Bobby Deol recalls being beaten by mother Prakash Kaur for speaking Hindi in English-medium school: ‘Chappals were her weapon’

Bobby Deol recalls being beaten by mother Prakash Kaur for speaking Hindi in English-medium school: 'Chappals were her weapon'

Bobby Deol recently opened up about his childhood and revealed how his mother Prakash Kaur used to discipline him for not taking his studies seriously. Appearing in AAP Ki Adalat, Bobby shared several amusing memories of his school days, admitting that he was never fond of attending classes and often got into trouble at home because of it.Bobby and his elder brother, Sunny Deol, have often spoken about their mother’s strength and dedication in raising a family with late superstar Dharmendra. While she was a caring parent, Bobby revealed that she was also the disciplinarian at home.

‘I was beaten a lot for not going to school’

During the conversation, host Rajat Sharma commented that Bobby was reportedly good in studies. The actor immediately rejected this claim.“Absolutely not,” said Bobby.He further said, “I used to be beaten a lot for not going to school. In fact, I did not like going to school. And my problem was that when I was young, I mostly spoke in Hindi. Since the school was English medium, my mother used to get complaints from the school that if your son talks in Hindi, then you should put him in Hindi medium.”The actor said that complaints at school often led to scolding at home. However, eventually he worked hard to improve his English and became so comfortable with the language that he now thinks mostly in English.

‘My mother used to take me to school beating me’

Recalling one particularly memorable incident, Bobby shared how his mother would sometimes discipline him on the way to school while he was driving him.“So sometimes, early in the morning, fortunately my house was nearby, so my mother would beat me and take me to school,” he said.The actor also recalled an encounter he had with his school principal, which made things worse for him.“One day the principal was standing there, he looked at my mother and said, ‘Your son doesn’t want to study, take him back right now.’ I immediately realized that she shouldn’t have said that, because she took me back home, beating me again the whole way.’“She mostly used to beat me with slippers, it was her perfect weapon,” Bobby said with a laugh.

Deol family and Bobby’s upcoming films

Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur married in 1954 and have four children – Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta Deol and Ajita Deol. Later Dharmendra married Hema Malini in 1980.On the work front, Bobby will next be seen in Bandar directed by Anurag Kashyap. The action thriller is scheduled to release in theaters on June 5. He is also a part of Alpha, which stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari in the lead roles.

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Asylum rejection without interview? Trump administration moving to speed up deportation cases under new plan

Asylum rejection without interview? Trump administration moving to speed up deportation cases under new plan

According to a report cited by CBS News, the Trump administration is preparing a new immigration policy that could reject asylum seekers without even an interview.The proposed rule was developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under the plan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials will be allowed to deny applications if they believe the claims were filed more than a year after the applicant entered the US. This would circumvent the long-standing practice of conducting interviews in almost all asylum cases before making a decision.Applicants whose cases are rejected under this process will later be deported by immigration courts, where they must argue their case in a formal legal setting.US immigration law generally prohibits asylum applications filed more than one year after entry, although there are some exceptions. These included serious medical issues, ineffective legal advice, or applicants who were minors traveling alone. The proposed regulation would still allow officers to pursue cases for interview if they feel an exception applies.However, the main change is that officers will be able to rely solely on paperwork to reject cases that fall outside the legal time limits, rather than interviewing applicants as part of the initial review.A USCIS spokesperson said the administration is considering various ways to deal with the growing backlog of asylum cases.“This will allow USCIS to avoid wasting time on asylum applications it would otherwise refer to immigration proceedings and will allow illegal aliens to have their claims heard by a judge,” the spokesperson said.The statement also said the backlog was a result of what it described as “the Biden administration’s dangerous open border policies” and that the government was reviewing options to address the more than one million pending claims.The proposal has raised concerns among immigration advocates, who warn it could push people into deportation proceedings without being given a fair chance to explain delays in filing their claims.Conchita Cruz, co-executive director of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project, said there are often legitimate reasons why asylum seekers miss the one-year deadline.“The government will change the rules for immigrants who have often been going through a complex immigration process for many years,” he said.Under US law, most people on US soil can request asylum, even if they entered the country illegally. However, they must prove that they are fleeing persecution based on factors such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. People who are granted asylum can stay in the US permanently, while people who are denied asylum are deported.The asylum system has faced increasing pressure in recent years, with government data showing that USCIS had a backlog of 1.5 million applications as of last year. Immigration courts under the Justice Department are also dealing with a backlog of about 3.3 million cases, including 2.3 million asylum-related claims. Delays could encourage immigrants who may not be eligible for protection to remain in the country until their cases are processed.The Trump administration has also made agreements with other countries to accept deported asylum seekers, including the “safe third country” arrangement, which requires applicants to seek protection outside the US, sometimes in countries with controversial human rights records.The administration has previously put a hold on asylum applications under specific circumstances, including from an Afghan asylum seeker linked to the attack on two National Guard soldiers in Washington, DC, last year. That ban was later eased but will continue to apply to applicants from the 39 countries listed under the travel ban proclamation.

