"Yunki, yeh kaun bola?" :::: Hema Malini - was one the few screen heroines who became a star in her very first film ::: Her impeccable comic timing and physical agility turned her into the narrative's "hero"

"Duniya mein har cheez bik sakti hai ... lekin gareeb ka samman nahi" - Hema Malini in Kasauti

Hema Malini made her acting debut in 1963 with the Tamil film 'Idhu Sathiyam' as a supporting dancer; she made big with her Bollywood lead debut in 1968 with the Hindi film 'Sapno Ka Saudagar'.

Raj Kapoor was opposite her. Hema plays a gypsy girl Mahi.

Raj Kapoor plays Rajoo, a charming young man, who brings hope in the lives of the people of Anandpur -- otherwise terrorised by Thakur Raibahadur Harnaam Singh. 

In her career she was able to subvert the mainstream and became known as 'The Female Hero'. Initial years, her stardom was ascribed partly to her youth and looks and largely to her cultivated resemblance to Vijyantimala. But as the latter or, as was often said, the "original" faded off the screen, the "copy" gained in box-office appeal. 

Hema Malini's critical legacy rests on her ability to maintain supreme artistic dignity and autonomy. She was never merely a catalyst for the hero's journey; she was the anchor of her own cinema.

In the 1970s, Hindi cinema was largely formulaic, relegating women to passive romantic interests. 

Hema Malini systematically shattered this paradigm by anchoring films where male leads took a backseat. 

In 'Seeta Aur Geeta' (1972); she is the lead star while two popular male colleagues play second fiddle - Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar. And to her credit, Hema Malini gave a hit. 

Playing twins with contrasting personas (the submissive Seeta and the feisty Geeta), Hema subverted the classic trope of 'Ram Aur Shyam' of Dilip Kumar. 

Her impeccable comic timing and physical agility turned her into the narrative's "hero," earning her a Filmfare Best Actress Award. 

Sholay (1975): 

As one and only Basanti, the fast-talking 'tangewali' (horse-cart driver), Hema created one of Indian cinema’s most enduring characters. Basanti was a bold defiance of gender norms—a woman performing manual labor traditionally reserved for men, fiercely independent, and capable of driving her own fate. 

Following three one-liners from Sholay as uttered by Basanti (Hema) people are going to remember for long ---

• "Chal Dhanno, aaj teri Basanti ki izzat ka sawaal hai!"

• "Dekho, mujhe befuzool baat karne ki aadat toh hai nahi."

• "Yunki, yeh kaun bola?"  

In 'Seeta aur Geeta', she had one lovely dialogue: 

"Bhagwan jab apni mutthi mein chand ko chupata hai ... toh suraj nikalta hai".  

Similarly opposite Amitabh Bachchan in 'Naseeb'; she says: 

"Aap ek achche aadmi hai ... aur ek achche aadmi ke haath mein sharaab ki botal achchi nahi lagti"  (You are a nice man; and it does not look nice for a nice man to hold bottles of alcohol)"

Sholay : When Hema learns pistol shooting skill from Veeru (Dharmendra) 

As Basanti, Hema exuded a kind of energy that had people coming back to the cinema halls to watch her again and again. She talked endlessly and paraded around as a symbol of woman empowerment who has no reservations about driving a tonga. 

Her unparalleled box-office success led to her being dubbed a "one-woman industry".  She had the backing of people as powerful as Raj Kapoor. She had a conventionally pretty face, an opulent figure, a sexiness rendered decent (or otherwise) by phoney modesty. 

But as Hema grew on the public mind, her love affairs - fictitious, fake or otherwise - attracted more attention than her ability as an actress. 

But in 1976 -- she was the most highly paid female star on the Hindi screen.

Hema had an interesting role 

Hema excelled with "Social Realism" theme too in 'Ek Chadar Maili Si' (1986) and Rihaee (1988). 
It is said she consciously chose complex, unglamorous narratives that explored women’s autonomy and societal double standards surrounding female desire.  

But her best seemed to come out under the direction of Gulzar.

She shed her glamorous trappings for deeply internalized, understated performances. 

In Khushboo (1975), she played Kusum, a resilient and mature woman. The film is based on Bengali classic novel 'Pandit Moshae' by Bengali writer Saratchandra Chattopadhyay.

