New Formula may help address issues in North East states ::: 'Chanakya Amit Shah' deputed by PM Modi to corner and isolate Congress :::: Trump card ... is not US Prez but Women's Reservation Law

In one small but vital step; the BJP leadership and the Modi Govt have been able to corner its principal detractor the Congress party and also 'isolated' it from other strong proponents of anti-BJP politics.

The Number of Lok Sabha seats will increase from 2 to 3 in smaller states like Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur.

The number of assembly seats will also increase. 

The Govt strategies feel the new addition of constituencies may help Govt address the complex issues/concerns flagged off by communities such as Kukis in Manipur and also other tribal groups in the north east.

The Women’s Reservation Act 2023, which aims to provide 33 % quota for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, is officially named 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam'.

The quota for women will apply to SC and ST reserved seats as well.

The government is also walking cautiously and has not shared any written document with the parties.

It was introduced by Modi 2.0 regime as the 128th Constitutional Amendment Bill and passed as the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act.

Home Minister Amit Shah was directed by PM Narendra Modi to play the good old Chanakya and a crucial meeting was held with opposition parties such as the Samajwadi Party and DMK.

The Congress reportedly took a different line and demanded an all-party meeting on the Women’s Reservation Act.

If the new Law is enacted now calling for implementation of the same in 2029 general elections; sources said the number of seats in the Lok Sabha will jump from 543 to 816.

As of now the move is 273 of then will be reserved for women on "rotation".

Much to the chagrin of Congress, while it had stayed away from a meeting convened by Shah; reports say representatives from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the M K Stalin-led DMK met with the Home Minister Amit Shah in presence of a few other key BJP leaders.

The government’s move also accelerates delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats, increasing the Lower House’ strength from 543 to 816. 

The Centre has mooted fixing of constituencies based on 2011 Census to fast-track the implementation process which is seen as a mega game-changer in socio-political context in the country.

Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal reportedly played a key role in reaching out to SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav to ensure that the UP-based party did not skip the invitation.

While Tamil Nadu is already in the poll season; UP goes to polls early next year. A DMK delegation led by K. Kanimozhi met the Home Minister on Friday (March 22), sources said. 

It is also claimed by the ruling side that both these parties have responded "positively" to the government’s move.

In fact, Tamil Nadu CM and DMK president M K Stalin has already said that his party will “fully support this initiative of bringing women’s reservation with any preconditions".

Stalin's only issue was that the southern States which implemented Population Control measures sincerely unlike the cow-belt states should get "fair delimitation" -- that is  appropriate and enhanced numbers of seats.

It is estimated that UP - which now has 80 Lok Sabha seats may get 120 MPs while Delhi may get 11.

Seats may increase in Bihar from 40 to 60, West Bengal from 42 to 63, Tamil Nadu from 39 to 59, and Maharashtra from 48 to 72. 

Karnataka may go from 28 to 42 seats, Kerala from 20 to 30, Andhra Pradesh from 25 to 38, Gujarat from 26 to 39, and Rajasthan from 25 to 38. 

Stalin, however, questioned the timing, calling it an attempt to “secure electoral gains” ahead of upcoming Assembly elections.

With the Model Code of Conduct in force, he said, “pushing such an important step is unprecedented,” urging the government to convene a special session in June after the polls to enact the constitutional amendment.

On March 15, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, responding to a written invitation from the government, after it spurned many oral invites, insisted on an all-party meeting where the “roadmap can be discussed with all opposition parties present.” 

The Left parties, incidentally, were the only ones to follow the Congress’s lead.

But Amit Shah also met the NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), YSR Congress, and AIMIM. 

The Trinamool Congress finds itself trapped as it is a sensitive issue and the priority is on two-phase elections in April.

Govt plans 

-- Delimitation based on the 2011 Census.

-- Population alone will not be the determinant in deciding strength of a State’s representation in the Lok Sabha; 

** Lok Sabha and Assembly seats will increase by 50% across the board

--- Each State’s percentage share of Lok Sabha seats will remain unchanged

ends 

Lt Gen Ghai becomes colonel of Kumaon, Naga Regiments ::::: Lt Gen Pendharkar reviews operational readiness in Arunachal Pradesh

 

Lt General Rajiv Ghai, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) has assumed the prestigious appointment of Colonel of the Kumaon Regiment, Kumaon Scouts and Naga Regiment, taking over from Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, the outgoing General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command.

The Colonel of the Regiment is a position of immense honour and tradition, symbolising leadership, mentorship and a deep connect with the troops. On assuming the appointment, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai conveyed his pride in leading these battle-hardened and illustrious regiments, known for their exceptional valour, rich legacy and unwavering commitment to the Nation.

