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The Congress’ alleged Muslim quota plan has the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a blue funk. Or so it seems. Even Sam Pitroda’s “inheritance tax if the Congress comes to power” has the Prime Minister fuming. Modi has been warning Hindu women of the threat to the “mangalsutra” if Rahul Gandhi replaces him. Question is, how worried is Prime Minister Modi about losing his prime ministerial shirt and is all the talk of “abki baar 400 paar” hot air and balloon?

The third phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 7 will witness an acid test of the solidness of the alliance between Congress and CPI(M) in West Bengal, both being allies in INDIA coalition. The four seats, Murshidabad, Jangipur, Malda (North), Malda (South) which go to the polls on May 7 were once part of an apparently impregnable stronghold of Congress in the state.

During 2021 to 2023, Brent crude oil prices increased by over 60 percent. Surprises to many, prices of petrol and diesel in India did not rise proportionately. Global sanction on Russia, which led crude oil price spurred and dashed EU economy, became boon to India. Not only it shielded India from oil shock, but also rejigged its economy and exports.

Karnataka has ultimately come under a political storm in the midst of the third phase of Lok Sabha election in the country on account of rape of the “Nari Shakti”, a slogan that BJP leadership has been using to attract the women voters of the country. The hypocrisy of the BJP exposed is the latest example of knowingly allying with the rape accused for a perceived political benefit during election. Barring a few BJP leaders, the party’s entire political machinery campaigned for the rapist, and when the entire scandal came into light Union Home Minister said that Congress government in Karnataka was answerable to delay in action. However, pertinent question is who is responsible, if he supported such a candidate despite being informed and warned?

When and if AAP Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha returns from the United Kingdom, there will be clarity on lots of confusions in the Aam Aadmi Party including, perhaps, on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s unlockable mobile phone. Kejriwal is suspiciously not divulging the “password” to unlock the mobile to the Enforcement Directorate.

The judicial system of the country has been facing its biggest credibility crisis over the past ten years. Several instances that cannot be overlooked have battered public trust in the nation’s judicial system. Both Supreme Court and high court judges have been involved in controversies that have raised doubts about their trustworthiness to uphold fairness, impartiality and the rule of law.

It is not surprising that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is still continuing his vicious campaign against the Congress Party and its senior leader Rahul Gandhi on the issue of robbing the common people, especially Hindus of their gold, real estate and other hard earned wealth through redistribution after coming to power. PM is making allegation on the basis of something which is not in the Congress Party’s manifesto.

Between 2014 and 2023, India’s gold imports had gone up from 638 tonnes to 780.7 tonnes. The gold price in the country calculated on the basis of 24 karat per 10 grams went up, respectively, from Rs.28,000 to Rs73,750 during this period. The exchange value of Indian Rupee dropped from Rs.59.90 in May 2014 to a US$ to Rs.83.32 in April, 2024. Since long, India has been the world’s second largest gold importer. India’s rich have always gone for gold to substantially protect their wealth. The high demand for gold is linked with the low demand for Rupee among the rich. Rich Indians hold massive surplus wealth in Rupee. The country’s top one percent population holds 40 percent of its wealth. Like any other asset, the value of a currency is determined by its demand and supply. India’s rich are flush with Rupee funds. For them, gold is a much more desirable asset than the paper currency.

The Supreme Court in in its order on 23rd April 2024 has taken the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to task for its alleged unethical conduct over recommending overpriced drugs and line of treatment “for valuable consideration”. The apex court has pointed out that the IMA also needs to put its house in order as there are several complaints, a Bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah said. The Hon’ble court showed concern over several misleading ads of FMCGs (fast-moving consumer goods) which effect health of the babies, school going children and senior citizens.

On the last date of withdrawal of nomination on April 22 in Surat constituency of Gujarat, BJP’s candidate Mukesh Dalal was declared unopposed winner, triggering a great controversy on the onset of the election campaign, since this victory to BJP came after the rejection of the nomination of the main opposition Congress candidate. Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected while all other 8 candidates, predominantly independents, along with Pyarelal Bharti from the BSP, withdrew their nominations. Nomination form of the alternate Congress candidate Suresh Padsala was also rejected. Electoral race was thus eliminated on this seat. Now election of the rest 25 Lok Sabha constituencies of Gujarat would be held as scheduled in the third phase of election on May 7.