Modi talks about protocol, does he imply Jagdeep Dhankhar ?? :::: "Democracy will degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow opposition to criticise Govt fairly and freely" - says LoP Rajya Sabha Kharge

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on the first day of the winter session of Parliament said -  “A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely and frankly the policies of the government".

He quoted former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. 

The Congress leader congratulated Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on assuming office as the Chairman of the Upper House.

“I rise today on my own behalf and on behalf of all opposition members to heartily congratulate you on assuming the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha.”

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm amid noisy proceedings at the start of the Winter Session of Parliament.

The adjournment came as members raised demands to discuss key issues including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, pollution, and internal security, leading to heated exchanges on the floor.

Leader of the House and BJP president JP Nadda reacted to Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about the farewell for the former Chairman.

Nadda said the discussion about the farewell would be “irrelevant” and noted that there were other comments made as well. 

He added, “Alright, the defeats in Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra have caused you discomfort,” addressing the Opposition’s response to recent election results.

Kharge also cited former President and philosopher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, quoting his remarks from 16 May 1952: “I belong to no party,” highlighting the non-partisan nature expected of the Chair. 

He noted that this was relevant as some had claimed the new Chairman belonged to their political party.  

Kharge on Monday also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for focusing on “drama” rather than discussing pressing issues on the opening day of the Winter Session.

In a series of tweets, Kharge accused the government of undermining parliamentary decorum over the past 11 years, citing instances such as the hurried passage of at least 12 bills during the last Monsoon Session, some in under 15 minutes and some without any debate. 

He also pointed to controversial laws like the farm laws, GST amendments, and the Citizenship Amendment Act as examples of Parliament being “bulldozed” through without adequate discussion.

Kharge highlighted the ongoing SIR exercise, stating that the workload has led to repeated deaths among Booth-Level Officers (BLOs). He said the Opposition intends to prioritise issues such as alleged “vote theft” and will continue to raise them in the House.

He urged the BJP to end distractions and focus on genuine public concerns. 

“The reality is that ordinary citizens are grappling with unemployment, inflation, economic inequality, and exploitation of the country’s resources, while those in power are indulging in drama driven by arrogance,” Kharge said.

In Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi felicitated Vice President C P Radhakrishnan.

"I saw the bond you forged with the tribal communities in Jharkhand. The way you visited even small villages, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand would proudly mention these things whenever he met me,"  he said.

"Whether you had a helicopter or not, you would travel in whatever vehicle you had, stopping at small places at night. We all know your spirit of service and the way you took it to new heights as Governor...," the Prime Minister said

 

"I have realised one thing that people sometimes feel the burden of their position, and sometimes they get overwhelmed by protocol. 

But I've noticed that you have no connection with protocol...", Modi added. 

On PM Narendra Modi's 'drama' remark against the opposition, Congress MP KC Venugopal said:

"Whenever you are making a statement, at least think about what you people are doing. The Prime Minister is talking about sloganeering. 

It was started by the  BJP when they raised slogans of 'Modi- Modi'. When Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, and so many people were Prime Ministers, did you witness any such thing during their terms? 

Did people chant their names when they entered the House?... We are agitating. 

The opposition's role is to criticise the government's policies. But the government is raising slogans and then advising us against sloganeering... 

SIR is not just an issue; the election system has collapsed in the country. The Election Commission has become a party to everything. It is no more conducting free and fair elections. We need to reinstate democracy in the country."

ends 

Kiren Rijiju and Kharge clash in Rajya Sabha :: PM Modi mocks Opposition ahead of Winter Session :::: "They should change their strategy. I am ready to give them tips"

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju flays Leader of Opposition M Kharge in Rajya Sabha, says the Opposition had earlier used unacceptable words for former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and is "today giving 'gyan' advice to others". 

Speaking in Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi said, “You (chairman CP Radhakrishnan) chose struggle, you fought as a warrior of democracy during the Emergency.”

Ready to give tips on how to perform: PM 

Rajya Sabha felicitates new Vice President C P Radhakrishnan. This is his first session since his election.

#Kharge felicitates new Vice President #Radhakrishnan .. quotes India's second President Dr Radhakrishnan 

"We hope you will take care of the entire session of the House," he said.