He also conveyed his appreciation for the outgoing Colonel of the Regiment for his distinguished stewardship and contributions. The transition marks continuity of legacy, reinforcing regimental ethos, esprit-de-corps and operational excellence across all ranks.  

GoC SpearCorps Lt Gen Pendharkar reviews operational readiness in Arunachal Pradesh 

Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, GoC SpearCorps, conducted a detailed review of the operational preparedness of Spearhead Gunners at Sigar, emphasizing combat readiness, technological integration, and troop welfare.

During his visit, Lt Gen Pendharkar inspected the Droneshala, the Language School, and the Fixed Wing Drone Integrated Repair Lab, highlighting the role of advanced technology in modern warfare. 

He lauded the troops for their professionalism, technical expertise, and dedication to maintaining high operational standards under challenging conditions.

Speaking to personnel, the GOC underscored the importance of staying ahead in technological advancements while ensuring seamless coordination between combat units and support elements. 

He emphasized continuous skill enhancement and innovation as critical to sustaining operational superiority in the region.

Gujarat passes Uniform Civil Code Bill ::: The bill grants Muslim women "equal rights" in ancestral property :::::: It's a step toward “national unity and gender justice” !!

 Gujarat passes Uniform Civil Code Bill, 

Now, India has two states -- Uttarakhand and Gujarat - to codify a common set of personal laws.  

The new law after assent from the Governor will apply to marriage, divorce, succession, adoption, guardianship, and the partition of land and assets for all citizens, irrespective of their faith.

PM Narendra Modi and the BJP have over the years packaged and presented the winning image of a party and a Hindu leader who struggles hard for the development of Gujarat and India.

The Gujarat assembly on Tuesday (March 24, 2026) passed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill. 

Live-in couples need to register in Gujarat :::: BJP-ruled western India state passes Uniform Civil Code   

Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel said the bill was a step toward “national unity and gender justice”. 

             Police personnel detain AIMIM activists during a protest against UCC Bill, 2026, in Ahmedabad 

The state of Gujarat which is under BJP rule since 1990s will go to the polls by November-December 2027. 

Chief minister Bhupendra Patel said : “This Bill is not against any religion; it is about equality before the law".

He said the law would finally grant Muslim women equal rights in ancestral property and provide them legal protections on par with women from other communities.

The legislation, passed after an eight-hour debate, exempts the state’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) population. The UCC aims to replace laws based on religious texts or traditions, and focuses on gender parity, the right to equality and the prevention of discrimination. 

The opposition Congress as expected raised objections over its implementation and questioned the speed with which the bill was drafted, enacted and passed. 

The chief minister said the UCC was not merely a legal exercise but a step towards equality, justice and national unity. 

“This is not just a legal process, but our firm resolve to strengthen the national commitment of equality, justice and unity,” he said.

The UCC is the third of the three core agendas the ruling BJP has championed since its inception, the other two being the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Patel said the bill had provisions for compulsory registration of marriages, registration of live-in relationships, uniform rules for divorce, equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters and penalties for violation of the provisions. 

He said compulsory registration of marriage would help protect the rights of women and children and prevent fraud and false marital claims and ensure legal recognition of marriage.  

More often it's said that the election results in Gujarat have long term impact on the future course of Indian politics. 

Narendra Modi’s BJP has enjoyed uninterrupted power here since 1995 while the opposition Congress party has virtually been reduced to an also-ran in the state.

In 2017, the Congress had given a tough fight bringing BJP strength in the assembly to 99. But in 2022 assembly polls, the Lotus party again established its hegemony.

The Bharatiya Janata Party in 2022 had won a landslide victory of 156 seats in the 182-member assembly. This tally was maximum ever won by any party in Gujarat's history. 

ends 

"Received a call from Prez Trump and had useful exchange of views on West Asia," - says PM Modi ::: "We have to face every challenge with patience, restraint and a calm mind" - PM in Rajya Sabha

“Any threat to human life in this war is not in the interest of humanity. 

India is making constant efforts to encourage all sides to reach a peaceful solution,”-- PM in Parliament. 

Trump and Modi discussed 'importance of keeping "Strait of Hormuz open" says US ambassador to India Sergio Gor 

 PM Narendra Modi tweets, 

"Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. 

India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. 

We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability."

Earlier speaking in Rajya Sabha, PM Modi laid out India's strategy, concerns for citizens abroad, and a broader plan to shield the economy from prolonged shocks. 

