NE) is significant. 

Analysts say the root cause of the problem or the trigger is the absence or even the 'collapse' of the inter community dialogues in Manipur. It started with Kuki-Meitei issues in 2023 and then it expanded to other areas of the state especially involving Kukis and Nagas. 

The Meiteis are emotional about the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur. The Nagas have their own history of violence and demands and the Kukis have their own. 

In Naga areas especially Kamjong-Ukhrul things have become extremely unsafe for the Kukis and there are hamlets and separate pockets where Nagas are not safe either. 

Sources said as three individuals are "aware" of the local problems due to professional involvement (especially for Lt Gen Kalita and A K Mishra); they can make a holistic view of things.  

Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Boro - who has good rapport with both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shah - can give the necessary "political touch" to the discussions with civil society organisations from all three communities. 

 

NDA lawmaker Boro, Lt Gen (retd) Kalita and A K Mishra with Guv Bhalla  

However, it is learnt "there is nothing Sarkari or official" about the special citizens' panel. Understandably, these three individuals and a galaxy of academicians and others met in Tezpur University in Assam in October and resolved to work for the north east region with a long term mission. 

The challenges in Manipur are complex and by understanding the gravity of the situation, the panel offered to try to "establish a starting point for meaningful dialogue" between various communities. 

"Things are on track and more efforts are necessary," said an analyst.

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Manipur should become a testament to humanity and capacity to heal, says Assam lawmaker Promod Bodo of UPPL

"Manipur must not become a permanent symbol of humanity failure," says Assam lawmaker Promod Boro, who visited the violence-hit state lately.

Reportedly among others, former advisor north east A K Mishra (retd IPS) and also Lt Gen (retd) Rana Pratap Kalita, former Eastern Command chief, were in his delegation. 

Manipur Guv A K Bhalla with Boro, Lt Gen Kalita and A K Mishra 

In an article made available here, Boro says: "Let Manipur become a testament to humanity and capacity to heal by acknowledging suffering and choosing a future beyond inherited hostility".

The lawmaker, who is also president of the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), says - it was "this mission" that they visited the state.

"We are a team of concerned citizens, a voluntary non-government initiative, who empathise with the people of Manipur and feel that it is our moral responsibility to work towards peace in Manipur," he says.

The lawmaker highlighted the role of the "civil society organisations of the various communities". 

He further states : "Our broad purpose was to promote inter-community dialogue by providing a credible platform, in which, communities can acknowledge suffering, clarify grievances, resist misinformation, and develop practical forms of cooperation". 

The MP pledged:

"We will also help develop trust among communities through inter-community social, cultural, sports, education, youth/student exchange programmes/camps, etc, to foster social harmony and build sustainable peace". 

Reportedly a few meetings with the civil society organisations are on cards.

"Manipur future must not be confined to the memories of violence. It must also be shaped by the courage of survivors, the wisdom of communities, the integrity of institutions and the determination of future generations to build a different society." 

In this context, he sounded quite pragmatic and added:

"The road to reconciliation will not be simple. Grief cannot be hurried, trust cannot be commanded and justice cannot be replaced by declarations of goodwill". 

However, he remained positive and forward looking - ".... the difficulty of peace is not a reason to abandon it. It is a reason to approach it with greater seriousness, patience and moral courage." 

Lt Gen (Retd) Kalita  

Boro also says:

"North East India offers a powerful cultural context for understanding how communities can sustain relationships across generations. Its extraordinary diversity is expressed through different histories, languages, customs, traditions, festivals, and arts and crafts, etc. 

However, historically, there is a common thread running through the age-old systems of inter-community support, solidarity and dependence. Barter and reciprocal exchange connected people through shared economic needs".  

Boro also writes:  

"Peace-building in Manipur, therefore, must extend beyond mere security and political interventions and arrangements and encompass host of initiatives, including inter- community dialogue, creating awareness through education, psycho-social healing, etc. 

"The central proposition is that sustainable peace cannot be imposed exclusively from above; it must be cultivated within institutions, communities and the minds of the everyday relationships. 

