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Saffron ecosystem apparently has been pursuing two sets of parallel strategies towards Rahul Gandhi. While proponent of one intent is as usual Narendra Modi who has revived his old style of accusation against him and is not tired of saying that ghost of hatred has entered today's Congress; spirit of patriotism has died in today's Congress; Congress is run by the people of Tukde Tukde Gang and Congress means lies, deception and dishonesty; on the other, the top leaders of RSS are desperate to meet Rahul Gandhi and discuss the prevailing political situation with him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Delhi and West Bengal on October 29 for not joining Ayushman Bharat scheme, and expressed his concern that senior citizens in these two states would not be able to avail themselves of free treatment under the expanded scheme which he was launching. Only a day after AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal hit back claiming that the programme was “a major scam” citing CAG’s 2023 report.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the last date for withdrawal of nominations over, the picture has become clear in the three by-elections from Kerala. The CPI(M) has a clear edge in Palakkad and Chelakkara assembly constituencies while it is no cakewalk for Priyanka Gandhi in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.

KOLKATA: Considered to be a saffron stronghold in Bengal, the state BJP is not finding Madarihat Assembly segment part of Coochbehar Lok Sabha constituency to be a cakewalk in the November 13 by election. Rahul Lohar, the BJP nominee is faced with Gorkha dissent after Jitman Tamang, an Independent candidate has entered the fray. Madarihat is a sitting assembly constituency of the BJP and this is the only one out of the six assembly constituencies going to the by polls. The other five are with the Trinamool Congress.

The recent Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2023-24 suggests signs of improvement in labour force participation rate and worker population ratio compared to past years but at the same time underlines some structural problems in employment in recent period. There had been a steep rise in unemployment rate during the pandemic but the average rate of unemployment for quite some time, even before the pandemic, was showing a rising trend.

By November 1, India's rice stock is projected to reach a record high of 30 million tons, marking the highest level in two decades. Managing such a substantial stockpile presents significant logistical challenges. To reduce this surplus, the government has implemented various measures in recent months. These include allowing states to directly procure rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), permitting the export of non-basmati white rice, and lifting the export duty on parboiled rice.

In September this year, average price rise hit a nine-month high of 5.5 per cent. More significantly, prices of food items crossed 9.2 per cent. A majority of Indians spend nearly half of their income on food. So, food inflation hurts the most. Among food items, vegetables in particular saw a staggering price rise with year-on-year price increases of 42.4 per cent for tomatoes, 66.2 per cent for onions, and 65.3 per cent for potatoes. These three are the most consumed vegetables, across the country. While the government and its apologist economists trotted out the usual excuses of weather disruptions, the fact remains that every year, prices of some vegetables undergo an unbearable spike that has the effect of transferring crores of rupees from already strained family budgets to the coffers of big traders and wholesalers.

With the last day of filing nominations history, the Bharatiya Janata Party has been reduced to defending itself from going against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's 'Batenge toh katenge' campaign call. The day after, the Mahayuti stood divided with the BJP unable to stick to its stance. Instead, there is "our stance is very clear. All the parties in the alliance should decide their own candidate."

KOLKATA: West Bengal has been favourite tourist destination for Narendra Modi’s most reliable lieutenant and Chanakya of BJP, Home Minister Amit Shah. But Sunday, October 27, visit was different. He used the occasion of an official engagement to launch the election campaign though the assembly elections will be held in April/ May 2026.

LUCKNOW: After debacle in 2024 Lok Sabha poll, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has staked his prestige in crucial by-elections on November 13 for nine assembly seats in the state. In the absence of Congress, it is going to fight between UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party national President Akhilesh Yadav.