She performed unique in Kinara (1977) -- and delicately handled a character grappling with trauma.

In Meera (1979), she brought a majestic, spiritual dignity to the historical poetess.

Any critical assessment of Hema Malini is incomplete without recognizing her foundational background in classical dance (primarily Bharatanatyam, alongside Kathak and Kuchipudi). 

Unlike actors who used dance as an ornamental break, Malini integrated her classical training into her dramatic craft. Her command over 'abhinaya' -- the art of expression -- lent her an extraordinary screen presence and expressive eye-work.

She was able to communicate deep emotional gravity without overly dramatic dialogue delivery.  

Most leading ladies of her generation faded from the screen post-motherhood, but Malini sustained her relevance.

Her performance in Baghban (2003) opposite Amitabh Bachchan re-established her as a powerhouse of mature romance and maternal dignity. 

In the 1970s, she even starred in a film called “Dream Girl” opposite Dharmendra. This strengthened her image as the only Dream Girl of Bollywood.

After Sapno ka Saudagar, her film 'Abhinetri', in which she played the role of a classical dancer opposite the charming and energetic Shashi Kapoor, helped her emerge as a beautiful heroine with great dancing skills. 

Her dance was always a part of her personality and gave her an added dimension of fine grace.  

Hema made a successful screen pair with Dev Anand.

'Johny Mera Naam' opposite Dev Anand gave her the kind of fame after which she never looked back. She worked with Dev Anand in Amir Garib, Shareef Badmash, Jaaneman, Chhupa Rustam and Joshila.  

Kishore Kumar's melancholic number -- Kiska Rasta dekhe ... was a strong point of the film 'Joshila'. 

ends 

Another knock on the nose of Sickular gang ::: "I am not going to opine on their domestic political matters,” says US Secy of State Rubio on Delhi protest against Election Commission

"I am not going to opine on their (India's) domestic political matters,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.

In a major setback to Sickular ecosystem and Narendra Modi's political and social media detractors;  Rubio questioned the credibility of UN experts who criticised India’s handling of anti-CEC protests.

He dismissing the term “UN experts” as an “oxymoron”.

Rubio's remarks came a day after more than 20 UN human rights experts called for an independent investigation into the handling of recent protests in India.

They alleged arbitrary detentions and restrictions on public assemblies.  

“Well, the UN experts, yeah. My favourite. The UN experts, or is that an oxymoron?” he remarked when asked about the UN’s criticism.  

Rubio said he would not offer an opinion on India’s domestic political matters, adding that political disagreements and people expressing their views were part of democratic discourse.

“This is a democracy. They have elections here. So I am not going to opine on their domestic political matters,” he said.

Drawing a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and violent unrest, Rubio said public expressions of dissent were a feature of democratic societies, clarifying that he was not referring specifically to India.  

“I mean, obviously, I'm not talking about the riots like what you're seeing in Europe where they're vandalising and breaking into things and burning down buildings. I'm not talking about that,” he said.

“But in many ways, the fact that people are out there expressing themselves, I'm not talking about India, in any country in the world is the sign that this is a country where there's political discourse and so forth and differences of opinion,” he added.

Rubio also pointed to Cuba as a contrast, saying opposition voices there faced restrictions and risked imprisonment, oppression or exile.

Tavleen Singh -- "Neha Bora, the heroine of last week’s protests, confirmed that it was from Bangladesh that she was inspired" ::: "Rahul Gandhi, who, as he often does, ended up helping the Govt"

"Rahul Gandhi, who, as he often does, ended up helping the government" -- says columnist Tavleen Singh 

CJP calling it -- "Directionless cockroaches"

Paranoid hysteria, on the part of governments, is usually seen when they feel insecure and confused, she wrote in a piece.

"Is this what is happening? Whatever the reason, it is important for the Prime Minister to pay attention to the thousands of people who come out to join any protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party."

Tavleen also opined:

"In the end, it was not the arrests and police repression that damaged the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest last week; it was the call for regime change. 

"First, it came in murmurings from sundry activists who said that the real goal of the protests was to topple the Modi government. Then it came from Rahul Gandhi, who, as he often does, ended up helping the government instead of harming it. 

Exultant at the huge crowds that marched with him to the Supreme Court, he admitted loftily from his high perch on an open truck that after Gyanesh Kumar was forced out of office, it would be the turn for Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. He did not exactly say regime change, but what else is it?"