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‘Hard work, not sycophancy, will help Congress reconnect with people at the grassroots’: Rahul Gandhi tells party leaders. india news

'Hard work, not sycophancy, will help Congress reconnect with people at the grassroots': Rahul Gandhi tells party leaders

New Delhi: In an effort to revive the organizational strength of Congress, party leaders Rahul Gandhi Party sources on Monday told district presidents that hard work and direct public engagement rather than sycophancy will help the party grow, as they urged party leaders to reconnect with people at the grassroots level.Addressing the concluding session of the 10-day training camp of Congress district presidents of Rajasthan and Delhi in Pushkar, Gandhi praised mutual coordination. Rajasthan Congress Congress leaders described the working relationship between the State Congress Committee leadership and the opposition leader as a positive example for the party, PTI reported.He described Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Dotasara and leader of opposition in the state assembly Tikaram Juli as the “Jai-Viru duo”.Internal discord was seen in the Congress camp in Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot And Sachin Pilot Before his defeat in the 2023 assembly elections.The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said party workers should remain connected to public issues and stand with the poor and marginalized people in cases of injustice.Sources said he spent more than five hours in the camp and held dialogue sessions on organizational strength, teamwork, ideology and public outreach.Gandhi urged the district presidents not to limit themselves to organizational roles but to have direct contact with the citizens. He said that it is necessary to restore public confidence to strengthen the Congress and increase its support base.He said growth within the party should be based on commitment and service rather than personal loyalty to senior leaders. Gandhi also called for a focus on issue-based politics and strong engagement with the people, which he described as the BJP’s story.Rajasthan Congress President Govind Dotasara gave a presentation on organizational work and efforts to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.Leader of Opposition Tikaram Julie said that the 10-day camp under the “Organization Creation Campaign” will infuse new energy into the organization in Rajasthan.District presidents and senior Congress leaders from Rajasthan and Delhi participated in the training camp.

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Toronto Maple Leafs strengthen front office with key hockey operations appointments under GM John Chayka NHL News

Toronto Maple Leafs strengthen front office with key hockey operations appointments under GM John Chayka
Judd Brackett participates in the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced two significant additions to their hockey operations department to strengthen their front office. The team has reportedly appointed Judd Brackett as its Assistant General Manager, Player Evaluation and Freddie Hamilton as Chief of Staff. The move is a part of the club’s ongoing effort to strengthen its front-office structure under general manager John Chayka. Earlier, the club fired head coach Craig Berube on Wednesday, dealing a major blow to the franchise after a disappointing 2025-26 season, as the Maple Leafs (32-36-14) finished the season 0-6-1, in last place in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference, and missed the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2016-17.

toronto maple leafs rental root bracket And Freddie Hamilton is in a major hockey operations role