Modi said three weeks old war has already caused a major energy crisis and disrupted key trade routes.

“This war has created a serious fuel issue in the world. For India, too, this situation is concerning. The war has impacted our trade routes. With this, the routine supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers has been affected,” he said. 

“Our economy’s fundamentals are strong. The government is keeping a close watch on every changing situation and taking decisions with full seriousness,” he said.

“This crisis is of a different kind and its solutions are also being worked out differently. 

We have to face every challenge with patience, restraint and a calm mind.”

“The adverse impact of this war is likely to remain for a long time,” he said, while assuring citizens that the government is “alert, prepared and working with full seriousness” to safeguard national interests.

The Prime Minister urged states to act swiftly against black marketing and hoarding of essential commodities and to take proactive steps for the poor and migrant workers.

He recalled the coordinated response during the Covid period, calling for a similar “Team India” approach in the current crisis.

“Strict action should be taken at the earliest to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities,” he said.

ENERGY, SHIPPING CONCERNS INTENSIFY

The Prime Minister flagged the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as a major concern, with many global ships stranded and Indian crew members on board.

“Many ships from around the world are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, and a large number of Indian crew members are on board them,” he said.

He added that India is working through diplomacy to ensure safe movement of its vessels and to push for de-escalation.

"Weakening of communists ... helped BJP" :::::: Kerala CM Vijayan calls Congress "BJP’s B-Team’ ::::: Grand old party alleges CPI (M)-BJP ‘deal’ :::: Indian ethos "essentially Hindu but need not be exclusively Hindu", says BJP

Kerala LoP V D Satheesan alleges CPI(M)-BJP ‘deal’ 

Marxist CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams Rahul, Congress as BJP’s ‘B-Team’ 

There is merit in saying --

The pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party has been gaining ground both in West Bengal and Kerala - two well known Left bastions. 

In Tripura, the BJP is in power since 2018. 

Well, "Weak communists" open the door to Hindu nationalism  

The BJP of course wedded to and controlled by RSS ideology is pushing an agenda make India a nation of Hindu hegemony.

Indian civilisational strength and hence polity -- according to BJP - has to be "essentially Hindu but need not be exclusively Hindu".

The BJP is also gaining political support in Kerala and in West Bengal -- the saffron outfit leaders claim they are now at a striking distance to end the Mamata Banerjee-led dispensation.

We may hence say -- the downward slippery journey of Indian communists, electorally and in exerting influence on the sociopolitical mindset, has been phenomenal in the last decade especially after Narendra Modi became India's Prime Minister.

Well, in the regions the Left influence is on decline or they are losing their grip, the pro-Hindu BJP is gaining. 

There is a small paradox but a vital one. The religious minorities who should be happy about atheism (read communism) losing ground are now more worried about an even worse form of political ideology gaining power -- the saffron hegemony/wave, as many say.  

An artist paints an idol of God Ganesh in Mumbai in 2021 

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje says, 

“NDA needs to win for a state like Kerala… We need an NDA government for a Viksit, secure and united Kerala… The people of Kerala are done with this government…".  

"These are baseless and absurd allegations (about Left's nexus with BJP). In 1971, when A. K. Gopalan contested from Palakkad, the Congress candidate was an RSS-backed leader. Congress has a long history of aligning with RSS without hesitation," says CM Vijayan. 

He alleged that Congress runs a "coalition of convenience” with the BJP, adding that a similar pattern was visible during the Thrissur Lok Sabha polls in 2024.  

BJP's nominee Suresh Gopi had won the seat poling  412,338 votes as against 337,652 of  CPI candidate V S Sunil Kumar.

K. Muraleedharan of Congress had finished third polling 328,124 votes.  

Congress leader K C Venugopal, who may become CM if UDF wins, says a closer look at the candidate lists of both CPI-M and BJP strengthens his claim.  

"The Chief Minister has, for quite some time now, been a compromised leader. He does not speak up against Narendra Modi and appears to be functioning under pressure, including fear of central agencies like the ED," Venugopal said.

In 2021, the CPI-M led LDF could retain power breaking the five-year rotation. Prior to that evey five year, the Left and the Congress-led UDF used to come to power. 

The marginalised Left does not have any MP or MLA from West Bengal. They lost power to BJP in 2018 and also 2023 assembly polls in Tripura. Kerala is the only saving grace. On the other hand, the Congress has power in Karnataka and Telangana and is happily playing second fiddle to the JMM in Jharkhand and DMK in Tamil Nadu.

Hence, coming assembly elections in Kerala is almost 'do-or-die' battle for CPI-M as well as the Congress.  

