Amit Shah holds crucial talks with Nadda and BJP national prez Nitin Nabin on "Bengal polls" :::: PM Modi to visit Assam on March 13 and 14

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president Nitin Nabin met at the residence of Union Minister and Leader of Upper House of Parliament J P Nadda, on "West Bengal Elections", sources said.  

Narendra Modi to visit Assam on 13-14 March  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will visit Assam on 13-14 March 2026. During the visit, Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, lay foundation stones, perform Bhoomi Poojan and flag off multiple development projects worth more than Rs 47,800 crore across Kokrajhar, Guwahati and Silchar.

On 13 March, at around 1:30 PM, Prime Minister will perform Bhoomi Poojan, lay foundation stones and flag off projects worth over ₹4,570 crore at Kokrajhar. 

Later in the day, at around 5 PM in Guwahati, Prime Minister will perform Bhoomi Poojan, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation several development projects around ₹19,680 crore.

On 14 March, at around 10:45 AM, the Prime Minister will perform Bhoomi Poojan and dedicate to the nation various projects worth about ₹23,550 crore at Silchar.  PM in Kokrajhar

Prime Minister will perform Bhoomi Poojan of Assam Mala 3.0, a major road infrastructure initiative worth over ₹3,200 crore. Under this scheme, more than 900 kilometres of roads will be constructed across Assam to improve inter-state connectivity and strengthen linkages between national highways and rural roads.

Modi will perform Bhoomi Poojan for six road infrastructure projects in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area, including four flyovers and two bridges, with an investment of around ₹1,100 crore. These projects will help reduce traffic congestion in Kokrajhar district and improve connectivity, tourism, agricultural access, healthcare access and rural mobility.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a Periodic Overhauling (POH) Workshop at Bashbari in Kokrajhar district. The workshop will strengthen railway maintenance infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency and create employment opportunities in the region.

He will also flag off three new train services aimed at improving connectivity in Assam and the North-East region. These include the Kamakhya-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express providing direct rail connectivity between the North-East and Southern India; the Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Express enhancing connectivity between Assam and West Bengal; and the Narangi-Agartala Express improving connectivity between Assam and Tripura and facilitating smoother inter-state travel for passengers, traders and tourists.

PM in Guwahati

Modi will distribute land pattas to tea garden workers, marking a historic milestone in providing homestead land rights to the tea garden community. Secure land ownership is expected to improve housing security, enable better access to institutional credit and welfare schemes, and promote long-term social and economic mobility.

Prime Minister will also release the 22nd installment of the PM-KISAN scheme to over 9.3 crore farmers across the country, under which eligible farmers receive ₹2,000 directly into their bank accounts.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the Kopili Hydro-Electric Project located in Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts. Constructed at a cost of over ₹2,300 crore, the project will enhance clean energy generation, improve grid stability in the region and ensure reliable power supply to households, farmers and industries.

Modi will dedicate to the nation the Capacity Enhancement Project of the Numaligarh-Siliguri Product Pipeline (NSPL) of Oil India Limited. 

The project will facilitate the expansion of the Numaligarh Refinery from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA by enabling evacuation of additional petroleum products. Prime Minister will also inaugurate Phase 1 of the North East Gas Grid, a major pipeline project that connects Guwahati with Numaligarh, Gohpur, and Itanagar, with a branch line extending to Dimapur. 

Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for Numaligarh Refinery Limited’s (NRL) Rail-Fed POL Terminal at Panchgram, Hailakandi District. These projects will significantly strengthen energy infrastructure in the North-East and enhance national energy security.

Major railway electrification projects will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister, including the Rangiya-Murkongselek rail line electrification (558 km) built at a cost of around ₹420 crore and the Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh rail line electrification (571 km) built at a cost of about ₹1,180 crore, Badarpur-Silchar and Badarpur-Churaibari rail lines, built at a cost of around ₹650 crore. 

