There's Doklam and Galwan connections ::: Chinese General Zhao Zongqi removed from key positions

On August 28, 2026, Chinese top General Zhao Zongqi, one of the most important commanders in recent Sino-Indian military history, was removed from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and two other senior positions.

Zhao’s removal from the CPPCC, one of China’s key political institutions, matters because it goes beyond the end of his military career. 

The official Chinese announcement gave no reason for his removal. 

Zhao is not just a military general. He was the first commander of China’s newly created western theatre command, the military formation responsible for the country’s western borders, including the frontier with India.  

It also relieved him of his position as deputy director of the CPPCC’s Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee. His political marginalisation appears to have begun much earlier. 

Zhao attended the 14th CPPCC Standing Committee’s 14th meeting in Beijing on October 31-November 1, 2025.  

The western theatre, however, is only one piece of a much larger military shake-up. 

Since 2022, more than 100 senior PLA officers across different branches have reportedly been removed, investigated or disappeared. The crackdown has now reached the highest levels of the military establishment.   

Under his command, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) confronted India during the 2017 Doklam standoff. 

Gen Zhao was part of the military leadership overseeing the period that culminated in the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh. 

In fact five top generals after three other senior generals — Han Weiguo, Liu Lei and Gao Jin — had already been stripped of their key positions.

The military contingent originally comprised 15 members, including nine full generals and six lieutenant generals. 

For India, Zhao’s disappearance is significant because of the position he previously held. 

He was appointed the first commander of the Western Theatre Command when China’s military reforms replaced the seven military regions with five theatre commands in 2016. At the time, Lianhe Zaobao reported that the new Western Theatre was responsible for China’s strategic directions towards South Asia, including the India border.  

Zhao’s removal raises an uncomfortable question for Beijing: how far back does the current purge of China’s military establishment really go?

According to China watchers, Zhao was the commander who shaped China’s India strategy. 

His career mirrors the rise of a generation of PLA officers shaped by combat, foreign deployments and years of service along China’s western frontier. 

His subsequent career took him far beyond the battlefield. He received Arabic-language training, served in a diplomatic posting in Tanzania and held a series of command positions in the Tibet Military Region and the PLA’s 13th and 14th Group Armies.

ends 

PM Modi, Russian Prez Putin repeat 'car diplomacy' at 2026 SCO

PM Modi, Russian Prez Putin repeat 'car diplomacy' at 2026 SCO 

"India advocates for resolving all problems peacefully, which is necessary for all of humanity," Narendra Modi said during a joint statement with Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

Following their bilateral meeting, both the leaders travelled in the same car as they headed to the opening ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena.  

Before heading to the World Nomad Games, PM Modi and President Putin held high-level bilateral talks, during which they reviewed the India-Russia partnership and discussed key global and regional issues.

"Had extensive discussions with President Putin. Discussed the full range of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. 

It is gladdening to see significant progress across various sectors in recent years. 

Focus areas for the India-Russia friendship remain energy, innovation, space, fertilisers and people-to-people linkages," PM Modi tweeted.

Earlier in the evening, PM Modi said today that India supports all peaceful efforts to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and will continue to do so.  

PM Modi met Putin on the sidelines of the ongoing SCO Summit in Bishkek.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that he would travel to India for the BRICS Summit, which is scheduled to take place on September 12-13 in New Delhi. 

Prime Minister Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Iranian President on the sidelines of SCO Summit

Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian. 

The two leaders discussed bilateral ties. 

They also discussed the recent developments in the West Asia conflict and shared perspectives on the evolving situation. 

Modi expressed concern at the escalation of tensions in the region and reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Prime Minister also reiterated the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. 

Calling for safeguarding the freedom of navigation and commerce, he emphasized that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers must not be harmed under any circumstances.

Reiterating India’s readiness to closely cooperate with Iran in multilateral organizations, including BRICS and SCO, Prime Minister conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming President Pezeshkian to India for the BRICS Summit.

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"The time has come" ::: Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football

Argentina great Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football.

He said - it was a decision that "hurt" him but "the time has come".  

"I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team." 

The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

In a statement, Messi said he has given everything to the national side but now has "nothing left to give".

He added: "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.  The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said he wrote his retirement message on 21 July, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in this summer's World Cup final.

He added on Instagram on Monday: "Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced than before."