She pointed out:

"Soon after, Neha Bora, the heroine of last week’s protests, confirmed that it was from Bangladesh that she was inspired to use mobocracy to bring about regime change. 

Her political ideology is Marxist, which is not an ideology that fits well with electoral democracy, but she seems not to have noticed yet that India is not Bangladesh." 

"Our democracy has its flaws, but elections have happened regularly, except during the Emergency. Governments can only be changed after general elections are won or lost. 

If people like Ms Bora were paid to sabotage the Cockroach Janta Party, they could not have done a better job. 

It is time for the cockroach leaders to take back control of the movement’s levers, or it will go steadily off the rails."

There was a time when Jamir did not have enough money for an ailing wife :::: A Case from The Lost Decades ::: 1972 - Naga Chief Minister Hokishe Sema was ambushed ::: S C Jamir and T N Angami "arrested" along side two others

A bizarre incident had happened in S C Jamir's life. 

This was in 1972.  A Case from the Lost Decades ::: 

1972 - Nagaland Chief Minister Hokishe Sema was ambushed on Kohima-Dimapur road ::: S C Jamir and T N Angami were "arrested" alongside two others.  Recalling the episode in a just published booklet - S C Jamir says : "The Nagaland police also raided my house and seized all my guns and records. Despite these harassments and pressures, my wife remained calm and carried on with her household chores as usual".  

Mrs Imkonglemla Jamir 

All these appear in the booklet - 'Imkonglemla --- The Lighthouse, the Rock and the Anchor of my Family'.  

The booklet was released on Oct 17th, 2026 at Chumoukedima on the occasion of the 96th birthday of the former chief minister and ex-Governor. 

The booklet is essentially dedicated to S C Jamir's wife and their family life. S C Jamir had married Imkonglemla, daughter of Senkalemba, in the year 1958. 

Along with Jamir and T N Angami; Akum Imlong Vitsorie and  Govinda Paira were also arrested based on false testimony. 

According to the booklet - Chubanungsang  (a resident of Japu village) later wrote to Jamir that it was "in the residence of a Nepali Bahadur Gurung  some of the Intelligence personal of Mokokchung  made him to sign the charges and promised for the post of Inspector. 

When I sent this letter of Chubanungsang to Lanutoshi ADC, Kohma the entire conspiracy was exposed. The Govt (state) "had no option but to release all of us from detention." 

The booklet talks about Jamir's fascination with the young damsel before his marriage, their family life and how Mrs Jamir handled things between official responsibilities, Govt protocols and family life.  

At one point Jamir writes - "With great elan, withstanding the trauma and ordeals that followed her husband's arrest on charges of serious criminal offence is a testament to a young woman's faith, courage and strength".   

Blogger and Jamir couple : Dec 2022 

Jamir also recalls that -- in 1962 when his wife was at the 'advanced stage' of pregnancy, PM Jawaharlal Nehru had assigned Jamir for an official trip to UNO as a political advisor and a member of the Indian delegation. Basically, he faced two problems - wife was unwell and secondly - he "did not have money for my wife's delivery". 

Jamir recalls - "At this critical juncture, Jayram Das Dalutram, then former Governor of Assam and a member of the Rajya Sabha, was my immediate neighbour residing at 14 Tughlaq Road while we resided at 12 Tughlaq Road, next to his house, gave me a loan of Rs 500".  

Jamir also recalls :  - "When we were married, we did not have a house of our own" ... and hence two of his elder sons were born in his father in law's house. 

Later on -- he was lucky to get a contract for a road construction and in the process could earn Rs 15,000.  And for this Jamir records his gratitude to then SDO Subongnoklo. 

There is a brief chapter under an eye-catching subtitle - 'My Wife Imkonglemla - The only Love of my life'. 

Among other things about his wife, Jamir says: "Her life is an epitome of a formidable character, profound wisdom, innumerable skills and boundless compassion".  

"She is a composite portrait of an ideal womanhood".   

The Jamir couple : 1958 

ends 

"Aaj ekis October, 2021...Itihas mein darj ho gaya" --- power of Oct 21st, 2021 :::: Amid serious crisis, PM Modi led the nation from the front ::::: India administered 35 lakh doses per day, which was 22 lakh more than the US figures and also as many as 28 lakh more than Japan

 

"Aaj ekis October, 2021...Itihas mein darj ho gaya (Today's achievement has ensured a permanent place for 21st October, 2021 in the pages of history)," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.  

