Sorry, this entry is only available in Hindi.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Hindi.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Hindi.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Hindi.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Hindi.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Hindi.

There are many surefire arrows in BJP’s quiver for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, such as the rise of Hindutva, Uniform Civil Code, Ram Mandir, etc., but in the last few elections, including the UP elections, the most successful ‘Brahmastra’ of the BJP has been to the poor – Free ration’. PM Modi himself believes that ‘the stomach of the poor cannot be fed by just showing the photo of the food, it is necessary to provide them ration to fill their stomach.’ The intelligence report received by the government also indicates that the PM ‘free grain scheme’ given to the poor has added to the popularity of Modi. A source close to the PMO claims that the PM has told his core group on several occasions that ‘if the total budget of the Government of India is around Rs 40 lakh crore, then if out of this Rs 2 lakh crore is given as free ration to the poor people, what is wrong with it? After all, we are a ‘welfare state’, it is our responsibility that no one sleeps hungry.’ So, there are indications that the program of giving free ration to 813.5 million poor Indians will continue at least till 2024 elections. It will remain so, no matter how much the economists break their heads over it.

Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde became so emotional on Congress’s foundation day, December 28, that he announced his retirement from politics on the same day. If sources are to be believed, Shinde was running very upset with the party high command for some time. Shinde had been hoping for a long time that the Gandhi family would give him an important role in the party. Even two years ago, his name was floated for the post of Congress President, as he was considered very close to Rahul Gandhi. This time also, another Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge won the race for the post of President, as the Gandhi family was also looking at the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka. This time, when Rahul Gandhi’s yatra was leaving from Maharashtra, Shinde wanted to take Rahul to Chandrapur and get a gigantic statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar unveiled by his hands. Rahul was also ready for this, but at the last moment Shinde’s opponents filled Rahul’s ears and Rahul’s yatra passed by the side of the statue but Rahul did not unveil the statue at all. Now, on this 26th January, the local leaders of Chandrapur (including BJP leaders) are unveiling this statue. Anyway, Shinde was not even invited to the Chintan Shivir of Congress, felt that enough is enough and thought it right to sit at home.

The enthusiasm that is being seen all over the country regarding Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra and the huge crowd that is gathering in it, has still not brought any tension to BJP. The saffron party’s own survey says that ‘his visit may have made Rahul the most acceptable face of the opposition, but he has not been able to project himself as an alternative to Modi.’ Sources close to Rahul reveal that ‘ Rahul has also decided in his heart that he will not be the face of the Congress in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Instead, in the elections of 2024, the concept of a collective leadership will be implemented, which will mainly be formed by bringing together three people, and apart from Rahul, Priyanka can be a face in this. If Sonia will not participate in this race due to her health reasons, then the slot of a third leader remains vacant. Congress has a long list of contenders to fit in this slot, which will also be decided when the time comes.

In Kerala, the bitterness between Chief Minister Pinnai Vijayan and Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is increasing. Recently, on the occasion of Christmas, Governor Khan organized a grand party at Raj Bhavan, in which invitation was sent to the Chief Minister and other prominent leaders of the state. But neither the Chief Minister came to the Governor’s party, nor did any leader of the state’s main opposition Congress party attend. While a special invitation was sent to Congress leader VD Satheesan from the Raj Bhavan, he did not turn up, nor did any minister of the Vijayan government attend the governor’s feast. On the contrary, Vijayan kept his Christmas party at the Mascot Hotel, which comes under Kerala Tourism, in which the Governor was not invited. Leaders of many parties including the Congress were involved in this party, which was enough to show the mirror to the Governor, that is, neither the ruling party of the state is liking the unnecessary interference of the Governor in the administration nor the opposition Congress itself.