His career will continue at club level with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami.

Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary. However, he was shown a straight red card less than a minute later, after he swung his arm and his elbow connected with full-back Vilmos Vanczak.

Despite his tough start on the international stage, Messi went on to become one of the all-time greatest players, winning the World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina.

He is the second-highest goalscorer in World Cup history, with 21, behind France's Kylian Mbappe (22), and second for goals in all internationals (125) behind his great contemporary and rival, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (146).

Messi first retired from international football in 2016 before reversing his decision.

That followed a defeat by Chile in the Copa America final, in which he missed a penalty in the shootout as Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years.

After World Cup loss, Lionel Messi said - "the pain is immense" and that it "will take time to heal" after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final.

Ferran Torres' extra-time strike saw Spain crowned world champions for a second time, ending Argentina's defence of the title they won in 2022.

Messi has now lost two World Cup finals after Argentina were defeated 1-0 by Germany in 2014.

"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things," Messi wrote on social media.

"The matches we turned around by giving it our all - moments that will remain in our memories forever - and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group's hard work and effort, brought us back among the world's elite once again.

"It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.
"I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship."

ends 

Bharat cherishes being Vishwa Guru, not Mahashakti (superpower) :::::: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at his glorious best ::: Tells a large audience in Canada ::: "Whenever India became big, it did not become a Superpower. It became a Glorious country" :::: "third way is ancient, very old way of Hindustan"

In yet another convincing dialogue with the audience in the west - this time in Toronto, Canada - Mohan Bhagwat emphasised that to be a 'superpower' is hardly an Indian dream project. 

At his eloquent best, the RSS chief said: "Whenever India became big, it did not become a Superpower. It became a Glorious country".  

He said India was not a superpower even during its glorious past in a strict sense of the term. "It (Bharat) served the world by its own character it became Vishwa Guru not Mahashakti." 

Continuing with this spirit, he said  "... the rise of Bharat means more united more emancipated humanity. We did it long back when there were no roads, no boats, no aeroplanes, no motor vehicles. Only bullock carts and horses".  

"Our ancestors have gone in the region Mexico to Siberia giving them knowledge. On foot, they crossed Himalayas.... by small boats they went to South East Asia." 

And he posed a question; "What did they do" .. and then answered it himself -- "They conquered no country".   

"They converted no body", he said amid thunderous applause. 

Bhagwat also said - "Wherever they went ... they gave knowledge". 

 

"They gave astrology, they gave Ayurveda. They imparted civilisational values". Bhagwat also said the ancestors "earned prestige" for India and that is even now when any Indian goes overseas ... to any country -- as a mark of respect and salutation the foreigners more often offer 'Namaskar'.  

Bhagwat then cited an experience of Dr M M Joshi (former Union Minister) -- who when offered Namaskar at a Chinese temple in China; an old local Chines lady came to him and offered Namaskar to the BJP leader and also wanted to know if he was a Hindu.   

However, Bhagwat said the big issue is whether "we stand true to that prestige or not". 

"We have to do it again. The World needs it," he emphasised. 

He also pointed out at the general predicament the world faces in our times.

** Scientific achievements are being used to create weapons of mass destruction. 

**If an individual has to succeed; the Society suffers. If we try to create a happy society; then individuals are at the receiving end. 

Bhagwat says for all these  - there has to be a third way or option. 

"And this new third way is ancient, very old way of Hindustan".   

He again explained - "When I say Hindu ... the word Hindu cannot be defined by any specific language ... through any specific way of worship or through any living style. 

"All these are there. These are the diversities of human beings. Hindus respect all, Hindus accept all". 

The RSS chief pointed out  -- "Anywhere in the world, if someone was persecuted; he got asylum in Bharat only. Read history, you will find it". 

"Many came to Bharat from outside as aggressors. But they still thrive there with all their specialities intact. They are are now Bharatiya (Indian) citizens".  

He said, "Muslims are there, Christians are there...Jews also in small numbers, many have migrated to Israel. Parsis are there. Many people come to Bharat for asylum. Not only that; they come for  knowledge also. We give it".  

He further stated:  "Whenever there was any dilemma for any human being; he came for guidance to Bharat. And Bharat has provided ample guidance, correct guidance". 

ends 

Guest column ::: M Chuba Ao :::: What's wrong with Devotion to one's country ? - Vande Mataram

The phrase Vande Mataram literally means - "I salute thee, my Motherland". 

