Babus, mantris & buzz: Guessing game in Delhi corridors of power!

· Free Press Journal

Guessing game in Delhi corridors of power!

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Speculation is rife in political circles over the possibility of Delhi-based BJP leaders being sent to different states. Several names are doing the rounds, triggering a guessing game over their possible assignments. Could Rajnath Singh be sent to Uttar Pradesh, J P Nadda or Anurag Thakur to Himachal Pradesh, and Ashwini Vaishnav to Rajasthan? Other names being discussed include Ravneet Bittu for Punjab, Ajay Tamta for Uttarakhand, Shripad Yesso Naik for Goa, Dharmendra Pradhan for Odisha, Manohar Lal Khattar for Haryana, Jyotiraditya Scindia for Madhya Pradesh and Nityanand Rai for Bihar. However, only Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah know the answers to this guessing game.

Hardeep Singh Puri ‘in Cabinet’ to respond to US?

The BJP’s recent nomination of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha bypoll has effectively put to rest speculation that he would be sidelined following a recent controversy. Speculation intensified after a photograph of Puri with Jeffrey Epstein circulated during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India, with opposition figures suggesting the possibility of geopolitical blackmail. However, political circles are abuzz with speculation that the Modi government views the controversy as a pressure tactic and is preparing to adopt a more assertive and uncompromising stance towards the US. The move is being interpreted as a signal that New Delhi will not yield to external pressure.

Israel’s political deadlock ‘not good news’ for India

With over 93% of ballots counted, Israel appears headed for a hung parliament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc currently holds 53 seats, while the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot has secured 48. With Arab parties winning 19 seats, forming a majority coalition could prove to be a prolonged and complicated process. The emerging political deadlock could have implications for Israel’s strategic partners, including India. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs speculate that delays in government formation in Jerusalem could affect crucial bilateral agreements. In particular, defence-related technology transfers, initially expected by the end of this year, could face unexpected delays. For New Delhi, the political uncertainty raises concerns over the possible impact on its military modernisation plans.

Congress fails to open account in 28 MLC polls across four states

The Congress failed to win any of the 28 Legislative Council seats contested across four states. The BJP-JD(S) sweep in Karnataka was a major setback for the party, which is in power in the state. The Congress lost all four seats in Congress-ruled Karnataka. The elections were held in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The results have drawn attention because the Congress has been campaigning against electronic voting machines (EVMs), alleging ‘vote chori’ and demanding a return to ballot papers. However, ballot papers were used in these elections, and the party failed to secure a single seat. According to political observers, the results indicate a disconnect between the Congress’s electoral campaign and ground realities, raising questions about its allegations against EVMs.

BUREAUCRACY

Who will be the new Drug Controller of India?

Who will succeed Dr Rajiv Singh Raghuvanshi as Drug Controller of India in February next year? With his tenure unlikely to be extended, the search for a successor is reportedly underway.

Will Justice Kaul’s revelations shatter the Collegium’s code of silence?

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul’s purported disclosures concerning former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud have reportedly triggered intense discussions within judicial circles. By bringing the Supreme Court Collegium’s traditionally confidential deliberations into the spotlight, the revelations have raised questions about whether the judiciary’s unwritten code of silence is beginning to unravel. Legal circles are abuzz with speculation that other judges may now feel encouraged to share their experiences of closed-door appointments, ideological differences and administrative disagreements. Such disclosures could bring greater transparency to the closely guarded judicial appointment process. However, they could also expose institutional divisions and potentially undermine public confidence in the judiciary’s impartiality and internal cohesion.

‘Bad apples’: Cabinet Secy calls out toxic bureaucratic behaviour

During a recent performance review, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan reportedly criticised toxic workplace practices and inefficiency within the bureaucracy. Using cartoons to illustrate his concerns, he highlighted 12 problematic behaviours that hamper government productivity. Somanathan reportedly expressed displeasure over officials who throw files, schedule meetings after 7 pm or require staff to work on Saturdays while arriving late themselves. He also condemned inappropriate workplace conduct, including making women colleagues uncomfortable by asking them to stand too close while reviewing documents. Calling for faster inter-ministerial consultations and greater workplace discipline, Somanathan reportedly warned that “some bad apples are hell-bent on giving a bad name to the government”, according to insiders.

8th Pay Commission implementation likely from January 1

The 8th Pay Commission is likely to be implemented with effect from January 1, 2026. Following the Central Government’s announcement, state governments are also expected to constitute committees to examine the implementation of the Pay Commission’s recommendations.

Turbulence in Bihar as ED summons 7 IAS officers in multi-crore tender probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned seven senior Bihar IAS officers in connection with an investigation into an alleged multi-crore tender scam, raising the possibility of a major bureaucratic shake-up. Those summoned include an Additional Chief Secretary, two Principal Secretaries, three Secretaries and one retired officer.

PESB recommends Rathin Mitra for Director (Personnel), WCL

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Rathin Mitra, General Manager (Coordination), Coal India Limited, for the post of Director (Personnel), Western Coalfields Limited (WCL).

Preeti Maithil empanelled for Joint Secretary-level post

Ms Preeti Maithil, IAS (MP: 2009), has been empanelled to hold the post of Joint Secretary or an equivalent position at the Centre.

ITBP chief’s video on China deleted

A video featuring comments on China by Shatrujit Kapoor, DG, ITBP, has been deleted from the force’s official website. Shatrujit Kapoor is scheduled to retire on October 31.

(DISCLAIMER: Correctness of this content is the responsibility of the author. By arrangement with whispersinthecorridors.com)

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