Bengal Confusion
If the grapevine in Bengal is to be believed, Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to the state has confused two political parties—the Communist Party of India (Marxists) and the Congress itself. And much of it has to do with the past. In 2016, the Congress tied up with the Left for the assembly elections. But the CPM, it is said, is not sure which way it wants to head for the 2019 general elections. The alliance proved disastrous, as it did not make even a dent in Mamata Banerjee’s vote bank. So this time around, it is said Rahul may tie up with Mamata. But the state Congress unit still prefers the Left, notwithstanding the past.
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Stop Press!
The Press Club of India in Delhi has become the favourite venue for many for media briefings. Recently, author Arundhati Roy held a press conference there, criticising the government for “arbitrary arrests” of those described as Urban Naxals. Detractors of Modi government— Arun Shourie, Yashwant Sinha and Prashant Bhushan—also chose the club to take on the government on the Rafale deal. A galaxy of senior journalists had gathered there last year to assert the freedom of press after the NDTV premises were raided by the CBI. The buzz is that the government has taken note of these “gatherings” on Raisina Road. A police check-post close to this drinking hole for scribes now checks for drink driving regularly. Pressure tactic, eh?
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Polls Gone ‘Rogue’
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is facing brickbats from Sajjad Gani Lone and his followers for terming those who participated in urban civic elections as “rogue elements” lured by money. As Lone and his party participated in the polls, which saw the lowest turnout in the electoral history of Kashmir, he hit back at Mehbooba and reminded her of elections her party had contested. He alleged that only when Mehbooba doesn’t contest an election that contestants become rogues. She didn’t reply to Lone’s tweet storm. Does Mehbooba’s rant has its roots in rumours that the BJP is trying to form a government with Lone’s help?