"The game the Opposition have been playing for the past 10 years is no longer acceptable to the people. They should change their strategy. I am ready to give them a few tips," the Prime Minister told media. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Opposition to set aside negativity and focus on nation-building. He mocked them for disrupting House proceedings in the past, saying he could give tips on how to perform their official duties.  

"There are many (other) places to do drama and sloganeering," Modi told journalists. 

He was delivering his customary address to the media ahead of the session and sought cooperation to run House proceedings smoothly.  

He stressed that first-time MPs were getting frustrated as they were unable to get their chances to speak about the issues in their respective constituencies.

"First-time MPs, irrespective of their party, must be given a chance, and we should take this seriously. There are many places to do drama. There is space for that – but not here," he said.

The Prime Minister noted that while negativity sometimes helped in politics, he appealed to the Opposition members to instead focus on nation-building.

The Winter Session will have 15 sittings – a drop from the usual 20 – making it one of the most condensed winter sessions in recent years. 

"There are many places to do drama and sloganeering. You have done that in places where you have been defeated and will do so again where you are going to be defeated. Negativity might sometimes help in politics, but I expect them to focus on nation-building," he said.

In Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge expressed disappointment that the House did not get an opportunity to bid farewell to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Addressing the Chair, Kharge advised, “Do not look too much to one side from your seat, there is a danger there. 

Even if you do not look here, there is still a danger. It would be good to maintain balance on both sides,” emphasising the need for impartiality while presiding over the House.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks outside Parliament, saying, “PM Modi has spoken outside; we will respond to this with full force,” signalling that the Opposition plans a strong response during the Winter Session.

PM Modi said he hoped that with time, Opposition leaders would have come to terms with the Mahagathbandhan's rout in Bihar, but their recent statements show that the loss has unsettled them.

"The Winter Session should not turn into a battleground for the frustration of defeat, nor should it become an expression of arrogance over victory. We should maintain a balance," he said.

"Real issues should be discussed in the House. The Opposition should raise such issues while rising above their defeat, but it seems that some Opposition parties cannot even digest their losses," he further said.

PM Modi's remarks come as the Winter Session of Parliament – a shorter session this time – began with the government outlining an extensive legislative agenda, including the tabling of 14 Bills.

The Opposition has demanded debates on multiple issues, especially the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, suicides of several Booth Level Officers (BLO) and national security concerns following the November 10 Delhi blast.

The Opposition has accused the government of "derailing Parliament" and attempting to weaken the legislature by reducing the length of the session, thereby curbing debates.

Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma says, "The public has already given a befitting reply to the opposition on the issue of SIR...

The public does not want outsiders voting or electing political parties. It seems that the ones raising questions on the SIR have no trust in the people of the nation...If the opposition will create uproar in the House, the public will give a befitting reply in the elections in West Bengal"

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, "... We hope the opposition lets the House function. If they cooperate, more bills will be proposed, and discussions will be held. 

Let us see if they let the House function smoothly or create ruckus again. Discussion on pollution must be held, but at the same time, they should let the House function smoothly."

Ends

Fresh FIR against Rahul and Sonia :::: Govt pushes for discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram in Parliament’s Winter Session ::: “We won’t let Parliament function if a discussion on SIR is not held.”

All eyes are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement generally given out to reporters before the session begins.

The ruling saffron party is in triumphant mood after Bihar win. The state assembly polls just held gave the BJP and the NDA yet another consecutive electoral victory after Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi.

In what appears a certain issue that will be brought up aggressively by the Congress;  the grand old party strongly reacted to the 'fresh FIR' filed against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others in the National Herald case.

The opposition alleges misuse of investigative agencies ahead of crucial elections.

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the FIR was “neither wine new nor bottle new nor glasses new”, describing it as “a one-trick wonder where no money moved, no immovable property transferred, yet money laundering is invented.”

The latent nervousness in the ruling camp after setbacks in 2024 Lok Sabha polls is gone.  On the other hand; the Congress is on defensive not only over Bihar defeat for itself and its alliance partner RJD'; but also because there is a bigger crisis at hand in Karnataka. 

 The government is pushing for a discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram in Parliament’s Winter Session, as several ruling party members gave suggestions on the issue during a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of Rajya Sabha on Sunday.

The Samajwadi Party boycotted the BAC of the Upper House; however, senior party leader Ram Gopal Yadav told reporters: “We won’t let Parliament function if a discussion on SIR is not held.”