Toronto Maple Leafs strengthened its hockey operations with two key executive appointments on Monday. The hockey club has appointed Jude Brackett as Assistant General Manager, Player Evaluation and Freddie Hamilton as Chief of Staff. According to reports, Brackett will oversee the evaluation of players in both amateur and professional scouting. Let it be known that these appointments were made under the current GM of Maple Leafs John Chayka.As far as bracket experience is concerned, nhl It was reported that he spent five seasons with the Minnesota Wild as the Director of Amateur Scouting. He also served with Team USA at each of the last three IIHF World Junior Championships. Before joining Minnesota, he spent 12 seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, first as an amateur scout and then serving five seasons as Director of Amateur Scouting. Additionally, Hamilton was known as a depth forward and spent significant time in the AHL. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Draft. He played 75 NHL regular season games for the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes between 2013 and 2018.Making the official announcement, the Maple Leafs GM said in a press release, “We are thrilled to welcome Judd to our organization. He has established one of the strongest amateur scouting and drafting track records in the NHL and has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt and evolve his approach as the game changes. As we continue to build our hockey operations department, Judd will play a key role in integrating traditional scouting, video analytics and data-driven insights to strengthen our decision-making process.Speaking further about Freddy Hamilton, who is also an MBA graduate from Yale University, Chayka said, “We are excited to have Freddy join our hockey operations department. During his playing career, Freddy distinguished himself through his character, professionalism and work ethic. Since retiring, he has built an impressive career in business and finance, gaining valuable experience in investing, strategy and organizational leadership.Chayka believes his diverse background and collaborative approach will make him a valuable addition to the team as he looks to execute key strategic initiatives and strengthen alignment in the hockey operations department. The addition of Brackett and Hamilton reflects the Maple Leafs’ commitment to regaining lost traction with fresh and new organizational management practices.

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‘If it’s over, I’ll tear down the house’: Drunk US man tears up family home after wife tells him marriage is over

'If it's over, I'll tear down the house': Drunk US man tears up family home after wife tells him marriage is over

A Pennsylvania man threatened to demolish his family home and then carried out the threat with an excavator while his wife and daughters were still inside, turning a marital dispute into a scene of destruction.Eric Pierwsza, 48, vandalized his backyard in Butler County after an argument with his wife after a night out drinking. The damage was so severe that investigators believe the entire house is no longer safe or structurally sound.According to CBS Pittsburgh, the confrontation began when Piervezza’s wife told him their marriage was over. In response, he warned her: “If this is over, I will tear the house down.”Police say he then got into an excavator and began tearing up parts of the property. His wife and his two daughters were inside the house when the machine fell into the building. During the 911 call, the sound of an excavator hitting the walls could be heard in the background. After the destruction stopped, Pierwsza went back into the house, picked up a gym bag and left the area. Later the police traced him and took him into custody.He has since been charged with mayhem, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, among other crimes.Pierwsza’s wife planned to seek a protection from abuse order after the incident. The case has stunned neighbours, with many struggling to understand how an argument escalated to the partial demolition of a family home.“I would like to know what he said to her because I’ll make sure I don’t say that,” a neighbor told CBS News.He further said, “I have been married for forty-two years, but I have never threatened to break the house.”Pierwsza is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on June 9.

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India-Myanmar relations: PM Modi raises border security, refugee concerns in talks with President Min Aung Hlaing. india news

India-Myanmar relations: PM Modi raises border security, refugee concerns in talks with President Min Aung Hlaing

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Expressed concern over the activities of armed groups operating near the India-Myanmar border and the impact of Myanmar’s internal conflict on Indian border communities during talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi on Monday.Speaking at a special briefing after the high-level bilateral meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said PM Modi highlighted the impacts of the conflict in Myanmar, including cross-border security challenges and the influx of refugees into India.“The Prime Minister raised this issue in the conversation today and he emphasized that these groups, their activities continue around our borders. And in response, Myanmar Army actions against them also take place very close to the borders,” Misri said.He said military operations and activities of armed groups near the border have affected people living on Indian territory.“On this side, it has a huge impact on people living on the Indian side of the border. So sometimes, there may be some damage there, or as you also said, a lot of refugees come to our side from that side of the border,” he said.