There is no religious element in it. 

It's strictly about Patriotism. The song - for all practical purpose - belonged to the Congress party and the history of freedom struggle. But in 2026, what we have is sheer controversies.

The original poem 'Vande Mataram' was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and it was published in his Bengali novel 'Anandamath' in 1882. The history behind it tells us that in effect 

- that was "A Melody - that became a Movement".  

Fact sheet :::  

It was first sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta.

Vande Mataram, as a political slogan, was first used on 7 August 1905.  

This year, November 07, 2025 to Nov 7th, 2026 - it is the 150th anniversary of India's National Song Vande Mataram.

It is also fact that whenever Vande Mataram is played, it does not evoke religious sentiment. Mere having some words and names in a poem does not make it a prayer.

The composition as an enduring anthem has for decades now inspired countless generations of freedom fighters and nation builders, standing as a lasting emblem of India’s national identity and collective spirit. 

The Congress should be more than delighted that even by a BJP government, the song which was part of Congress's struggle and commitment to Freedom struggle has been given so much respect in the year 2026. Hence, at times I feel - instead of taking credit for the song; it is an unwise decision on the part of Congress to politicise the issue. 

Had they extended support and endorsed the Modi Govt's decision to show respect to the National Song - they might have garnered some political benefits. On the part of BJP; it is sheer patriotism and respecting the legacies of the song and the maestro (Bankim Chandra Chatterjee) who created it. 

As a devote Christian; personally I do not see any 'religious' or Hindu ritual in it. This misinterpretation is at the scale of stunning and I am at a loss on how to sympathise with those leaders and minority communities people who have made a mountain out of a mole hill. 

Of course. Cultural Nationalism has been BJP's sincere commitment and we would live by that. 

Why Congress stance is baffling?  Please note that the phrase 'Vande Mataram' appeared on the flag displayed by Bhikaji Cama in 1907. It is therefore a striking historical irony that the same Vande Mataram song which the British sought to suppress for awakening resistance against Colonial rule is now being "restricted" by the Congress party. 

Come to think of it as a socio-economic subject; this new controversy triggered will not affect educated and common Muslims. The historical fact is that the Congress itself had once recognised the significance of the song but subsequently yielded to communal pressures. 

In 1937, still one could have understood the Congress move because Partition was still far off and they had to keep Muslim League in friendly terms. But in 2026; the decision to oppose the full singing of Vande Mataram is almost a joke. I insist this is a patriotic song and has nothing to do with any Hindu religious spirit or rituals.  

Some people thrive in exploiting things when they are half-baked. This new controversy of 2026 is one episode and of all the parties in India - the Congress should be the last party to draw into that crowd. 

Essentially, Vande Mataram belongs to them and rather; they have all the right to seek credit if they desire. 

The students of history would know that the issue was exploited as a political subject by the Muslim league when in 14 points charter of demand with Congress leader Jawaharlal Nehru; it demanded Vande Mataram should be abandoned completely. Those who made such demands divided India and went away with Pakistan. 

Thus, there is no justification in giving any importance to an argument that was piloted by the Muslim League. 

Against  this historical background, the NDA under the stewardship of PM Narendra Modi ji has taken concrete steps to restore the honour, dignity and rightful national place for the song 'Vande Mataram'. 

Moreover, the Congress party courted a controversy by their party function inside the Congress office on Aug 15, 2026. It appeared a case of mismanagement because one party leader later said - leaders including Sonia Gandhi was asking for a chair for Malikarjun Kharge ji. Secondly, it was inside their party office and none would have bothered to know whether the national song was sung in full or not.  

We all know the famous poetic line of Tagore - 

"Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake" --- take note of the word Father here; will it be justified to argue that the word Father here is referred to Jesus Christ. 

Poems sometime make poets use some words and phrases that go well strictly with the poetic demands.

To wrap up one would only say -- fake pretence cannot conceal the politics of appeasement. 

Chuba Ao is a former national vice president of BJP : views are personal 

ends 

Can "Suvendu Model succeed in West Bengal" ?? -- And the implications .... :::: The 'east India model' would be a lethal campaign line for the BJP in 2029

Why Hindus felt marginalised in India ? The population figures were always overwhelmingly Hindu .. that is around 80 per eent. 