Now yet again as Kerala gets ready for 2026 state elections, the BJP’s political meetings and roadshows are getting more people than ever before. That should worry both Christians and Muslims in the state who have traditionally opposed the BJP’s pro-Hindu politics. 

In fact, the Muslims align strongly with the Muslim League which is a constituent of the Congress-led UDF. The issues like Love Jehad had actually originated in Kerala on the backdrop of conflicts between Christians and Muslims. 

Hence in some quarters including among Catholics; there is a sizable section who are with the BJP -- at least in terms of pragmatic relations. 

Now,  how much that would translate into votes at the assembly level remains to be seen.  

Kerala’s communist leaders and especially current chief minister veteran Pinarayi Vijayan refuse to move along the stricter communist path the comrades walked in Tripura and West Bengal.

Detractors say Vijayan has already tinted the red flag of the communists with the hues of saffron, the color associated with Hindus.

In other words, he has taken care not to offend Hindus with his so-called reformist and progressive communist ideas.  

Moreover, the reported growth in influence of radical Islamic forces in Kerala and the state government action (s) though selectively to check it should gain some support from Hindus and Christians.

The leftists describe this appeasing of religion -- both Christians and Muslims as pragmatism. 

But people also ask ... is pragmatism a good political substitute for sheer naked opportunism ??

Rahul in 2021 campaign : "Hum dubeyenge sanam ...." 

 

ends 

India's RAW had planted Ravindra Kaushik in Pakistan and he had become 'Army Major' too ::: Dhurandhar on screen could be a winner but Ravindra Kaushik was 'caught' and later tortured

Nation is always important for a spy.  But often end up in hell. That was Ravindra Kaushik - his career ... and his times

Reportedly, Indira Gandhi had given him the title 'The Black Tiger'.

For Ravindra Kaushik, India's real Dhurandhar in Pakistan, it didn't end well

Ravindra Kaushik (11 April 1952 – 21 November 2001) was Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) mole in Pakistan who religiously discharged his duties for India from 1975 until he was captured in 1983. 

In 1975, at the age of 23, he was sent to Pakistan.

Kaushik was trained in Delhi for two years to be an undercover operative in Pakistan. 

He was also trained to live as a Muslim and was taught the Urdu language. 

Being from Sri Ganganagar, a city near Rajasthan's border with Punjab, although he was native to Bagri, a local tonal language of Rajasthani, which is predominantly spoken in Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts, he was also well versed in Punjabi.

India's original Dhurandhar, Ravindra Kaushik, rose from acting at college theatres, to infiltrating the Pakistan Army as a RAW Agent. 

He provided critical intelligence on Pakistani troop movements and the country's nuclear programme, but died a lonely death after his betrayal and subsequent capture by the ISI.

Kaushik went undercover in Pakistan and joined the Pakistan Army, pretending to be one of them. While there, he gathered crucial information for India, including details about troop movements and Pakistan's nuclear programme. He was caught in 1983 by Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, and spent the rest of his life in prison.

He is widely regarded as the original "Dhurandhar". 

He even met Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who reportedly gave him the title of "Black Tiger".  

Kaushik underwent circumcision and was given the cover name "Nabi Ahmed Shakir".

After successfully getting admission in Karachi University, he completed his LL.B. 

After his graduation, he infiltrated Pakistan Military under a false identity and joined the Pakistan Army, where he was employed as a major in the Military Accounts Department, not as a commissioned officer.

He married a local woman named Amaanat and fathered a boy, who died in 2001.

From 1979 to 1983, Kaushik worked as a Pakistani army clerk, sending valuable information to R&AW. 

Kaushik was born on April 11, 1952, in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, a town near the India-Pakistan border, where he learned Punjabi and local dialects. While studying Commerce at SD Bihani College in Ganganagar, he took part in theatre and developed his acting skills. 

In 1973, during a national-level dramatic competition in Lucknow, Kaushik performed a mono-act of an Indian soldier undergoing interrogation. His poise and linguistic command caught the attention of RAW talent spotters.

Kaushik underwent two years of rigorous training in Delhi. 

He was schooled in Islamic theology, Pakistani Urdu nuances, and the geography of his target destination. accomplished the unthinkable. He joined the Pakistan Army, eventually rising to the rank of Major.

"Kaushik managed to climb the ranks to become a commissioned officer, eventually serving as a Major in the Military Accounts Department," writes Maloy Krishna Dhar, a former Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau, in his memoirs 'Open Secrets: India's Intelligence Unveiled'.

From 1979 to 1983, Kaushik funnelled high-level intelligence to New Delhi. 

