Tridib Raman
Even as opposition voices rise in unison against delimitation from South Indian states, BJP has a different game plan in mind. The concern among these states is that if population becomes the basis for seat allocation, North India could see an increase in parliamentary seats, while the number of Lok Sabha seats in the South might be reduced. For instance, Tamil Nadu’s current 39 Lok Sabha seats could shrink to 31 under the new delimitation plan. This concern prompted Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, to write to the Chief Ministers of Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab, and Odisha last Friday, urging them to unite in opposition to the move. Stalin is advocating for the 1971 census to be used as the basis for delimitation. He has suggested that these states attend a meeting in Chennai on March 22 to formulate a joint strategy against the proposal. Meanwhile, undeterred by the protests, the BJP-led central government has quietly set up an 11-member team in almost every state to work on the ground for the delimitation process. The party is aware that reducing South Indian seats will not be easy, as states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, or Kerala could challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. Therefore, the BJP is currently focused on increasing seats in its strongholds.Reliable sources indicate that BJP’s new plan aims to expand urban Lok Sabha constituencies, potentially converting several rural seats—where the party has less influence—into urban ones. For example, Ghaziabad’s population suggests that the region could be split into 2.5 Lok Sabha constituencies, while Noida (Gautam Buddha Nagar) could also be divided into two seats. It is no coincidence that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has scheduled a crucial meeting with the Delimitation Commission chairman on May 1, signaling that the BJP’s strategy is already in motion.
Why the Uneasy Silence in the Gandhi Family?
Tridib Raman
For quite some time, there has been a ruckus in Congress circles regarding Priyanka Gandhi’s secretary. Dissatisfaction persisted within the party due to the secretary’s alleged autocratic working style. Several Congress leaders from Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh had complained to the high command about his purported corruption. After mounting grievances, Priyanka Gandhi herself had distanced herself from this ‘blue-eyed’ secretary in recent days. However, when Rahul Gandhi received repeated complaints against him, he took immediate action: summoning the secretary, reprimanding him sternly, issuing a warning, and even canceling his parliamentary access.The secretary is also accused of setting up an electoral survey agency under a friend’s name. In states where he gets opportunities, he allegedly directs ground-level survey work to this agency. When finalizing candidate lists, he manipulates survey results to place his preferred candidates at the top, ensuring their tickets. Rahul is said to be very upset with the secretary ever since a young Congress leader filed a written complaint against him at the police station. However, it is a tradition of the Gandhi family to not immediately remove their close associates but rather maintain a distance from them, as Priyanka has also done in the case of her secretary.
Shukla’s Influence is Still the Same
Tridib Raman
Sources reveal that recently, Congress leader and BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla received a call from Rahul Gandhi’s office requesting passes for the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. However, Rajeev Shukla, known for his unique style, promptly responded, “Providing these passes is not an issue for me, but let me receive a call from Rahul Ji himself.” With this, the clever and composed Shukla subtly conveyed his political message to Rahul without appearing perturbed.This comes after Rahul Gandhi removed Shukla as Himachal Pradesh’s in-charge—a decision that likely stung Shukla, who is considered part of Priyanka Gandhi’s inner circle. When Priyanka learned of Shukla’s removal, she reportedly reacted sharply. Sources claim she immediately spoke to Rahul, Kharge, and Venugopal, questioning, “How can you treat someone who deserves credit for winning Himachal for the party in this manner?” Priyanka emphasized, “We assigned Shukla the Himachal responsibility when the party was financially strained. He not only pooled resources but also united the faction-ridden party there.” She bluntly stated, “If we can’t stand by our own, how can we expect them to stand by the party in tough times?”
AAP’s Insider Betrays the Party’s Trust
Tridib Raman
After their crushing defeat in the Delhi elections, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal has been introspecting deeply. The party is analyzing how it lost a battle it seemed poised to win in the capital. During this review, Kejriwal discovered that a member of his core team had been leaking real-time updates to the BJP, ensuring none of AAP’s strategies remained concealed. To uncover the mole, Kejriwal reportedly used Punjab government resources to surveil the phones of close aides. One number stood out—it had repeated calls to BJP leaders. When traced, the number was registered under a domestic helper’s name. Through triangulation, the phone’s location was linked to the residence of a prominent, blue-eyed AAP leader. Kejriwal summoned the leader and rebuked him sharply: “You may idolize Arun Jaitley, but you’ve learned nothing from him. Jaitley dedicated his life to his party, while you’ve only taken from AAP—what have you ever given back?” Humiliated, the leader has opted for an indefinite leave.
Manoj Sinha Eyes a Political Comeback in Delhi
Tridib Raman
Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, is looking to return to active politics. Senior journalist Ram Bahadur Rai, who is also the chairman of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, is lobbying for him within the RSS and BJP. Rai has already informed the RSS leadership about Sinha’s aspirations. Reports suggest that after this, Sinha also met with Home Minister Amit Shah and expressed his political ambitions. It is believed that Sinha has his eyes firmly set on the position of BJP’s new national president. Being a favourite of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS, his claim to the post is likely to be taken seriously. However, an anti-Sinha faction in Uttar Pradesh’s politics remains active and is voicing its concerns in Delhi. This faction argues that Sinha was instrumental in getting a fellow Bhumihar leader of his choice a ticket from the Ghazipur parliamentary constituency in the Lok Sabha elections, yet that candidate lost by a significant margin. Their question is—if Sinha’s influence couldn’t secure a victory in Ghazipur, how can he establish himself in national politics?
Sheesh Mahal Fallout: Kejriwal’s Next Move
Following AAP’s unexpected defeat in Delhi, AAP supremo Kejriwal convened an important meeting with the leaders of his special core group. He posed a critical question to them: “What will be the road map for AAP now?” The leaders present shared their views, but when it was former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi’s turn to speak, her revolutionary ideas brought a profound silence to the room. Atishi addressed Kejriwal, saying, “You are the supreme leader of our party. The party’s identity has been built around your image, and we have won numerous elections because of it. However, the BJP has tarnished your reputation with the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ propaganda. It is now time for you to return to your roots. Leave everything behind and start living in a modest home—either your old house in Kaushambi or a small DDA flat in Delhi. Give up security and reconnect with the common people. Travel by metro, bus, and auto like an ordinary citizen so that our cadre can amplify this message.” Kejriwal listened intently and then responded, “When the time comes to sacrifice, should it always be Kejriwal who sacrifices? Should I go to jail, travel by bus and metro, live in a small house, and disregard my safety, while the rest of the party enjoys the fruits of power? Is that what you want?” His words left the room in a heavy silence, like the calm before a storm.
Internal Rift in the Gandhi Family?
Is everything not well within the Gandhi family? Could the echoes of internal discord now be heard on the ground? During the Lok Sabha election, Priyanka Gandhi had promised a Telangana Congress leader a ticket. However, for some reason, it didn’t happen. Priyanka then assured the leader that the party would make them an MLC in the upcoming Legislative Council elections. The matter was eventually forgotten. When the MLC elections approached, Priyanka called Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, asking him to grant the ticket to that leader. However, the leader still did not receive the ticket. Priyanka then sought an explanation from the CM, asking, “How did this happen?” Revanth Reddy replied, “I was compelled, as Rahul Ji had instructed that only names recommended by the organization would be given tickets.” Priyanka understood the entire situation.