One issue, is the immensely distorted campaign and distorted version of history and culture. 

Modi had a boat ride : Poll campaign 2026 

Even after BJP's electoral success in West Bengal - there are some Christian intellectuals and others who try to sell extreme falsehood. The allegation ever since Suvendu Adhikari has become state's chief minister; is that - Hindus and especially BJP workers are attacking minorities at free will. 

".... it did not much matter which minority a given mob decided to target", -- went a line. West Bengal has about 27 plus Muslim population and the Left parties for three decades and the Mamata 'aapa' regime for 15 years between 2011 and 2026, believed that sheer Muslim appeasement is the real success Mantra. 

This boomeranged.

Of course, the BJP worked hard in West Bengal. It is also true, both the RSS and the Lotus party had charged the outgoing Trinamool Govt with fostering anti-national jehadi elements. But the charges were true in terms of public perception. How many cases were proved or not is entirely a different debate.  

Look at the way, Minorities "enjoy" things for granted. When they stand up for their tradition, heritage, religious shows etc --- these are hailed as symbols of Diversity, says a local BJP leader in North Bengal. 

He complained; -- "But when it comes to a Hindu festival - for decades theories and half-baked argument was sold that Diwali is anti-environment and brings in pollution in cities like Delhi. Crackers are bad." 

Only lately it came to light that even in Pakistan along Punjab state; there is seasonal environmental/pollution issues. During Covid lockdown as vehicles stayed indoors, pollution too was tolerable. 

Many Hindus for years under Left parties in West Bengal and Tripura and also at the national level thought or were made to believe that they could not be proud of the Hindu way of living. 

Hindus remained generally apologetic of Hindutva and I have intellectual friends - they would easily call Narendra Modi or even BJP leaders such as Uma Bharati and L K Advani 'communal'. 

The same yardstick would vanish when CPI-M goons killed Anandmargis in Kolkata or a PM, Rajiv Gandhi justified 1984 anti-Sikh massacre. 

BJP's man : Suvendu Adhikari 

In West Bengal, under Communists and later under Mamata; a sympathetic administration and manageable police force helped merciless attacks on Hindus during festivals in districts of 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhhaman and Bankura.

Even those violating traffic rules in Durgapur or even in Kolkaya were allegedly spared out if they were Muslims. 

The "sickular' media and Christian websites never bothered to talk about these. 

Why there is now an 'added importance' of West Bengal and the BJP Govt in the state? 

More than the BJP's election strategists, a section of Sickular intellectuals perhaps have understood the importance about this simple and even innocuous question. Thus goes a set of unfounded allegations from Christian leaders in the state --  

** That there is now 'mob violence' against microscopic minority - the Christians. It is also being pushed that by and large Christians were 'undisturbed' in West Bengal. 

This is indirect way of telling the voters that the erstwhile Left goons and Tolabazi-famous Mamata Banerjee and her party crooks were virtuous. 

** And The allegation also is that Muslims continue to be "prime target" of the BJP and Hindus. 

There is a deliberate spin around Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. 

Once upon a time : PM V P Singh, Advani and CPI-M leader Surjeet 

The essential reason is political.  The 2029 elections are not far away. 

And all detractors of the BJP are getting frustrated because the opposition parties are unable to do anything extra ordinary to impress voters that yes -- we (they) are ready to take on the BJP. 

The basic campaign against Modi and his Govt and also the NDA coalition remain that same as was in 2014 or after. 

The Congress remains confused and worse, it is still held hostage by Rahul Gandhi and his style of functioning. 

The issues, the Congress is trying to highlight in the next few months are unlikely to embarsass the saffron party or take away Modi's voters.

In other words, there is no political headway for the Opposition.

On the other hand, the BJP knows it would need 'new ideas' to appeal to the voters. 

In 2014 and even in 2019 - largely the so-called 'Gujarat Model' worked for Team Modi-Shah in terms of garnering votes. 

The Prime Minister has set new targets - Viksit Bharat by 2047. He had also set a target to end the monopoly of western/English education system by 2035.  

These appeal effectively to the BJP voters. 

Delivering the Ramnath Goenka Lecture, PM Modi on Nov 17, 2025, had said that the crime committed by Macaulay against India's cultural and educational foundations will complete 200 years in 2035.