Prime Minister urges protection of Indians living near the border

Misri said PM Modi urged Myanmar authorities to ensure that military operations near the border do not harm civilians living in India.According to the report of news agency ANI, “The Prime Minister said that the Myanmar Army and the officials in Myanmar should pay attention to this and this action should be taken in such a way that it does not cause any harm, especially to the people living on the Indian border.”The refugee issue also figured prominently in the discussion. Misri acknowledged that people fleeing conflict in Myanmar have entered India’s northeastern state of Mizoram.“We all know that refugees have come to Mizoram for some time for this very reason,” he said.According to Misri, the process of returning refugees is complex but mechanisms are already in place between the two countries. “There is a system to send back refugees, there is a mechanism for that. And officials from both the countries are in touch with each other on how they will be sent back,” he said.He said Myanmar authorities do not view the people who have come to India as permanent refugees and expect them to return once the situation improves.Misri said, “The Myanmar government also believes that these people have not come as permanent refugees. And as soon as the situation on the other side of the border becomes normal, these people will go back to their own side.”

Connectivity projects and solutions to cyber scams discussed

The border issue was discussed during detailed talks between PM Modi and Min Aung Hlaing at Hyderabad House.The President of Myanmar is on a four-day visit to India from May 30 to June 2.Both sides also reviewed a range of bilateral issues including trade, security cooperation, border management and connectivity projects.Misri said Myanmar has assured India that it will make “every possible” effort to advance the delayed Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, both of which are affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.The Foreign Secretary said active hostilities involving the Myanmar military, ethnic armed groups and the People’s Defense Forces have hampered work on both projects, forcing the timelines to be adjusted.Separately, Misri said India has brought back 2,411 nationals from cyber scam complexes in Myanmar in the last one and a half years, while more than 150 Indians are still feared stranded there, according to ANI.He said New Delhi is working closely with Myanmar authorities to ensure the return of those still stranded.Misri said the talks also covered cooperation in trade, investment, development assistance, health, education, energy, artificial intelligence and space.

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‘Virat Kohli is a big name in Australia at the moment’: Deputy PM Richard Marles after RCB’s second consecutive IPL title

'Virat Kohli is a big name in Australia at the moment': Deputy PM Richard Marles after RCB's second consecutive IPL title
Virat Kohli (left) after RCB’s second IPL title (AP Photo)

New Delhi: Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles used Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL 2026 title win as an example of the strong ties between India and Australia. This was said a day after RCB defeated Gujarat Titans to register their second consecutive win IPL trophy, Marles told how the Indian star Virat Kohli and Australian players Josh Hazlewood And tim david Everyone played an important role in the victory.Marles said the trio’s contributions demonstrate how the two countries are increasingly working together in a variety of areas. “When I was here last year, it was the morning after the Indian Premier League final, as, of course, it is this morning. Last night, just like we saw a year ago, we saw RCB win. But I liked the fact that Virat Kohli became the man of the match for his unbeaten 75, but he was also accompanied by Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. So when RCB won the IPL last night, the game was largely an Australian-India bilateral affair. And I think it’s symbolic for the relations between our two countries,” he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.Speaking further at the “Morale” community event in New Delhi, Marles highlighted Kohli’s immense popularity in Australia and recalled growing up watching the Indian cricket legend. He said, “Virat Kohli is a big name in Australia at the moment, but as I grew up, the first person I remember was Indian cricket captain Bishan Bedi; he was a great name of that era.”He said cricket remains a strong bond between the two countries and helps strengthen broader ties.Marles also shared his excitement about meeting the 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev On the incident. Describing it as a memorable experience, he said, “It’s quite a thrill for me to be standing next to the great Kapil Dev… Relations between Australia and India are at a high point… In many ways, the shared passion we have for life is embodied in our passion for cricket.”