India achieves 100 crore Covid jabs (on Oct 21, 2021)

:::: Shashi Tharoor complimented Namo Govt, 35 lakh record Vax per day, 10 times more than France

100 crore jabs: 'Down down' prophets of doom, India is now 'vaccination capital'

Shashi Tharoor compliments Namo Govt, 35 lakh record Vax per day, 10 times more than France

New Delhi:

The Congress party presented a divided house on vaccination drive and campaign. 

India's vaccination count were not only great by sheer numbers. Sources say

India administered 35 lakh doses per day, which stood at 22 lakh more than the US figures and also as many as 28 lakh more than Japan.

India administered five times more doses than Japan, nine times more than Germany, and ten times more than France. 

Statistics also say it took 85 days to administer the first 10 crore doses, it completed the last 10 crore in just 19 days. 

A path-breaking change in entire laggard vaccination programme came when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the entire operation would be handled by the central government.

This was decided after states after states failed even to procure enough doses as the manufacturers were not showing trust in the provincial regimes.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the average doses per day has improved to 60 lakh after June 21,  when the Centre took over the entire vaccine procurement and supply management. 

Prior to this, it hardly 18 lakh per day.

This was the return of a vintage Narendra Modi. 

On June 7, in his ninth national broadcast since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Prime Minister Modi  announced major changes in vaccination policy.

"Desh ki kiso bhi rajyo sarkar ko vaccine par kucch bhi kharch nahi karna hoga

(No state government will henceforth have to spend any money on vaccines),"Modi had said. 

He also said free vaccines for citizens over the age of 18 beginning June 21, as well as the centralised vaccination. His speech came at a time when several states including Maharashtra and Delhi, have begun the process of unlocking and there were all sorts of apprehensions and skepticism.

Congress different versions:

The beleaguered Congress presented itself as a divided house on Oct 21, 2021, which Modi said has turned a historic day.

"This is a matter of pride for all Indians. Let’s give the Government credit," tweeted Congress MP and former Union Minister, Shashi Tharoor.

He, however, said, the government would remain 'accountable' for earlier failures.

But Congress spokesman differed with the articulate Tharoor and tweeted in response stating - "Giving credit to govt is an insult to millions of families who suffered and are still suffering from the after effects and side effects of widespread Covid mismanagement". 

Congress confusion over the issue of vaccination drive came to light the other day when Congress national president Sonia Gandhi said now most members of CWC have been vaccinated twice and thus could safely attend the party meetings in person.

Failures synonymous of Negativity

The Congress has never been very enthusiastic about the jab drive and campaign. 

Instead, its state governments in Punjab and Rajasthan came under attack for different reasons vis-a-vis vaccination issue.

In Ashok Gehlot-ruled Rajasthan, there were charges of 'dumping' of vaccines; in Punjab there was an alleged scam as jabs were made available at private hospitals at a much higher price.

ends  

India achieves 100 crore Covid jabs:

New Delhi: 

The 100 crore vaccination target is no small achievement. It is a more satisfying achievement actually due to more reasons than one.

"Aaj ekis October, 2021...Itihas mein darj ho gaya (Today's achievement has ensured a permanent place for 21st October, 2021 in the pages of history)," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

Firstly, the gigantic size of the country. At times, there were opposition-ruled states who did not take the Vaccination drive on a mission mode for initial months. Then the political skepticism that resulted in vaccination hesitation among a large section of people too.

But, what counts in the ultimate analysis is the results, and that came hard way bringing in smiles on the face of millions of health workers, the stakeholders in pharma companies and of course other stakeholders in the government and country's health system.

"Congratulations, PM Narendra Modi, the scientists, health workers & people of India, on your efforts to protect the vulnerable populations from COVID19 and achieve vaccine equity targets," tweeted Tedros A. Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) giving a global pat on the back of those Indians who worked for this momentous occasion.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur sums up the national mood aptly when he says, "I congratulate everyone for achieving 100 crore vaccination mark. We achieved it despite an atmosphere of apprehensions".

Union Health Minister Mansukhbhai Mandaviya on Thursday launched a song and audio-visual film to celebrate the major milestone of achieving the 100 crore Covid-19 vaccination mark.