Apart from a demand for a House discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the Session starting on Monday, leaders of 36 parties, which attended the all-party floor leaders’ meeting, sought discussions on the Delhi blast and national security, pollution and a BLO’s death.

While the Congress sought a discussion on security and environmental pollution, the Trinamool Congress stuck to its lone demand for a debate on SIR.   

The Winter Session of Parliament will commence on Monday, Dec 1, and subject to exigencies of Government Business, the Session may conclude on December 19. The Session will provide a total of 15 sittings spread over a period of 19 days.

The government is planning to introduce 13 legislative bills and one financial bill during this Session. 

 The all-party meeting held on Sunday was called by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and attended by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda, who is also Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha.

In total, the all-party meeting was attended by 50 leaders from 36 political parties, including Ministers.

A few important ones include: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025; 

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025; 

The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025- To replace an Ordinance; 

The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025; The National Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2025; 

The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025; 

The Corporate laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025; 

The Securities Markets Code Bill (SMC), 2025; 

and The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X, “The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. 

The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate.”  

The FIR was filed by the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on October 3 based on a complaint by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of its money laundering probe into the high-profile National Herald case. 

The police have pressed charges under IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 420 (cheating).

ends 

Significance and 'background' for a grand and tallest Ram statue in tourism-haven Goa :::: "Goa has always been a spiritual anchor"

 It might seem unusual ... Lord Ram's statue in Goa is rooted in centuries of Dvaita Vaishnavism and the 550-year legacy of the Partagali Math. 

The statue is a symbol of faith and cultural resilience, PM Narendra Modi has said. 

For his part, BJP leader and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has repeatedly underscored his government's devotion to Lord Ram, by announcing plans to acquire land in Ayodhya for a Goa Bhawan.

He had backed the concept of a 77-foot bronze Ram statue in Goa. 

And in February 2024, Sawant, along with cabinet colleagues and MLAs, travelled to Ayodhya to offer prayers at the newly built Ram Temple, calling it a "Rashtra Mandir".

“Earlier, people used to come to Goa for the sun, sand, and sea,” Sawant said at an event organized by the Goa-based Sanatan Sanstha in October.

The Sanatan Sanstha backs the BJP’s idea of a Hindu Rashtra. 

“Now they visit Goa’s beautiful temples, culture, and villages. This is Goa’s culture," the chief minister has said. 

Why should Goa have the world's tallest Ram statue?

For the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community and Dvaita Vaishnavites, Goa has always been a spiritual anchor. 

Dvaita Vaishnavism is a Hindu philosophical tradition founded by the 13th-century saint-philosopher Madhvacharya, which teaches that God and the soul are two separate realities. 

In this tradition, Lord Vishnu is the supreme God, and his avatars, which includes Ram and Krishna, are central to worship.

Because Ram is considered an incarnation of Vishnu, Dvaita followers see devotion to Ram as devotion to the supreme divine himself. The philosophy emphasises bhakti (devotion), and that is why Ram has a major place in Dvaita Vaishnava temples, maths, and rituals.

The Partagali Math, founded over 550 years ago, is the first Vaishnava institution for the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins. 

It sits on the banks of the Kushavati River in South Goa's Canacona, close to the Karnataka border. The math has for centuries been a cultural hub for Saraswat Hindus from Goa, coastal Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Ram statue in Ayodhya 

The Partagali Math became a stronghold of Hindu continuity in a region amid waves of cultural transformation, first during the pre-colonial, then in the colonial periods. 

A math is a Hindu monastic and spiritual institution that serves as a centre for religious teaching, worship, and community guidance. But its importance grows even sharper when viewed against Goa's pre-colonial and colonial history.

From 1510 to 1961, Goa was under Portuguese rule. During that time, the math, just like many Hindu institutions, faced missionary pressure, restrictions, and even periodic displacement. Yet they survived. So did the Partagali Math. It preserved sacred idols, scriptures and rituals, including Shri Veera MoolaRama (original Rama) Devaru, an ancient and revered idol of Lord Ram belonging to the Saraswat community.  

Unlike Udupi (250 km south), the well-known Dvaita centre in Karnataka, the Partagali Math represents a distinct Vaishnavite tradition rooted in the western coast's local Saraswat community. 

The math's 550-year celebration was therefore the perfect moment and location for a large-scale tribute to Lord Ram.