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Prostitution racket busted in Bettiah, 7 arrested. patna news

Prostitution racket busted in Bettiah, 7 arrested

Bettiah: : Seven people, including four girls and a house owner, were arrested late Sunday night after a police raid on an alleged prostitution racket operating in a residential area under Kalibagh police station area in West Champaran district, police said on Monday.Acting on information about alleged exploitation of girls for prostitution in a house in the area, a joint team of Kalibagh, Nagar and Manuapul police stations along with Quick Response Team (QRT) conducted the raid.During the action, the police detained four girls and two local youths from the premises. The landlord was also taken into custody.Sadar-I S.D.P.O Ajit Kumar Said preliminary investigation revealed that one of the detained girls appears to be a minor. “The age of the girls is being verified. Three of the girls are residents of West Champaran, while one is a girl.” gorakhpur. His address is also being verified,” he said.Police said the exact role of the detained people was not yet known and further investigation was underway. Kalibagh police have registered a case against all seven accused for their alleged involvement.“All those arrested have been sent to jail. Further investigation is underway,” the SDPO said.

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The first Indian-American woman to take a company public in the US says returning to India was not an option at her time

The first Indian-American woman to take a company public in the US says returning to India was not an option at her time
Vinita Gupta, credited with being the first Indian-origin woman to take a company public, says that there are many opportunities in India now.

Vineeta Gupta, who is credited with being the first Indian-origin woman to take her company public in the US, said India now is different from her times. During his time, returning to India was not an option, but now there are lots of opportunities in India for good engineers. Speaking to San Francisco Chronicle on the issue of Indian tech leaders in Silicon Valley, Gupta said he still doesn’t think coming to the US is wasteful or unnecessary.“India has become prosperous enough where good engineers, technical skills can get you a good job. That was not true when I came,” Gupta said. “We couldn’t go back.”Gupta said Silicon Valley embraces people from all over the world and is the most egalitarian place. Although new doors have opened in India, technical experts should still come to America. “They should still come here because this valley is based on individual talents, not based on where you were born, where you got your education,” he said. “It’s like embracing all the people around the world. There couldn’t be anywhere more egalitarian than you.”Gupta came to the United States in 1974, a year after completing her Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications from IIT Roorkee, India, in 1973. He received a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1974. In 1985, he co-founded Digital Link Corporation – a telecommunications hardware company, which went public in 1994.Gupta holds two US patents: one for a solid-state relay issued in 1984 and another for a square root circuit issued in 1986. After retirement from the company, Gupta has become a bridge champion.The environment in the US has become hostile for Indians and Republicans are calling for ending the H-1B and OPT programs. A recent survey conducted among 1,000 Indian-Americans by YouGov and the Carnegie Endowment found that 40% of respondents either often or sometimes thought about leaving the US, citing frustration over US policies and concerns over the cost of living and personal safety. A quarter of respondents also cited better career opportunities in other countries.

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Shivakumar: Siddaramaiah’s influence, Caste census: What can make or break DK Shivakumar’s reign in Karnataka | india news

Siddaramaiah's impact, caste census: What can make or break DK Shivakumar's reign in Karnataka

New Delhi: Karnataka Congress Leader DK Shivakumar Long known for his firefighting skills. Whenever things went bad, Congress turned to him. But now, as he prepares to assume the top post in Karnataka, the test will be not only of his fire-fighting skills (in his own backyard) but also of his governance skills.shivkumarAlso known as DKS, will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3, completing a political journey that has defined the revival of the Congress party in the state. For nearly a decade, he has been the party’s troubleshooter, strategist, fund raiser, negotiator and organizational anchor. He helped keep Congress MLAs united in moments of crisis, revived the party after electoral setbacks and played a central role in its decisive victory in Karnataka in 2023.His transition from deputy chief minister to chief minister comes after months of speculation, bargaining and careful choreography by the Congress high command. Siddaramaiah’s resignation on May 28 under the party’s power-sharing arrangement finally opened the door for Shivakumar. Yet the swearing-in ceremony may be the easiest part of the new assignment for DKS.