 "I want to appeal to the entire country: over the next decade, we must resolve to free ourselves from the mindset of slavery that Macaulay imposed on India. The coming 10 years are extremely important".  Modi also said that when a nation fails to honour itself, it ends up rejecting its indigenous ecosystem, including the Made in India manufacturing framework. 

Since then, the attack on RSS has increased manifold. The Jantar Mantar protest was engineered around the issue of Education and the political target was Home Minister Amit Shah.  

The BJP strategists have sensed these correctly. They admit probably the 'Gujarat Model' can no longer fetch you fresh voters especially after you have three BJP chief ministers in West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.  

The 'east India model' would be a lethal campaign line for the BJP in 2029. 

The north eastern states as a bloc and that including Assam cannot be actually presented as a 'model' to the rest of India. 

Hence, the BJP would need Suvendu Adhikari to succeed. So that, it has something called 'east India model'. 

The priorities for the BJP dispensation in West Bengal will be to perform. But it is easier said than done.  The BJP detractors will continue to find holes in the state government's governance model. There will be broadsheet English tabloids to ridicule them. There will be Sickular, Muslim and Christian (self-styled champions) of Sickularism to create disturbances.  

It is for the first time - in fifty years - there is Double Engine government(s) in Kolkata. Left played anti-Delhi politics for decades and the illusion that she can become Prime Minister of India kept Mamata Banerjee always in confrontational stance against Manmohan Singh Govt and later the NDA dispensation. 

Land issues (land grabbing) is a primary challenge for the new BJP govt. There are other challenges too -- Extortion/Cut Money culture. At the local level, it was a booming industry promoted by Left 'dadas' and later hijacked and taken to newer heights by the Mamata regime. 

Suvendu is expected to act tough, decisive and transparent in these multiple fronts. If investments can really be brought in - there wil be job and expected sea change.  

Anti-development and anti-BJP forces will continue their line of propaganda -- that there is 'no slide back' on the radicalization of the state under Hindutva forces. 

All these will ought to be handled in much systematic and tougher measures. They might have voted for BJP and ousted Mamata; but by 'mind' there are an overwhelming number or people - old and young- who may still find it fashionable to call themselves Liberal. 

They even may take pride in organisations like All India Students Association (AISA) and its new found campaigner.  

North Bengal - Now BJP has clear upperhand 

ends 

BJP has drawn out most ambitious political strategies for ensuing Punjab assembly polls :::: Nasha Mukt - Anti Drug campaign will be taken up in a big way

The BJP has intensified discussions on its political strategy and electoral preparedness for the ensuing elections in Punjab. 

It may be exaggeration and not a fair composition but the saffron party workers and mid-level leaders in Punjab feel if "most difficult state" West Bengal could be conquered; the prospects in the key northern state should not be ruled out. 

The electoral strategies may create room for accommodation with Akali Dal for Sikh votes but the Akalis are also seen as liability in many quarters for non-performance and immense corruption. 

Hence, a section has clearly suggested that that it intends to contest the Punjab Assembly elections on its own making organisational consolidation and effective election management key priorities.

The appointment of C R Patil, a trusted colleague of Home Minister Amit Shah from Gujarat as poll in-charge for the party came at a crucial juncture as the BJP accelerates its organisational activities across Punjab. 

"We want to expand our presence at the grassroots level, strengthening cadre and building a robust organisational network" says a party insider.  Patil’s appointment is expected to provide further impetus to the BJP’s preparations and bring his experience in organisation-building and electoral strategy.  

State BJP general secretary Parminder Singh Brar said - “Mann Ki Baat” of PM Narendra Modi was not merely a radio programme but a reflection of the nation’s collective consciousness. The issues highlighted by the Prime Minister always encourage social awareness, strengthen citizens’ sense of duty and reinforce the vision of a Developed India".

That is why an elaborate sitting arrangements were made in 40 locations in Jalandhar Central and 50 locations across the Jalandhar North and West constituencies on Sunday (Aug 30) for listening to Mann-Ki Baat address by Modi.

Now, the BJP sympathisers and workers would be continuously engaged with the public to promote the ideals of service, good governance and national security.  But there are issues and emotional elements in Punjab politics. 