Goa's Statue inaugurated by Narendra Modi is a reminder that beneath Goa's beaches and nightlife runs a much older spiritual current. 

This one has survived colonialism, anchored communities for centuries, and today stands tall, literally and symbolically, says an article in 'India Today.   

“Today, India is witnessing a remarkable cultural renaissance, with the restoration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the grand redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, and the expansion of Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain, all reflecting the nation’s awareness that is reviving its spiritual heritage with new strength,” PM Modi said.  

“There were times when temples and local traditions in Goa faced crises, and when language and cultural identity came under pressure, yet these circumstances did not weaken the soul of society but made it stronger,” Modi said, adding 

.... that it was institutions like the Partagali Math that played a major role in helping the state “preserve its original essence through every change.”

At the start of the Hindu holy month of Shravan in late July this year, banners appeared in parts of Goa declaring that “Goa bans beef” for the entire month. The order issued by a Hindu group had no official sanction, yet it carried weight.

Shravan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is traditionally a period of fasting and abstinence for devout Hindus. Many refrain from meat altogether, and beef — considered taboo by orthodox Hindus — is especially sensitive. This time, the observance took on a sharper edge.

The self-styled “gau rakshaks,” or cow protectors, began conducting extrajudicial checks on cattle and beef transporters. Their vigilance led to a sudden shortage of beef across the state.

“It is a symptom of a larger social transition underway in Goa,” says Andrew Sequeira, a Catholic resident. “Hindu groups are now trying to impose themselves on Goa’s psyche.”

Since 2022, when the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power with a coalition government, such shortages have become more frequent. In December 2024, ahead of Christmas, beef traders went on strike after repeated attacks by cow vigilantes.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, a loyalist of the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS or National Volunteers Corps), has been outspoken in his endorsement of right-wing Hindu groups.

ends 

Lachit Borphukan Military Station near Dhubri in Assam gives India a few special advantages ::: "We can negate element of surprise ... from detractors and also ensure faster deployment of forces"

The Lachit Borphukan Military Station near Dhubri, alongside forward bases at Kishanganj in Bihar and Chopra in West Bengal, represent more than defensive garrisons. 

They are strategic nodes equipped with rapid deployment forces, intelligence units, and Para Special Forces, designed to ensure the critical Siliguri corridor can never be compromised.   

India has reinforced this posture with Rafale fighters, BrahMos missiles, and advanced air defence systems, moving from reactive deterrence to proactive dominance. For Bangladesh, the message is unambiguous: the power asymmetry is significant, and any miscalculation will be met with overwhelming strength.

Spanning 196 bighas in Sapotgram under the Bilasipara Revenue Circle, the newly established military station is expected to serve as a key strategic hub for maintaining stability.

The Army has to develop intelligence abilities, including signal and human intelligence, and the new Dhubri camp thus will be of critical support. 

One can see these as India's response to seismic political changes in Bangladesh. 

The new Yunus-led caretaker administration that has replaced India-friendly Sheikh Hasina regime has increasingly aligned with China and Pakistan. 

Reports indicate Bangladesh plans to acquire $2.2 billion worth of Chinese J-10C fighters and is collaborating with Beijing on drone manufacturing, whilst Pakistan has offered JF-17 Block C Thunder jets. 

Thus India has tightened things in the eastern front clearly showcasing whole of government approach to national security and critical stability in the region. 

The Lachit Borphukan Military Station is an important base in Bamunigaon, Dhubri district, Assam, strategically located near the border with Bangladesh. 

Established to bolster India's eastern frontier security, it is named in honor of the legendary Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan. The station is intended to improve border security, operational readiness, surveillance, and coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF). 

Strategically located and equipped for rapid deployment, the new military base is expected to significantly strengthen the Army’s capacity for area domination, surveillance, and swift response to emerging security challenges. 

The initiative received strong support from the Dhubri District Administration, whose cooperation was instrumental in the station’s establishment. 

The project stands as a symbol of shared commitment between the military and civil authorities to ensure sustained peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. 

The Siliguri Corridor, just 22 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, links over 45 million people in the northeast to the rest of the country. 

Any disruption could sever this vital connection.

The new bases provide overlapping coverage of the corridor, with the Chopra installation positioned less than a kilometre from Bangladesh's border. These forward positions enable surveillance deep inside Bangladesh and rapid mobilisation if needed, fundamentally altering the operational balance along the frontier.  