J P Nadda, BJP national chief, too was glad.  "India has achieved 100 crore COVID19 vaccinations in less than 10 months. This shows our government's commitment towards the health safety of every person in the country. I extend heartfelt thanks to PM Modi and express gratitude towards healthcare & frontline workers," said Nadda, who was also Union Health Minister in Modi 1.0 for sometime.

"Bharat Biotech is proud to have contributed to this historic landmark. This is a unified effort of the Govt, vaccine manufacturers, healthcare workers and all the vaccinated citizens, making it a true success story of Atmanirbharta," said Dr Krishna Ella, Chairman MD 

NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant too was enthusiastic about the achievement. "Seeing scale and size we've achieved it in less time. It's a result of our collective effort. Out of 100 crore vaccination doses, 30-35 crore are double doses-more than the population of countries like Indonesia, US; shows India as a vaccination capital".

Announcements were made in airports, railway stations and elsewhere. 

Overcoming the hurdles:

The achievement finally shows any determined effort is bound to bring in a satisfactory outcome.

"Rahul Gandhi ji asks where is the vaccine for our children. That vaccine is in the garbage in Rajasthan and profits are being made on that vaccine in Punjab," thus spoke Union Minister and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri not long ago. 

"..... This is the culture of Congress,” Puri had directed his ire against the Congress party for abusing vaccines including dumping them in Rajasthan and on the other hand question the centre and BJP leadership about efficacy of the system.

Citing the data of Covid-19 vaccination in Punjab, Puri had said the figures showed that the Congress dispensation in the northern state indulged in profiteering by overcharging for the vaccines.

One dose of Covishield vaccine, which costs ₹309, has been sold at ₹1,560 through private hospitals, Puri alleged.

Prior to that there were leaders such as Akhilesh Yadav, a former UP CM and Samajwadi chief. He had called the vaccines 'Bhajpa (BJP) vaccines' saying he will not take the shot.

Negativity has many images

Very few top Congress leaders including the likes of Rahul Gandhi have been seen photographed or videographed with vaccine jabs. 

The Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal had vaccine scam and even a Trinamool MP was supposedly 'trapped' to take a fake jab. 

The police arrested Debanjan Deb on June 23 for allegedly posing as an IAS officer and organising a COVID-19 vaccination camp,

But in the CWC meet lately, Sonia Gandhi claimed most Congress leaders have been 'vaccinated'.

"Congratulations, PM Narendra Modi, the scientists, health workers & people of India, on your efforts to protect the vulnerable populations from COVID19 and achieve vaccine equity targets," Tedros A. Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) 

Union Health Minister Mansukhbhai Mandaviya launches a s

ong and audio-visual film to celebrate India's milestone of achieving the 100 crore Covid-19 vaccination mark

Lockdown era: Lonely Blogger

"Bharat Biotech is proud to have contributed to this historic landmark. This is a unified effort of the Govt, vaccine manufacturers, healthcare workers and all the vaccinated citizens, making it a true success story of Atmanirbharta": - 

Dr Krishna Ella, Chairman& MD 

ends 

French policing policy is rooted in Napoleon’s ultra-centralised state :::: Cops in Paris now want to "reclaim" the streets, .... NOT TO NEGOTIATE

"Violent policing" methods are fostered by France’s almost unique culture of street protest. 

A legacy of insurrection dating back to the 1789 revolution means protesters know the street can, and generally does, force governments to back down.  

Some lessons leave their mark. And certainly so. 

In France children are taught about the revolutionary roots of their nation and what the 'state' owes its citizens. 

Unlike in Germany or the Netherlands, French unions, while they may strike often, are not formal government negotiating partners. The top-heavy, presidential structure of the Fifth Republic marginalises institutional consultation.

That means a heavily centralised state often passes laws with little popular agreement, making the “power of the street” one of citizens’ few viable means of forcing concessions. Protest here is regarded as a civic duty and a legitimate democratic tool.  

While most of its western European neighbours generally favour police tactics that prioritise crowd containment and de-escalation, 

France has long responded to social movements that take to the streets with, at times, shocking physical force.

The reasons why are a complex mix of history, politics, state organisation and a particular security culture that has become deeply ingrained over decades, if not centuries, and whose limits continue to be pushed today.