Certainly, the Lotus party has to win the confidence of the Sikh voter but there will need for walking a tightrope. Some elements have started to condemn 'Operation Bluestar' by Indira Gandhi as there is a need for 'soft-pedal strategies' vis-a-vis Bhindranwale factor.

But the Lotus party can never seen compromising the tune of muscular nationalism.  

The old timers say the BJP has in the past directly blamed the Congress party for allowing militancy in Punjab to spiral out of control. 

The allegation being the Congress fuelled the growth of militancy by using “militants and others" both in its political battle against the Akali Dal and for settling some of the the factional clashes within the Congress party itself. 

Modi in Naga attire :  A sign of Bravery 

In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha debate, described the Army’s 1984 operation as an attack on the Akal Takht, the supreme seat of Sikhism. 

In September 2024, during the release of her movie 'Emergency', when the BJP Lok Sabha MP, Kangana Ranaut, called Bhindranwale a terrorist; many Sikhs including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and a few Punjab BJP leaders were quick to rebuke her for making “unnecessary comments”.  

The live streaming of gurbani from the Golden Temple to millions of screens is of immense religious and political significance in the Sikh-majority State. This was also in controversy between Akalis and the ruling AAP in the recent past.   

Punjab BJP's organisation general secretary Srinivasulu said through “Mann Ki Baat”, the Prime Minister has yet again brought national recognition to the extraordinary achievements of ordinary citizens. 

The speech of Aug 30 is seen as a starting point in Punjab and it is expected to continue to inspire youth, women, farmers and people from every section of society. 

Now, focus will be on booth level karyakartas to taking the Prime Minister’s message to every household.  

Jalandhar West and urban segments like Jalandhar Central and Jalandhar North are considered key urban pockets of influence for Lotus party.  

In terms of electoral strategies and campaign plans, the BJP is placing the state's drug menace, gang violence, and deteriorating law-and-order situation at the forefront of its public attacks against the ruling AAP.

Socio-Economic Issues are also being highloghted.

Such as - Local industrial flight, mounting state financial debt, and delayed administrative payments form the core economic critique against the state government under Bhagwant Mann.  

The BJP leadership is expected to further intensify meetings, constituency-level reviews and organisational programmes.  

The campaign around cenral Govt schemes heavily leverages Modi Govt's welfare achievements, publicizing Narendra Modi's governance model and development record directly to rural and urban households.  

The focus on drugs is significant, with the BJP seeking to turn an issue that cuts across Punjab's urban-rural and political divides. 

The strategy also comes with a wider political calculation. Both the Congress in 2017 and the AAP in 2022 rode to power on promises to tackle Punjab's drug problem. 

Prime Minister Modi has now launched the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan on August 2 as part of a 100-week nationwide anti-drug campaign.  

At a recent meeting with Punjab BJP leaders and workers in Ludhiana, BJP general secy (Organisation) B L Santosh stressed that the party should organise anti-drug yatras across all 117 Assembly constituencies in September. 

Senior BJP leaders from Delhi are expected to participate in or lead several of these programmes. 

ends 

“Mahanayak Uttam Kumar cheerodin maanusher hridaye Raj Korben” ::: PM Modi pays tribute to Bengal's evergreen cine star

On his latest 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Narendra Modi perhaps surprised many.

He paid glowing tributes to the evergreen film star Uttam Kumar.

"In just a few days, on September 3rd, we will celebrate the birth centenary of the legendary Uttam Kumar. Friends, Uttam Kumar was a versatile actor who became deeply embedded in people's hearts through his acting. Film lovers believe that Satyajit Ray wrote the entire script for the film *Nayak* (The Hero) with Mahanayak Uttam Kumar in mind," he said.  

Uttam Kumar's screen performance,  charm, popularity, and youthful appeal truly remain fresh and relevant across many generations, never fading with time. 

Modi further said:

"Shriman Satyajit Ray had remarked that he (Uttam Kumar) possessed remarkable emotional depth alongside great dignity. He worked very hard to bring his characters to life. Uttam Kumar-ji was known not only for his natural ease but also for his philanthropy. 

"His life offers another great lesson: never give up," the Prime Minister said. 

"Although his early films did not fare well, he remained focused on his work. It was this dedication that enabled him to reach such great heights. Friends, I recall passing by Uttam Kumar-ji’s house while doing a roadshow in Kolkata. 