His reports on Pakistani troop movements in the Punjab sector and sensitive data regarding the nuclear facility at Kahuta provided India with a strategic edge. He maintained a complete double life, marrying a Pakistani woman named Amanat and parenting a child, while staying loyal to India.

In September 1983, R&AW sent a low-level operative, Inyat Masih, to make contact with Kaushik. But Masih was exposed by the Joint Counter-Intelligence Bureau of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and blew Kaushik's cover. 

Kaushik was captured, and tortured for two years at an interrogation center in Sialkot. He was sentenced to death in 1985; his sentence was later commuted to a life term by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. 

He was kept in various jails in several cities, including Sialkot, Kot Lakhpat and in Mianwali jail, for 16 years. 

He managed to secretly send letters to his family in India, which revealed his poor health and the trauma he faced in Pakistani jails.

ends 

Milestone ::: Namo becomes longest-serving head of elected Govt .... overtakes Pawan Kumar Chamling ::::: Development, mayhem & Hindutva – Making of Brand Moditva

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed former Sikkim CM, Pawan Kumar Chamling, who held office for 8,930 days. 

Modi has completed 8,931 days as head of Government, combining his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat and as Prime Minister, thereby entering his 25th year in a leadership role.

The milestone is being seen as a rare and significant achievement, reflecting decades of uninterrupted public service and political leadership at the highest level.

He is also the first Prime Minister of India to have been born after Independence and has secured victory in three consecutive Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 2019 and 2024, a feat that underscores political longevity and sustained public mandate.

Narendra Modi first assumed office as Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, and continued in the role until May 21, 2014.

That means he headed the Governance apparatus in Gujarat for more than 13 years before moving to national politics. 

Modi is one of the rarest and few world leaders who survived post Covid19 era and subsequent polls.

Donald Trump had lost 2021 polls but later got elected in 2025.  

Modi was sworn in as the 14th Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014, becoming the first non-Congress leader to secure a full majority in the Lok Sabha. 

He later became the first non-Congress Prime Minister to complete two full terms in office and return for a third consecutive term.

Top Union ministers on Sunday (March 22, 2026) complimented the Prime Minister for setting a record of 8,931 days in public life saying this reflects his deep commitment to nation-first governance.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now the longest-serving head of a Government in India. Pure devotion to the nation and its people defines PM Modi ji,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

Union ministers, including Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and BJP chief Nitin Nabin, hailed the prime minister, saying the “Modi era” has transformed India unrecognisably in setting new landmarks in development.

The Defence Minister Singh praised Modi, in a post on X, saying his life has been a continuous journey of service -- from his unwavering commitment as the Gujarat CM and his dedicated leadership as the PM.

“Today, he surpasses the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, achieving a historic milestone. With 8,931 days in public office as head of Government, this moment reflects his deep commitment to nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen. 

Heartiest congratulations to Modi Ji on this remarkable achievement,” Rajjnath wrote. 

Notably, Rajnath Singh had brushed aside objections from L K Advani and even the likes of Sushma Swaraj and made Modi the BJP's prime ministerial face on Sept 13, 2013. 

Home Minister Amit Shah said Modi’s decades of ‘seva’ (service) have shaped an era of his own. “Whether it is giving the poor their rights, setting new landmarks in development or enhancing the nation’s pride on global platforms, the Modi era has transformed India unrecognisably,” he said in a post on X.  

Development, mayhem & Hindutva – Making of Brand Moditva

The journey from being ‘Modi’ to the ‘Moditva phenomenon’ has been of a loner, and that of a man who vanquished adversaries at virtually every stage.

Till February 27, 2002, Narendra Modi was another BJP leader and at best a Chief Minister. But once the Sabarmati Express train was torched killing Ram Bhakts and that resulted in carnage between Hindus and Muslims in his home state – Narendra Damodardas Modi has not looked back.

He turned disadvantage into advantage.  Besides dealing with detractors in Congress who wanted to nail him in 2002 riots, Modi overcame hurdles posed by party colleagues like Sanjay Joshi as well.

At one point even his Smriti Irani had questioned his role during the carnage of 2002.

In 2013, his declaration of being made BJP’s ‘prime ministerial candidate’ was opposed by none other than his mentor L K Advani.

In 2002, during the peak of mayhem, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee  asked him in public to discharge ‘Raj Dharma’. "With what face I will go abroad," Vajpayee had said at a Muslim relief camp.

Dealing with all that requires more than the assertiveness, and Modi has shown the single mindedness. And the right synthesis of Hindutva inclined nationalism punctuated with development and him (Modi) being seen as an architect of change transformed him into a big national leader.

