Fly on the wall
Modi's uncharted journey
Remember Prime Minister Modi's golden words, “There is always an opportunity in crisis.” His calm & composure was first witnessed on October 27, 2013 when bomb blasts rocked the city of Patna during a massive rally as BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate. Be it earthquake ridden Gujarat areas or killing of CRPF jawans in Pulwama, he emerged stronger after every crisis. Now Modi sees a role for himself in the global arena by brokering a peace deal in Russia – Ukraine war. It is a feather in India's cap that the country's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had two meetings with the Russian President Vladimir Putin, another first. Doval had a scheduled meeting with the National Security Advisors of seven nations as part of the regional dialogue on Afghanistan. But the shocker came when Doval was invited for a one-to-one meeting by Putin which lasted for nearly an hour, a rare feat.
But another first came when the White House said the USA would welcome any effort that could lead to an end of hostilities referring to the efforts made by Modi. The PM has spoken to the presidents of Russia and Ukraine on multiple occasions and had a bilateral meeting with Putin in Uzbekistan on September 16 where he said "today's era is not of war". Modi nudged Putin to end the conflict. It may also be noted that India has not yet criticized the Russian attack on Ukraine and has been in regular contact with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. It was Modi who persuaded Russia and Ukraine to declare a ceasefire to allow safe passage to Indian students holed up in war-torn Ukraine. It emerged later that Doval was carrying a secret message for Putin from Modi. Surely, the US may be prodding Modi to broker a peace deal, if possible. But this is the first time an Indian PM is negotiating with two countries at war. What an irony ? It is the same US which had denied Visa to Modi now wants Modi to Broker peace. Is Modi in line for the Nobel prize for Peace!
Incorrigible IAS officer
Shah Faesal, an IAS officer of the UT cadre currently posted as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, has put his finger in the Adani pie. His recent tweet has surprised the government as Faesal has been an incorrigible officer in the services. Faesal was the first UPSC topper from Jammu & Kashmir, resigned from service three years ago citing "rising intolerance in India". He went on to float his own political party. However, in a surprise decision, the Modi government allowed him to rejoin the IAS last year as he regretted his decision saying, "his idealism had let him down". But Shah Faesal was back in the news for jumping into the Adani row. He joined the debate saying, “I respect Gautam Adani.” He did not stop there and went further,“I wish him the best as he and his family face this trial by fire.” He said,“I respect @gautam_adani for the way he has refused to let adversity get the better of him. I know him as a great human being who is deeply respectful of diversity in society and wants to see India at the top. I wish him the best as he and his family face this trial by fire.”
Three Congress CMs in cross fire
Even as Rahul Gandhi continued with his tirade against India's top businessman Gautam Adani in the wake of the Hindenburg Research controversy, three Congress Chief Ministers - Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu - have maintained their studied silence. Rather, Ashok Gehlot put up a spirited defence of Adani saying all his decisions relating to Adani's investment in the state are above board. After all, the Adani Group has large projects in these states as well and in other Opposition-ruled states as well.
Rahul's Beard, a matter of time !
Contrary to popular perception, Rahul Gandhi may get rid of his entangled beard and return to his clean shaven look sooner than expected. Reason; He is feeling uneasy particularly when he takes his food. Secondly; he is also under pressure from his “own people.” Who are his own people? He won't answer. Rahul Gandhi is on record to say which largely went unreported, “I don't know how I decided to grow my beard. During the Bharat Jodo yatra, I felt that I should not shave my beard, nor should I cut my hair.” He whispered that he is uncomfortable at times and may have to return to his original look. Why? Maybe because his own people (Read Sonia and Priyanka) are pressuring him to shave. Some of his party people (read members of his coterie) are also telling him to get rid of long hair and beard. But right now, he is resisting this temptation as many feel that his new look has benefited him politically and his “Pappu” image is a thing of the past.
After all, PM Modi also grew his long beard during the Covid era which may have been aimed at wooing the voters in West Bengal. But the Rabindranath Tagore look alike beard didn't quite carry the election for the BJP. Modi's long beard vanished soon thereafter. Will Rahul trim his beard or it may vanish in thin air? Watch out.