Someone there even gifted me a photograph of him. I once again pay tribute to the legendary Uttam Kumar-ji; he will forever reign in our hearts," Modi said.  

“Mahanayak Uttam Kumar cheerodin maanusher hridaye Raj Korben," he added. 

Film 'Haranu Sur' was made in 1957 and the storyline and the performance of Uttam Kumar and genius acrtess Suchitra Sen can still mesmerize the audience. As my friends and fellow admirers would often say -- Uttam Kumar's charm as a star as he "forgets" his wife following an illness is portrayed very powerfully.

The performances, chemistry and plot everything appear absolutely appropriate. Uttam Kumar's performance in several Bengali films with Suchitra Sen and others had strong points musical, hypnotic and a sort of mythic romance. 

The non-literal, non verbal imagery to convey the depth of the emotions was always magical and breathtaking. 

In 'Haranu Sur' - Uttam Kumar struggling to remember his days with wife and she (of course the beautiful Suchitra Sen) plays the piano during the birthday party --- is my all-time favourite.  

Born Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay in 1926, Uttam Kumar is widely remembered as the Mahanayak of Bengali cinema. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he worked as an actor, director, producer, composer and screenwriter.  

In 1967, Uttam Kumar became the first recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, recognised for his performances in 'Antony Firingee' and Satyajit Ray’s 'Chiriyakhana'.

Uttam Kumar died of a heart attack on July 24, 1980, aged 53.  

We were in Mizoram (Lunglei) those days.  I still remember our Manipuri teacher Singh Sir (from Silchar) who spoke and understood Bangla very well told me and my brother - "Ki holo, Uttar Kumar is dead".  

This perhaps reflects Uttam Kumar's popularity and fan following. We - two siblings- might not have cared or knew how popular as a film star, he was. But later within few days - I found my mother indulging in debate and discussions about Uttam Kumar-Suchitra magical pair with dad and other colleagues of his.  

"Saptapadi" - also showing iconic screen partnership of Uttam and Suchitra was my father's favourite. 

Mom liked films such as 'Grihadaha', 'Mouchak' and 'Dhonyi Meye'. Jaya Bachchan too performed in 'Dhonyi Meye' playing as wife of Uttam Kumar's younger brother's wife. 

'Mouchak' had popular musical number - "Besh korechhi Prem Korecchi korboi toh (I have fallen in love, it's my wish and I will keep doing so)".

PM Modi making a reference to Uttam Kumar has a modest political overtone vis-a-vis BJP's cultural connect with Bengali icons.

The saffron party has for years been talking about Bengali icons to try and win over the state’s culture-proud voters.

This was more relevant when Mamata Banerjee, now ousted, usd to campaign to paint the Lotus party as a band of “outsiders”. 

The story is half-complete in politics always. 

The BJP has 'conquered' West Bengal but there are future electoral battles too. Come to think of it, in 2029 - when Modi (if at all he contests yet again) will go for his fourth Prime Ministership in a row; all those could be relevant.

Well many say, Uttam Kumar is an "easy" and yet very popular figure for the Sangh Parivar or the BJP to try and appropriate.

Nevertheless, some also say - Born an Chattopadhyay, he was an upper-class, upper-caste Hindu but always steered clear of active politics.

But his sort of universal appeal among countless Bengalis is something to cheer about.

Uttam Kumar acted in more than 200 films including successful Hindi film 'Amanush'. But in Bollywood, he faced immense hurdle and North Indian lobby's hurdles reportedly led by none other than Raj Kapoor.

'Sharey Chuattor' established Uttam and Suchitra Sen as Bengali cinema’s foremost romantic pair, and they went on to deliver hit after hit, from 'Agni Pariksha', 'Harano Sur' and 'Saptapadi' among numerous others.

Modi’s remarks in Mann Ki Baat drew immediate appreciation from Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari.

“It is deeply heartening and a matter of immense pride for all of West Bengal to hear our Hon’ble Prime Minister pay a glowing tribute to the Mahanayak of Indian and Bengali Cinema,” Suvendu posted on X. 

Uttam Kumar's box office successful project such as 'Ami Shey o Shakha' was made 'Bemisal' many years later starring Amitabh Bachchan (in Uttam Kumar's role) and also Vinod Mehra and Rakhee.  

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