French policing policy is rooted in Napoleon’s ultra-centralised state and in the political philosophy of the Republic. In France, the police are an instrument of the state. Their core task is to protect it, enforce its laws, and maintain public order. 

France is unique. Young British people or in several other countries have plenty to be angry about. 

But unlike their French counterparts, other youngsters have very negligible tradition of turning that frustration into collective action. 

Nepal may get some marks for that. But what happened in Bangladesh in 2024 is something different. It was not as much as youth matter as much it was pro-Islamic radical. 

Sheikh Hasina was hated by Muslim fundamentalists and also by a country called Pakistan. 

Let us focus on France. 

Of course there’s the history. But it is also linked to what is taught to the children and youngsters. 

The French Revolution appears in the curriculum twice, for pupils aged 12 and then again at 16; the student protests of 1968 are taught at age 14 and again at 17. 

Debating is encouraged in schools from as early as collège, or at about 11 years old. Young people are expected to have an opinion and not be afraid to defend it.

France’s republic was born of insurrection. People and the 'nation' too have never forgotten it. 

French pupils learn that protest, uprising and rioting are the origin story of their freedoms.

** These methods are championed in promoting change. 

Students seem to believe if they 'don’t like something', they have the power to change it. 

The language of rights, citizenship and collective power is woven into French education.  

Let us take the examples of Britons. 

** Experts would say they have more of "an American-style individualism".

***  'Live and let live' produce different cultures in Britain and the US. 

In India - for long the Left dominated the student politics. Hence, largely they remained anti-Hindu and even anti-Indian concept of nationhood. 

In the 1970s and 1980s -- the student organisations affiliated to communist parties would clash in the streets of Calcutta (Kolkata) for what was happening in Vietnam. This was purely a subject which did not matter Indians. At the same time - this was a clever way of keeping Indian issues - like joblessness or irrational power failures and industry shutdown in West Bengal - out of discussion box of the youths.    

In many countries - unlike France - and that includes India as well as Britain - there is less collective spirit. 

"Britain has an extraordinary history of protest, spanning Peterloo, the Chartists, the suffragettes and the poll tax riots, but there is arguably a different cultural relationship to these events," ran an article in 'The Guardian' (London). 

Observers say the Thatcher era in the UK did permanent damage to unions, contributing to the British public being a grumbling but compliant one, lacking in organising power. 

In France - the story is different. Parents joined their children in protesting, and have called on other parents to do the same for the planned general strike on October 17. 

This was also a response to the police brutality. Many parents were themselves ex-students and marched against education reforms. Now in July protest against NEET irregularities; such glimpses were visible and it was only then the BJP leadership decided to make Dharmendra Pradhan a sacrificial goat.  

The French state - as such - technically encourages 'protest' through the curriculum, but at the same time the force and violence with which it has met its students actually gives a different story.

Why France is different ?

* French authorities see large crowds as an existential threat.

** Hence, they send in large police force. 

*** Cops have specialised "military-style tactics" and this results in alienating even peaceful demonstrators. 

$$ This prompts the more radical groups to opt for more violent tactics. 

But rather than isolating those elements, police respond with baton charges. So what started as protests end turn into battles. 

Hence, the restrains shown by Delhi police is worth appreciating.

Wheels within Wheels 

ends 

In a smart one-upmanship move, Modi Govt leaves Congress 'isolated and in lurch' ::: BJP floor managers bypass Congress, hold talks with Samajwadi Party, BJD and others

DMK, YSRCP, NCP (SP), Samajwadi Party and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) hold tatlks with Govt on Delimitation   

The BJP defended the government's handling of parliamentary proceedings and urged the party to extend its support to the proposed legislation ahead of a likely special session of Parliament.

The Union government bypassed the Congress party during recent consultations on a proposed delimitation bill, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stating that the Congress failed to provide dates for a discussion despite 'repeated requests'.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju noted that because Congress leadership (including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi) did not offer a meeting time, the government extended its outreach to other opposition parties instead.

Parties Consulted: Consultations were held with representatives from the Samajwadi Party (SP), DMK, YSRCP, NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM, and BJD.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president, had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to question the push for a new delimitation proposal and criticized the delayed prorogation of the monsoon session (which adjourned sine die on August 13). 

The government dismissed these objections, citing parliamentary precedents.