For records : Nehru was PM from 15th August 1947 – 27th May 1964

Jyoti Basu was Chief Minister of West Bengal: First sworn in on 21st June 1977 and was in office till 6th November, 2000 -- when he stepped aside on health ground. 

ends 

'Pather Panchali' was originally called "Durer Bari" -- a 'far away home' !! ::::: “Pather Panchali started getting serialised in Bichitra magazine in 1928 !!

(The Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay family originated in the Panitar village near Basirhat, located in the North 24 Parganas district of modern-day West Bengal. Bandyopadhyay's great-grandfather, who was an Ayurvedic physician, eventually settled in Barrackpore village.)

 'Pather Panchali' was originally called Durer Bari. The novel that makes it to any list of the top five influential novels in Bengali had a different title when pen was first put to paper in 1924.  

There are diaries where the author first wrote the character sketches in English. 

“Apu has been described there as ‘a citizen of the cosmos’ and the underlying ethos behind the novel as ‘philosophy of wonderment’ and ‘ananda’". 

Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay’s immortal work is turning 100, and a month-long exhibition has been planned at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity from March 24 for the occasion.  

Trinankur Banerjee opens a briefcase used by his grandfather Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay to carry his manuscripts.

(snap Sudeshna Banerjee -- The Telegraph) 

The author’s younger grandson, Trinankur Banerjee, curator of the show, came across the original title last week while sifting through manuscripts in preparation for the exhibition. 

“Pather Panchali started getting serialised in Bichitra magazine in 1928 and was published as a book the year after. 

But Bibhutibhushan had been writing it for a long time. 

There are three drafts. My parents possibly did not read it all as my grandfather’s handwriting was terrible,” Trinankur said. 

Story plot : 

Horihor Roy, an impoverished Brahmin, lives in the village of Nischindipur. Indir Thakrun, an old widowed woman, who had nobody to look after her, takes shelter in the house of Horihor, to whom she is distantly related. Horihor's wife Shorbojoya, an ill-tempered lady, cannot bear the sight of the old woman. She is therefore given a tumble-down thatched hut to live in. However, Durga, Shorbojoya's six-year-old daughter, is very fond of Indir Thakrun and stays with her for hours to listen to fairy-tales.[5]

After some time, Shorbojoya gives birth to a son. Shorbojoya is jealous of Indir Thakrun as she thinks that Durga is more fond of the old woman than of her mother. Indir Thakrun is mercilessly turned out of the hut for a trifling reason. The helpless old woman implores for shelter in her dying moments but she is heartlessly refused; she passes away in a rice-barn. ....

Trinankur likens his grandfather’s writing to a Swiss clock. “You get to see only the clock face while the mechanism stays hidden. Bibhutibhushan, too, was showing only the finished product, hiding the inner craft. When we study his plan, which we will put on display, we realise the novel is based on his philosophy of life. There is a structure within — a scaffold of philosophy held together by the straws of technique, over which he put on the clay coat of language.”

The exhibition will be divided into three chapters: his life, literature and philosophy. Surprisingly, in a country unmindful about archiving, the family has preserved a wealth of artefacts to illustrate each stage of his life. There are even the syringes and the stethoscope used in his treatment.

“Bibhutibhushan died at the age of 56 in Ghatshila. He was treated by his brother, whom he had put through medical college despite financial hardship. So when some folks in Calcutta blamed him for ‘killing his elder brother’, it broke him. Within a week, he was found dead on the bank of the Subarnarekha, having consumed carbolic acid. The family — two young widows and a three-year-old, my father — was left at sea. They decide to shift from the site of the tragedy,” Trinankur said.

This is the juncture where Bibhutibhushan’s personal effects could have slipped through the cracks of time. But they did not, thanks to his wife and Trinankur’s grandmother, Rama, and more specifically, a dream that she had. “When she was packing to return to her paternal home in Barrackpore, she dreamt of her late husband urging her to take his books and papers with her,” he said.

                              Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay (12 September 1894 – 1 November 1950)

There will also be on sale Bibhutibhushan memorabilia designed by Trinankur: T-shirts, coasters, wall clocks and the like.

Discussions, storytelling sessions and film screenings will be part of the exhibition, which will be on till April 19 except Sundays, reports 'The Telegraph'. 

 Bibhutibhusan's House Gouri Kunja at Ghatshila

ends 

Why Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury says Mamata should take the lead to boycott polls ??? >>: TMC's Nandigram candidate - a former BJP man - remains a puzzle ::: Why giving a cakewalk to Suvendu ??? ::::: Dropping 74 sitting MLAs .... an invite to "open revolt" ?