These projects will enable faster, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable train operations while improving connectivity across the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley regions.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a Ropeway project connecting Kamakhya Railway Station to Kamakhya Temple. Planned under a public-private partnership model using advanced Monocable Detachable Gondola  technology, the ropeway will have the capacity to carry around 17,000 passengers per day. The project will reduce travel time and provide a comfortable, environment-friendly transportation option for pilgrims while helping decongest city roads.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate the PM Ekta Mall in Guwahati. The mall is envisioned as a major commercial and tourism hub for Assam and the North-Eastern region, featuring permanent stalls for One District One Product (ODOP) items, GI-tagged products, handicrafts and handloom goods from Assam and other states. The facility will also include showrooms of leading Indian brands, food courts, modern amenities, parking and digital kiosks, providing a platform for local artisans and promoting regional culture and industry.

PM in Silchar

Modi will perform the Bhoomi Poojan of the Shillong-Silchar Corridor, the first access-controlled Greenfield four-lane High-Speed Corridor in North-East India. 

The 166 km corridor, with an investment of around ₹22,860 crore, will significantly improve connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam. 

The project will reduce the distance between Guwahati and Silchar and cut travel time from 8.5 hours to approximately 5 hours, boosting economic growth and cross-border trade in the region.

Prime Minister will also perform Bhoomi Poojan for an Elevated Corridor on NH-306 from Trunk Road near Capital Point to Rangirkhari Point in Silchar (Phase-I). The project will decongest one of Silchar’s busiest roads, improve connectivity with neighbouring states such as Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur, and contribute to the economic development of the Barak Valley.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a new College of Agriculture at Patharkandi in Karimganj district. The institution will strengthen the ecosystem of agricultural education and research in Assam and provide students from the Barak Valley and neighbouring regions access to high-quality agricultural education closer to home.

 

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"LPG production has been ramped up by 28%" - Govt told Lok Sabha :::: Shri Ram School warned parents that it may be 'unable' to provide lunch to students due to shortage of commercial LPG

The impact of the LPG supply disruption is now being felt by India Inc as well, with some companies reporting operational issues due to cooking gas shortages affecting cafeterias and food services. 

Rising fuel costs could squeeze vendor margins, trigger menu price revisions and potentially reduce order frequency from price-sensitive consumers !! 

At the same time, disruptions in commercial LPG supply have been reported in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, with restaurants and eateries struggling to procure cylinders and in some cases cutting menus or scaling down operations. 

Police in several states have also stepped up monitoring amid rumours around LPG supply, warning of strict action against misinformation, hoarding and theft of cylinders. 

The government, however, maintains there is no nationwide LPG crisis and says refinery output has been increased by about 10% to stabilise supplies.  

The Shri Ram School has warned parents that it may be unable to provide lunch and snacks to students next week due to a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, according to a notice sent to parents. 

Former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover shared a screenshot of the school’s email to parents on X on Thursday.  

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed the Lok Sabha that LPG production has been ramped up by 28% as the government works to manage supply pressures during the ongoing global energy disruption.

Puri said India is navigating “the most severe global energy disruption in recorded history,” but assured that essential supplies are being prioritised. He said gas is being directed first to households and farms while efforts are underway to keep supply chains stable.

Puri added that the country must “stand united behind the energy warriors, behind the institution managing the crisis, and behind the national interests”.

According to Madhav Kasturia, CEO and Founder of Zippee, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has risen by about Rs 114 to nearly Rs 1,883 in Delhi, while domestic cylinder prices have increased by Rs 60 to around Rs 913. 

Although LPG is widely known as a cooking fuel, it also plays a critical role in steel manufacturing. 

At the Visakhapatnam facility, LPG is used for bloom cutting in the Steel Melt Shop, where nearly 4,000 blooms are cut every day. This process is essential to keep the continuous casting line moving.

Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has assured consumers that the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) used for home cooking and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) used for vehicles will remain uninterrupted.

In a statement, the company said the assurance follows the government’s Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order dated March 9, 2026, which treats domestic PNG and CNG as top priority sectors.

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Is stage set for Prez Rule ??? R N Ravi takes oath as new Governor of West Bengal :::: Mamata present ... No leader from the BJP attended the programme

RN Ravi takes oath as 22nd Governor of West Bengal, succeeds C V Ananda Bose

No leader from the BJP attended the programme. 

This could be deliberate so that there is no unnecessary controversy on whether he mingles more with the saffron party leaders or not !! 

The oath of office was administered by Sujoy Paul, Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

Ravi, completing a 54-month tenure in Tamil Nadu, was appointed Governor of West Bengal following the resignation of his predecessor C V Ananda Bose on March 5.  

Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee, senior minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, and Left Front chairman Biman Bose were also present at the ceremony. 

Before taking charge in West Bengal, Ravi had served as Governor of Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu.

RN Ravi’s stint in Tamil Nadu was marked by an unprecedented level of public engagement and rows with the DMK leadership. 

Shifting away from the traditional, distant nature of the office, he focused on making the Raj (Lok)  Bhavan more accessible to civil society from all walks of life. 

R N Ravi personally addressed more than 1,00,000 students, emphasising the role of the younger generation in nation-building. 

In a departure from the practice of handing out a few symbolic degrees, he personally distributed more than 50,000 certificates at various university convocations. 

He pioneered this signature initiative, hosting 24 sessions at the Raj Bhavan. 

Considered close to PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and NSA Ajit Doval; Ravi was born in Patna, Bihar.

He did his Masters in Physics in 1974. Joined the Indian Police Service in 1976 served in various parts of the country. He served in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and led several anti-corruption crusades against organized criminal gangs.

While in the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the premier intelligence agency of the country. He served largely in theatres of insurgencies and violence including in Jammu & Kashmir, the North East and Maoist-infected regions.  

In Nagaland, he had serious differences with NDA government in the state and especially chief minister Neiphiu Rio. 

Ravi took on Extortion Syndicate in Nagaland.  

Analysts say Home Minister Amit Shah played Chanakya in selecting a toght nut such as Ravi to be made in-charge of Raj (Lok) Bhavan in Kolkata.

Centre's move on new West Bengal Governor detonated like a political bomb on the Trinamool Congress leadership.  

With a tough new Governor in Raj Bhavan, a rattled Trinamool government, and election season bearing down on Bengal, the stage is set for one of the most consequential political confrontations the state has seen in years.

Mamata Banerjee initially said she was “shocked and deeply concerned” over the resignation of C V Ananda Bose. 

The question now ricocheting through Kolkata and Delhi’s political corridors is blunt: is this a prelude to President’s Rule?

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Home Minister Amit Shah has tele talk with Farooq Abdullah ::: Says man who tried to assassinate him has been "caught"

 “I received the call from Home Minister (Amit Shah) last night and he told me that accused is caught and investigation will be done”, says former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, after a man allegedly tried to assassinate him during a marriage function on Wednesday night.  

"The Central and the UT govt should see if the situation here is really improved. We might have differences of opinion, but we have to work together as we are a democracy and voice our opinions....

An elected govt doesn't have powers- how can it continue this way? We were promised that statehood would be restored..."

"NSG and local police personnel with me risked their lives to save me. I have no words to express what they have done," the former Union Minister ex Chief Minister of J&K said. 

"The central govt should tell both Trump and Netanyahu to stop this war," he said. 

"No matter how much security you increase, the killer always has an advantage. The problem is that we live in an era where terrorism is up in the sky, and we cannot control it...".  

Farooq Abdullah also said:

"I don't know what his (accused Kamal) intention was. To say it was a security lapse would be a big statement to make. Many big personalities were present at this wedding, but there was no police present. 

By Allah's grace, my security was present with me, and my life was saved.  I did get a call (from the Union Home Minister) who asked me about my well-being and assured me that they would investigate the matter. An inquiry should be done. Such things keep happening when there is a situation of hatred now.... 

No religion teaches hatred, but only to love...". 

There is no switch with the Speaker or chair to control the mike or to mute it in #LokSabha : Speaker Om Birla

 Even Prime Minister and other Ministers who want to make a statement in #LokSabha have to seek chair's permission under the rule : Speaker @ombirlakota  

There is no switch with the Speaker or chair to control the mike or to mute it in #LokSabha : Speaker Om Birla 

"Chair does not belong to one person but is a symbol of prestige of the House" 

In his first remarks a day after No Trust motion against him was defeated; Birla said he always tried to ensure that every MP got to speak in the Lok Sabha while underlining that the Leader of the Opposition was not "above the House", taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi

 

"I have always encouraged those who hesitate to participate in House proceedings" : Speaker Birla  

I always strived to ensure that House runs impartially and as per rules: Birla, a day after resolution seeking his removal defeated in LS

"In the parliamentary history of independent India, this is the third time that the House has discussed a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. 