The new military station under the Tezpur-based 4 Corps will be able to house 1,200-1,500 personnel, and pre-fabricated huts are being installed for early completion of the facility.

The Siliguri Corridor is thus no longer a vulnerability but a fortified strategic asset.  

The closest military camps were previously in Cooch Behar in West Bengal and Tamulpur in Assam.

Smuggling, illegal migration, cattle smuggling and increased threat of fundamentalists' activities are longstanding concerns.

"Politics trumps economics" - says External Affairs Minister Jaishankar :::: "... the world is not what it was just a decade ago" :::: "A third of global production takes place in China"

Politics trumps economics: S Jaishankar's veiled dig at US amid trade tensions

The comments come against the backdrop of recent trade disputes and steep US tariffs, including a 50 per cent rate on Indian imports levied by US President Donald Trump.  

Speaking in Kolkata after receiving an Honorary Doctorate from IIM-Calcutta, he stressed the importance of diversifying India’s supply sources to safeguard national interests.

"This is an era where politics increasingly trumps economics and that is not a pun. Decisions are now being made not merely on cost, but taking into account ownership and security. 

Where a product is made, or who offers a service, is as important as their price points. When de-risking overrides the logic of efficiency, the mantra of ‘just in time’ actually gives place to the caution of ‘just in case’. "

He also maintained that while "globalization still exists" - but hastened to add -- "because it is too far gone to be rolled back - but with powerful counter-forces today brought into play." 

"Far from being an aberration, these trends have only just started and will probably pick up pace in times to come".

He said:

"The United States, long the underwriter of the contemporary system, has set radically new terms of engagement. Not just that; it is doing so by dealing with countries on a one-on-one basis, rather than through regimes. China has long played by its own rules and is now doing so, even more. 

In the ensuing scenario, other nations are unclear on whether their attention should be on their visible competition, or the tradeoffs and understandings that punctuate them.

"Faced with such pulls and pressures of globalisation, of fragmentation and of supply insecurity, the rest of the world responds by hedging against all contingencies," he said.

Dr Jaishankar said: 

"... please also bear in mind that the relative weight of nations in different domains is also undergoing a major change. Whether it is manufacturing, energy, trade, finance, technology, natural resources, connectivity or mobility, the world is not what it was, say, just a decade ago.

"A third of global production currently takes place in China. 

This has put the spotlight on the resilience and reliability of supply chains. Conflicts and climate events have added to the possibility of their disruption. 

"When it comes to energy, the US has gone from being a major importer to a significant exporter of fossil fuels. At the same time, China dominates the world of renewables. 

Where trade is concerned, supply-side risks are aggravated by demand-side uncertainty. The salience of tariff rates to trade prospects has obviously heightened volatility. As for finance, the prolific application of sanctions, the seizure of assets and the advent of blockchain based technologies are today part of the new realities.

And what can we even say about technology when the mother of all changes - Artificial Intelligence moving towards Artificial General Intelligence - is at our very doorstep?

 Understandably, it has a direct impact on the competition for natural resources, especially rare earths and critical minerals.

The Minister said: "Now even as these developments unfold, we are revisiting history by reinventing connectivity. 

The hardwiring designed by the vested interest of imperialism needed to change as new centers of production and consumption came up. While some of it was organic and some of it was market-driven, others appear to also have a strategic intent. 

Indeed, the very concept of dual-purpose connectivity challenges the orthodox assumptions and definitions that many of us hold.

"Another dimension worth recognizing...," he said --  ".. is the importance of the mobility of talent. The flow may be driven by demands of technology, but they are actually made possible by a globalized economy. 

Over a period, it was not just the talent that is moving; so too is the tasking. And we see that in the rise of Global Capability Centers."

He also said:  

"A major power, that too one with higher aspirations like us, must have a significant industrial base. 

Unfortunately, this was not an assumption necessarily accepted by policy-makers before 2014. Promoting industrial growth, and even incentivizing it, is today a key economic priority. 

The emphasis on ‘Make in India’ in the last decade speaks of a different mindset and greater ambition.

"For its full potential to be realized, industry has to partner wholeheartedly and look beyond the short-term. It must help build the domestic supply chain, even as we seek to participate more in the global one. 

As it strikes roots, make in India is strengthened by research in India, innovate in India and design in India. Not all missed opportunities of the lost decades of the last century can be recovered. But there is considerable scope, believe me, to play catch up, especially in selected domains.