Manipur recovery must become not only a regional responsibility but also an opportunity to demonstrate humanity& capacity to transform suffering into solidarity."

Chief Minister Khemchand with surrendered PWG militants in July 2026 

The assembly polls are due in Manipur by March 2027 along with high profile states such as Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and also Goa and Uttarakhand. But due to deteriorating law and order situation since 2023 on multiple fronts; stakes are high for the ruling BJP. 

Initially the problems were between Kukis and Meiteis but from the beginning of calendar year 2026; now there are serious conflicts between Nagas and Kukis. The district of Kamjong has been worst affected. The split in NSCN-IM has further complicated things. 

In a major embarrassment for the ruling state government,  a mass rally was jointly organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and several Naga organisations and other indigenous community bodies at Imphal.  

Participating organisations included the United Naga Council (UNC), Joint Tribes Council (JTC), Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC), Naga People’s Union, Imphal (NPUI), Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee Manipur (NHACM), Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO), All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and people from the hills and valley. 

Thousands of Meitei, Naga and other indigenous people rallied across Imphal, Senapati and Chandel, issuing a "final call" to the Centre and demanding the scrapping of the SoO agreement with Kuki groups and implementation of NRC with 1951 as the base year. 

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Whether separate Rahul and Priyanka camps were emerging within Congress !!

BJP spokesman Sambit Patra alleged that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was being sidelined within the Congress, claiming she was not given an opportunity to speak at either the party’s mock Parliament or the Ramlila Maidan rally. 

Another BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also questioned whether separate Rahul and Priyanka camps were emerging within the party. These claims were not independently substantiated.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Morcha president Upendra Kushwaha termed the Opposition’s electoral irregularity allegations baseless and urged political parties to focus on public issues rather than undermine democratic institutions.

The BJP also announced counter-campaigns in states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will undertake a padayatra in Hyderabad on Monday.

The Telangana BJP’s campaign is against what it calls the Congress’s misleading narrative on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Shah is also expected to address a gathering. 

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will lead a ‘Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy’ march in Nagpur on November 5. 

The BJP expects 15,000 to 20,000 participants at the march, which will run from Yashwant Stadium to Samvidhan Chowk and conclude a four-day campaign.   

The BJP on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following the INDIA bloc’s ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally in Delhi, accusing him of making baseless allegations against the government and the Election Commission.

Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra described the Ramlila Maidan gathering as a “chaotic, unruly spectacle” and claimed that the turnout fell far short of the 10 lakh people projected by Congress leaders. He dismissed Gandhi’s claim that the 2024 Lok Sabha election was “illegal”, arguing that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was not in office during those polls.

Patra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would remain in office as long as Gandhi continued to manufacture “non-issues”. He also accused the Congress leader of undermining democratic institutions and described the Opposition’s “vote chori” allegations as a “bundle of lies”. 

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee were among those travelling with other INDIA bloc leaders, while supporters walked alongside the vehicle, turning the stretch towards the rally venue into a moving procession.

The march, organised under the banner of ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’, was the most visible part of the Opposition alliance’s mobilisation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. But the gathering had begun taking shape across the capital several hours before the leaders arrived at Minto Road. 

At Ramlila Maidan, supporters of different Opposition parties had started assembling early in the morning. Congress workers gathered outside Himachal Bhawan before proceeding towards the venue, while Samajwadi Party supporters assembled outside Akhilesh Yadav’s residence. Groups affiliated with Left parties also arrived in the Capital, with student organisations joining the mobilisation.

Supporters were not limited to party workers from Delhi. Several groups had travelled from neighbouring States and other parts of the country. Supporters of the INDIA bloc gathered carrying party flags, banners and placards, while groups of students and representatives of different organisations made their way towards the rally venue.

At the centre of the preparations was Ramlila Maidan, where a large tricolour canopy had been erected above the main stage. 

A separate stage was arranged for representatives of the alliance’s State units. White canopy tents, temporary platforms and designated enclosures occupied portions of the grounds, with barricades installed to regulate the movement of people.

Cut-outs of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge were also put up outside the venue.