Over the past two days, honourable members have held extensive discussions so that the views, arguments and concerns of all members could be presented before the House... 

This House represents the sovereign will of 1.4 billion citizens of India. Every member present here comes with the mandate of lakhs of citizens and carries the hope of addressing their problems, deprivations and difficulties, as well as fulfilling their aspirations and expectations... 

"I have tried to provide adequate opportunities to all members for this purpose... This august House gave me the responsibility and opportunity to serve as Speaker for a second time. I have always tried to conduct the proceedings of the House with impartiality, discipline, balance and in accordance with the rules. 

Along with all members, I have tried to maintain order, harmony and efficiency in the functioning of the House while fulfilling my responsibilities... 

My predecessors strengthened the dignity and traditions of this House and always enhanced its prestige. Institutions, decorum and traditions remain permanent. 

I express my gratitude to all members for the confidence expressed in me by the House. I assure you that I will consider this trust as my responsibility and will strive to fulfil it with complete dedication, impartiality and adherence to constitutional propriety."

"We should always work hard to ensure that the prestige of Indian democracy is held high overseas"

Military to Military engagement is often "better" than diplomatic engagements with some neighbouring countries : Deputy chief of Army, Lt Gen Ghai

There is certainly a great importance about 'Diplomatic engagements' with India's neighbourhood; but Military to Military engagement to the surprise of many is perhaps often "better" than the diplomatic engagements with some countries. 

This was stated by Lt. Gen Rajiv Ghai, Deputy chief of Indian Army. 

The remarks were made at a seminar on 'Security Challenges to the North East : Assessment and Way Forward' organised by Assam Rifles and the USI.  

Lt Gen Ghai 

Many of the challenges affecting the north east have "trans-national dimension", he remarked underlining of importance of elements like intelligence sharing and diplomatic engagements. 

However, he went onto add that -- "It will always surprise some people to know that our Military to Military engagements with many of the neighbourhood countries today ... the way the relations exist ....are possibly the better than the diplomatic engagements that we are having with these countries". 

"The North East of India is neither an appendage nor a burden. It is India's eastern conscious, a civilisational bridge to South East Asia and for those of us who served there. it is the most demanding and also the most rewarding place that you could have possibly served," he said.  

The challenges on the frontier are real and they have also evolved; but so "is our response", the deputy chief of Army added. Dwelling on various facets of security-related issues; he said - without political legitimacy the Security element cannot make a better sense. 

"Therefore, the most durable counter insurgency retreat in the north east is Mizoram," he pointed out.  

Even matters and groups involved in Nagaland and Bodo areas have "been at the negotiating table", he said adding "that's the final barometer of success".  

The role of Assam Rifles has been significant in north east of India; he said the paramilitary force has been at the centre of "consolidation of peace in the region". There has been a "notable diminishing" instances of insurgencies in these states. 

"So, what can be the road ahead ... firstly border infrastructure and connectivity. But .... you may build as many roads; you will still require technology," he said.  

Reconciliation and political settlement ... is vital, General Ghai said adding, "The lasting settlement in north east will invariably and finally rest on Political Solutions and negotiations ... that cannot be wished away".  

DGAR Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera 

Let us shun the word Mainstream, says DGAR Lt Gen Lakhera 

Speaking on the occasion, DG Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera said sometimes I feel "why this region is called north east ... but there is no north west and no south west".  

"We also talk about another word ... which is Mainstream .... I think this country has only one stream; that's the Indian stream. I think we should shun this word Mainstream. 

"We all are equal partners of our nation and the north east of India which is the far east and by 2047, the north east of India will definitely play a stellar role in each and every manner possible".  

He further added: -- "Generally when we talk of north east, we discuss Security situation; but is it so?"

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Rahul Gandhi continues to be a 'blessing' to Modi ::: Congress 'drowned' into dynastic Slavery .... Rest of the Opposition find themselves helpless and hijacked by Crown Prince's Tantrum

In every sense there was no justification to bring a No Confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Not only the number factor; even on merits the Congress and other opposition parties did not have any solid point to make against Om Birla. Thus, the defeat of No Trust motion against Speaker was yet another costly miscalculation by a fractured opposition.