The Supplementary List of voters has been released by the Election but there is no clarity on the judicial officers can decide finally. The state chief secretary has been asked to set up give space for tribunals.

The Supplementary list is in two parts – one == naming those found eligible after adjudication, and the second listing those found ineligible. Of course, those in the ineligible category can appeal before the tribunals set up by Calcutta High Court under 19 retired judges. Where’s the time? By April 23rd, the first phase of polling would be over in West Bengal. 

Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has said chief minister Mamata Banerjee should take the lead, move the Supreme Court and issue a vote boycott call if elections are held while excluding genuine voters. 

$$$

Trinamool Congress has stunned many by naming a local former BJP leader Pavitra Kar from Nandigram, which remains one of the most high-profile constituencies.  

BJP's giant killer Suvendu Adhikari, who trounced powerful Mamata Banerjee in this segment in 2021, is contesting again. Hence the TMC decision reportedly taken at the personal initiative of Abhishek Banerjee remains a puzzle. 

"If BJP has to win only one seat in 2026 assembly polls, TMC and Abhishek Banerjee has announced that seat would be Nandigram," remarked analyst Ramakanto Shanyal.

Why giving a cakewalk to Suvendu ? Or there is something more to it ?

Top of that Kar joined BJP only recently and his wife is also a local BJP panchayat member in the area.  

There is more of Abhishek Banerjee-stamp in the TMC list and political detractors are already saying that Mamata Banerjee has deliberately allowed her Bhaipo (nephew) to select most candidates because that would give her an escape route if the outcome on May 4 (the date of vote of count) does not come much favourably.  

However, ending days of speculation, Mamata announced that she would be contesting from Bhawanipore - where again she would face a stiff fight from Suvendu - a former lieutenant and who defeated her in Nandigram in 2021.  

Of course,  living up to its pro-Muslim image; the TMC has named 47 candidates from the minority communities. This is five from 42 it had fielded in 2021. But analysts say still the Muslim population which has over 30 per cent population in the state would have inadequate numbers of  Muslim MLAs. At one point of time, the state had as many as 66 Muslim legislators. 

In contrast, 11 of the SC/ST candidates have been fielded from general or non-reserved seats. But in several segments with sizable Muslim population; tickets have been to Hindu aspirants.

  

Does it reflect the reflect the pressure of  Hindu consolidation done by BJP ?   

The games have a changed a lot and are still they are changing fast. Hence the TMC – a party accused of blatant Muslim appeasement – now speaks loudly about newly built Jagannath temple at Digha. 

The Trinamool also has fielded 78 candidates from the Scheduled Castes and 17 from the Scheduled Tribes. 

In the list of 291 Trinamool candidates, around 126 are between the ages of 31 and 50.

Thirty candidates are in the age group of 31-40, while 88 are between 41 and 50 years of age.  

As a strategy, the TMC leadership dropped 74 MLAs and changed the constituencies of 15 others.

In total, 135 of the Trinamool’s sitting 224 legislators will be trying their electoral fortune yet again. The same formula has been applied for many district and block level leaders. They have been fielded from other constituencies outside their local districts or region. 

This is also seen as a gamble !! 

Under this plan, spokesperson Kunal Ghosh will contest an Assembly election for the first time, having been nominated from Beleghata. Paresh Paul represented this constituency for three consecutive terms in 2011, 2016 and 2021.  

The same formula was applied for a key Muslim face - Sowkat Molla. He would take on eminent Muslim leader Md. Naushad Siddiqui, Chairman of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) in Bhangar constituency. Sowkat was made TMC observer for Bhangar recently at the instance of Abhishek Banerjee.  

The ISF leader would be certainly under immense pressure.  

Prabhat Banerjee, son of Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee, has been nominated from Uttarpara. Earlier speculation was that seat would be given to a celebrity. 

He would take on BJP's actress-turned-neta Locket Chatterjee, a former MP.  

Abhishek Banerjee - set to take over TMC ?

In yet another change of candidate, TMC has now decided to field Debangshu Bhattacharya from Bally assembly segment replacing Rana Chatterjee.  In Chunchura constituency also, sitting MLA Asit Mazumdar has been replaced. 

Former journalist Devadeep Purohit will take the plunge into electoral politics from North 24-Parganas’ Khardaha.  Sitting member Sovandeb Chattopadhyay has been replaced and now nominated for Ballygunge, a segment with over 30 per cent of Muslim population. 

ends 

Real strength of leadership lies in the ability to see the truth :::: War Time ??? A good leader must Rebuild Institutions, and restore people's trust

Let us start the piece with a different intent. 