"At the same time, attention is being paid to advanced technologies, to advanced manufacturing so that India does not perpetually lag behind. 

We are now in the world of chips and semiconductors, electric vehicles and batteries, drones and space, or that of nano-tech and bio-science. 

Each of them offers opportunity to leapfrog and establish unique capabilities. Which is why they feature today so strongly in the Government’s policy

support."

Dr Jaishankar pointed out that --

"A third of global production currently takes place in China. 

This has put the spotlight on the resilience and reliability of supply chains. 

Conflicts and climate events have added to the possibility of their disruption. 

When it comes to energy, the US has gone from being a major importer to a significant exporter of fossil fuels. 

At the same time, China dominates the world of renewables. Where trade is concerned, supply-side risks are aggravated by demand-side uncertainty. The salience of tariff rates to trade prospects has obviously heightened volatility. 

"And what can we even say about technology when the mother of all changes - Artificial Intelligence moving towards Artificial General Intelligence - is at our very doorstep? 

Understandably, it has a direct impact on the competition for natural resources, especially rare earths and critical minerals," he said. 

ends 

New imbalance-balance tussle may unfold :::: Indian agencies "get high alert" :::: Who is the real winner .. Mr V S Atem ?

Consensus is a mere adjective that does not go with the realism in politics.

Hence, the Govt of India is now 'extra cautious' and some sources indicate there is already an "high alert".

Well Played !!

The NSCN-IM has stated that its 'Army' conducted a Change of Guard ceremony on Nov 29, 2025, Saturday at the Longvibu Conference Hall, marking the formal handover of command from 'Gen Ningkhan Shimray' to Lt Gen Honreishang Shadang.

Shimray served as the Commander-in-Chief, also known as Longvibu, for the past eight years.

A media statement said - “He was accorded a grand military guard of honor as he walked past the red carpet upon his retirement from military service after 45 years in the (Naga) army". 

The Govt of India 'mandarins' now feel some of the developments are on expected lines vis-a-vis "the routine and extra ordinary inputs" collected at various levels in Nagaland, outside Nagaland including Manipur and also partly in Myanmar.

Hence the refrain is nuanced. "We may smile today ... because it is not our affairs. It has happened in someone else's house ... So let it be".

These words are significant as post Oct 22 Somdal 'fiasco and high drama'; agencies have spoken about internal power struggles.

These will increase manifold. 

Hence, the refrain is that the mandarins in Delhi and multiple wings in the northeast and 'assets' working across the international borders are running extra mile and "results are always good when one works hard".   

This is an age of information, a large quantum of information and also the era of disinformation. Hence, there is a need for an objective and robust analysis and that should be impartial and without prejudices.

The 'effectiveness' of any information has to be maintained and that errors are also corrected quickly.

No change of guard or power tussle happens without winners and losers. In this case; analysts say the advantage is with V S Atem, deputy Ato Kiloser of the organisation. 

Delhi has been observing him and dealing with him for last few years in pro-active manner. It is likely now Atem may get calls from 'friends in Myanmar'. 

Emerging Possibility of a New Faction Splitting from NSCN-IM.

Social media will confirm that in July 2024, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) H S Ramsan (Hangshi) and Lt Gen Absalom Raman were officially suspended by the leadership of the NSCN-IM on serious allegations.

Hangshi was once considered one of the most trusted figures within the organization and since then both the leaders continue to operate in the Myanmar region. 

The change of guard is a key episode in any armed group and so now there is speculation if not the possibilities of a gradual follow up.

In certain circles - the 'key word' in the last 15-18 hours has been "retirement". People may be also keeping an eye on Ikato Chishi Swu, a notable figure in Naga political circles and associated with the legacy of founding chairman.

In 2024, the official agencies have been murmuring about Swu’s alignment with Hangshi Ramsan and Raman.

Always powerful - Thuingaleng Muivah 

Others could be keeping an eye on things unfolding around Pamshin Muivah, National Security Advisor.  

Delhi mandarins yet again say the NSCN-IM has always exhibited a hegemonic tendency and tried to browbeat the other Naga groups due to their military might. Leaders belonging to tribes from Nagaland state may also feel that there is an ongoing attempt by the select and powerful leaders to ensure that the bonhomie generated among the leaders of the different groups is disturbed.