The episode underscores the continued inability of the INDIA bloc to translate procedural manoeuvres into effective parliamentary pressure — and hands the BJP a ready-made narrative heading into the remainder of the Budget Session.

Rahul Gandhi remains the commander-in-chief of a party not only in failures; but a party that remains wedded to mistakes. 

Incidentally, the Congress is the only national opposition party but it disorganised, weak and lacking effective leadership. It flails when not in power goes the refrain.

It made considerable ground nevertheless in 2024 having won 99 seats. But arrogance is its characteristic and if this is a virtue; prospect of political dividend is less. Worse, the Congress party seldom learns any political lesson.  The 2014, the 2019 and the 2024 polls - the Congress suffered a third consecutive electoral defeat.

This did throw out the question of 'political viability' of the grand old party and yet hardly any corrective step has been taken. The 'Gandhi family' is accused of elitism and Rahul Gandhi remains a symbol of a dynast who is not only far away from ground reality; but he is grossly arrogant.

 

No step taken to strengthen the party organisation because Rahul Gandhi is solely depending on trying gimmicks like Vote Chori or Chowkidar Chor hae slogans to unseat Narendra Modi. On the other hand India's Prime Minister remains the most popular political icon of last two decades.

This has given Modi the confidence as he says India under him will brave throw the new Gulf war crisis and LPG shortage if any as the people and the country did come through the turbulent days of Covid19 crisis.  For many Congress leaders within its ranks, the party without the the dynastic control is "unfathomable". Hence Rahul Gandhi remains the only recognisable face of the party. 

The power lies with him even as Malikarjun Kharge is there as a rubber stamp president. The 'family' has over the years instead enhanced its grip on the party structure. It now has three MPs - Rahul and his sister Priyanka in Lok Sabha and their Italian-born mother (reportedly ailing) Sonia Gandhi has moved to the Upper House of parliament.

"Indians like selflessness and the spirit of sacrifice. The Congress party and the dynasty is just the anti-thesis. And yet they think voters will endorse them," says Kolkata-based Ashirbad Poddar, whose father served in the Congress party for decades in Bihar.  Many like him talk about Narendra Modi's 2014 national pledge - 'Congress Mukt Bharat'. 

However, in Assam - analyst Ashutosh Talukdar says -- "Modi wants o create an India without Congress. This is not wiping out the party as may suggest. It actually meant wiping out the Gandhi dynasty and the Congress seems determined to resist that even at the cost of the future of the party itself". 

Much may still depend on UP elections in 2027 

The Congress party has to quickly take corrective step and work on organisation and next year's elections in UP and Punjab in particular. There is a political vacuum in Punjab and if the cards are played well; the Congress may unseat AAP in the critical northern state.

 

In Uttar Pradesh of course, it cannot come to power on its own. But it can play a key role as an associate of the Samajwadi Party.  

In 2024 parliamentary polls, the dynamics of 'differences' within BJP came up in Uttar Pradesh and hence they paid a huge price.   

It was the INDIA bloc alliance, led by Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi party, working closely alongside the Congress party led by Gandhi, that proved to be a winning formula. However, it is easier said than done especially the BJP - a party that is a very quick learner. 

UP is India’s largest and politically crucial state with 80 parliamentary seats.

It was/is a BJP bastion since 2017 in particular. Earlier in 2014, BJP's performance was exemplary.

But the fact is after Akhilesh Yadav and Congress party including Rahul Gandhi and sister Priyanka worked collectively pushing a narrative vis-a-vis fears over losing caste protections, they managed to win maximum seats.

People from lower-caste backgrounds prior to 2024 Lok Sabha polls had voted BJP rather overwhelmingly.  

Yogi Adityanath could be immensely popular but 10 year's incumbency should not be ignored from political considerations completely. As they say there is a 'groundswell of dissatisfaction' with the total dominance of the BJP and one or two upper castes. And this has to be tapped.  

But primarily, both Samajwadi Party and the Congress will have to work to a plan and do so sincerely. 

The Congress party has been allegedly facing existential questions about its both long term and short term future amid a groundswell of malaise within its ranks. 

Correction must come from within, and it should come soon. 

Congress should come out of the present stage of having 'drowned' itself into dynastic Slavery.

Rest of the Opposition should not allow the polity to be hijacked by Crown Prince Rahul's Tantrum. 

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