Today. the war is on ... this is in addition to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

What is happening to out world ? 

Maybe; this is a big question.

One need not be so much updated about global things especially in the context of what Donald Trump has been doing. saying and also not doing.  But no war can bring any positive impact on humankind. 

We may discuss on various other matters in India also in Asia or on the matters concerning the entire globe. 

History shows that the world and nations have suffered the most when leaders choose to ignore Truth.

Those in power must resist the comfort of constant appreciation. I am not saying this about Donald Trump alone or any one or two leaders. This is a general statement. 

The importance lies in realizing that we need not (or should not) overestimate own strength and do not run away from the realty. 

Subsequently, we may talk about some old values.

All of my readers may not give much importance these today.  Often. I also make compromises or try to dilute things make them palatable both for others and also for myself.

The real leadership value is in the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi or Lord Buddha.

Real challenge is not defeating an opponent; but to win him. When it comes to governance, it is about governing in a way that the common people's interest is protected. 

It must be envisioned at the global level when it comes to big powers -- say the American President or other world leaders. Today; everyone is pushing towards destruction.  

A good leader should therefore use the chance to rebuild institutions, and restore people's trust. Democracy is a cherished form ... but may be in the new century some efforts should be made to reset an effective and accountable political culture. 

Now a next stage.

This is a Digital era, it is known to all. Social media is more powerful apparently than traditional media. 

The Media ethics now sounds something from the dead era. Are today's leaders having this gala time because the ethical and traditional media have collapsed? 

Are you changing the subject ... ???  

Nevertheless, Technology is something that cannot be kept at bay.

The world has so many technological changes than what we had in the last decade or last century.

Once upon a time wrist watch was a luxury and travel in a jeep was considered something unusual. 

But Technology is also a contributor to today's world of mess and confusion. 

But these are realities. The so-called social media enables governments and leaders to bypass traditional news outlets. And there is nothing much you can do.  

The Governments in England and US question the impartiality of the media or even organisations such as the BBC.  

There was a time -- when what All India Radio or BBC said were ultimate truth. 

Today, that Truth dynamism has changed. We have to face it.

It's true ....  

The consequences of the Iran attack will affect human lives and our politics. 

This is an era; wherein people believe Whatsapp more than a newspaper.

Are citizens are not wrong in giving credence to these distorted versions of reality?  There is fear mongering ... Donald Trump attacked Venezuela and than Iran. Russia did the same with Ukraine ....? 

There are many others. What about leaders in China or Hungary ? Today, we have war and battles within battles. We have the war of narratives. 

That's the dangerous part. 

Stoking fear is an old style... But the range of tools to spread propaganda today are more influential ... hence more damage is happening. Issues before us have multiplied.

In other words ... the world will be more unstable. 

The economy is already affected and the oil ad energy issues will make humankind go crazy.

But do remember Humankind is always crazy. 

In earlier days -- the sense of reasonableness worked. We saw elders underlining the importance of Peace and people across societies and nations respecting different shades of voices. 

Today's leadership either local or at the level of Trump and Putin - want sycophancy.  

Any leadership feels happy with the narrowest circle of loyalists. 

In Bangladesh, this very factor was used. In Nepal; the same politics of autocracy brought the crazy rebellion. This carefully managed images of stability and loyalty is actually dangerous. 

Coming back to the global conditions and war and how technology has added to challenges. 

Are we then pessimistic in a general sense ? 

Geopolitical check points :::

**  Old allies will never again trust the US after its people elected not once but twice this mindlessly dangerous man called Donald Trump.  

*** Few global leaders stayed in power after Covid, These fortunate ones include  Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin and also Xi Jinping.

Trump lost 2021 polls but came back in 2025.

Notably --- The 1973 oil crisis also had left few western leaders surviving their next election. 

&&&&&

***

But the fact of the matter is someone being pessimistic or optimistic do not make much sense these days.

Therefore comes the importance of Reality and how this has to be handled. 

How much propaganda someone does; basically human values and matters of mutual concern would remain. 

Technology is great but man and woman are never machines. 

Emotions matter; people may laugh and cry. People tolerate wrong things ... but that would not be tolerated beyond a point. 

Things like Destiny and the elements of Karma do work. 

As we sow, so shall we reap... you must have heard this. It has not changed. 

Importantly; there is still a huge demand for factual information and information or news that is of high-quality. 

No Artificial Intelligence can kill that human urge.

ends