But "unity" among Nagas of Nagaland should not be allowed to suffer.

As deputy Ato Kilonser VS Atem has been running the show but at times -- New Delhi got inputs - that some other individuals and sub-groups could also prevail.

Pamshin had earlier this year in June leveled serious allegations against H S Ramsan of having nexus with the top leadership of the National Unity Government/NUG of Myanmar and the Kuki militia groups. 

For its part, the Modi government is keen for inking of a final Solution pact. But it wants a final peace pact based on a singular draft. Hence pressure may be mounting and some stakeholders will have to shed its negativity.

The democratic aspiration of the Naga people is now a lasting peace and development.

The success of Nov 18 Common Platform rally has impressed many while many others have lost sleep.

One simple message has been given that Kohima will simply have to follow the 'New Delhi line' because constitutionally a state Govt in India is subordinate to the Govt of India. 

ends 

Naga CM wrote three letters to Amit Shah ::: Denial of Visa to American evangelist Franklin Graham turns a full blown controversy :: Conrad Sangma-led NPP raises concern ::::: Rio-led NPF clashes with Congress

"Freedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional right and any decision perceived as selectively restricting Christian religious expression warranted review"   

Billy Graham's son Franklin Graham’s visit to Nagaland cancelled

The Nagaland unit of National People’s Party (NPP) has expressed “deep concern” over the denial of permission for American evangelist Rev. 

Franklin Graham’s visit to the state, calling it a setback for thousands of Christians who had prepared for the spiritual event scheduled on November 30 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party said that churches, Christian organisations and volunteers had made extensive arrangements for the gathering, which was expected to draw large crowds.

The NPP says that the cancellation had caused “deep pain and disappointment” among the Christian community, adding that large-scale Christian gatherings in Nagaland had historically played an important role in promoting unity, moral guidance and community service.

Nagaland Congress, which for all practical purpose since June 2024 has been soft towards the state government, has slammed the ruling NPF-led dispensation as well for the episode.  

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) -led by none other than chief minister Neiphiu Rio though left red-faced, on Saturday rejected the Congress party's allegation that the party or the state government had any role in the denial of visa to American evangelist Rev Dr. Franklin Graham.

In a rejoinder, the NPF termed the allegation “baseless and misleading” while accusing the NPCC of attempting to “exploit the sentiments of the Christian community” for political gain.

The NPF asserted that neither the party nor the state government had any involvement in the visa decision, which it stated was taken solely by the government of India. It maintained that Chief Minister Rio had rather made 

“persistent efforts at the highest levels” to facilitate the visa, including multiple communications to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

So far, no official reason from the Govt of India has been made available in the public domain.  But in the past, the ruling BJP in the centre and the RSS leaders have been grossly concerned over the issues such as conversion but those mainly related to Catholic organisations and for events in states such as Jharkhand, Goa and Chhattisgarh. 

NPF sources say the chief minister Rio wrote to Amit Shah on three occasions - July 18, October 29, and November 17 requesting early approval of the visa. 

The anticipated visit of Rev. Franklin Graham to Nagaland on November 30 has been cancelled due to visa restrictions, the organisers have announced. 

The decision comes after weeks of preparation by the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF), the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), and the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF).

Rev. Franklin Graham—a Christian evangelist and son of the late Dr. Billy Graham—had been scheduled to visit the state more than 50 years after his father’s historic 1972 crusade in Kohima, 

.... remembered as the “Kohima Miracle.”

In a statement Supongmeren Jamir-led NPCC almost surprised friends and foes and blamed the Naga People’s Front (NPF) led by Rio.

The NPF is BJP ally both in Nagaland and Manipur and hence this development appears to be an intereresting episode of "differences" between the Lotus party and the one led by Rio himself. 

The Nagaland Congress statement accused the NPF of “complete inaction” and “political opportunism”. It also said the Cock party had a responsibility to intervene and ensure that the visa was granted but had “failed to stand up for the sentiments of the Naga people.” 

For Congress leaders in Nagaland it was a bit U-turn as the party had tried to handle the state government and the controversial issues around it with kid-gloves since Lok Sabha elections. 

The Congress MP even had pitched hard for an airport in Kohima - which was largely seen as the NDPP and now an NPF's agenda.  

The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum has now urged all sections of people to gather at the IG stadium on Sunday evening (Nov 30th) for a time of "worship and celebration". 

ends