DK Shivakumar Profile

Complex factional tensions within the Congress, caste expectations, fiscal pressures from the state and the relentless demands of governing India’s most economically important southern state await him.Here are the top challenges for DK Shivakumar as he prepares to take over the top post in Karnataka:

Siddaramaiah’s shadow

The first challenge before Shivakumar is also the most immediate: Former CM Siddaramaiah.The outgoing Chief Minister may have vacated the office, but he remains the most influential mass leader in the Karnataka Congress. Over the past three years, he has strengthened a powerful network of MLAs and social groups, especially through the Ahinda alliance of backward classes, minorities and Dalits in the state.In theory, the chief ministerial change is systematic but in practicality, political changes are still visible.Many of the MLAs whose political rise was due to Siddaramaiah remain influential within the party. Many ministers are expected to seek continuity across departments and policy priorities. There is already pressure from Siddaramaiah’s camp regarding representation in the new cabinet, which also includes demands related to his son Yatindra Siddaramaiah.

siddaramaiah profile

The challenge for Shivakumar may not just be to accommodate the supporters of the outgoing CM. He will have to establish dominance among the Siddaramaiah camp MLAs and, at the same time, assert independence without provoking factional war.For Shivakumar, the task is particularly delicate as the Congress government cannot afford visible instability and infighting. BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) will keep a close watch on any sign of rift between the two camps.BJP has already opened a front against the change. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the leadership change reflects Congress’s admission that Siddaramaiah’s rule has failed on many fronts.“After two and a half to three years of ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Battle of the Chair’ and ‘Who will be the Chief Minister’, Karnataka Congress has elected a new CLP leader in the form of DK Shivakumar and replaced Siddaramaiah. It means they are admitting that the Siddaramaiah regime has been a complete failure on all fronts – economy, law and order and infrastructure,” Poonawalla said.“Therefore, they had to change them. Otherwise, 2028 (assembly elections) will go,” he said.Former Karnataka CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai also said that Siddaramaiah’s decision to remain active in state politics would act as a “hanging sword” on Shivakumar, while he also said that whenever elections are held in the state, the BJP will return to power on its own.For Shivakumar, the success of his first six months may depend on whether he is able to keep Siddaramaiah loyalists on his side.

cabinet puzzle

If there is one political test every CM has to face soon after assuming office, it is cabinet formation.Shivakumar’s version of that test may be particularly difficult.Each allocation is likely to send a political message.Who gets the houses, who controls the finances, who oversees Bengaluru development? A single boycott can lead to months of resentment.Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah himself is in talks with the high command to get a cabinet ministerial berth for his son and loyalists after his resignation.It will be interesting to see how much space Shivakumar leaves to accommodate the former CM’s loyalists.

Karnataka’s new boss

Shivakumar’s challenge is further heightened by another looming decision: the selection of the new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.As state party chief, Shivakumar built one of the most effective political organizations in the state. His departure from that role creates a void. Whoever succeeds him will inherit a powerful political machine.This selection will shape not only the future of the party but also Shivakumar’s own authority. A loyal organizational ally can strengthen their position. On the other hand, an ambitious successor could eventually emerge as an alternative power centre.

caste equation

Shivakumar’s rise to this position is significant as he is the most prominent Vokkaliga leader in the Congress. The community remains one of the most influential political groups in the state, especially in southern Karnataka.Yet Congress’s 2023 victory was not built solely on Vokkaliga support. It all depended on the Ahinda alliance carefully crafted by Siddaramaiah. That alliance now faces a moment of uncertainty.Many Dalit, backward class and minority leaders will be closely watching to determine whether the leadership change changes the government’s priorities. Shivakumar may need to reassure them that power has changed but political representation has not.At the same time, influential leaders from other communities are likely to push for greater prominence in the new system.According to reports, the demand is already being made for several Deputy CMs representing different social groups. Senior Dalit leaders, Lingayat leaders and regional power brokers all have claims that cannot be easily dismissed.

Ticking bomb of caste census

Shivakumar is also inheriting another politically sensitive issue from Siddaramaiah: the caste census. Before leaving office, Siddaramaiah accepted the findings of the socio-economic and educational survey and supported its implementation, positioning it as a tool for greater social justice and representation.However, the decision drew sharp reaction from influential Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders, who questioned the methodology of the survey and the population figures given to their communities. Several organizations called for a fresh survey or a review of the findings.As Vokkaliga leader, Shivakumar faces a delicate balancing act. Reversing or weakening Siddaramaiah’s position may dismay the non-aligned groups that form the Congress’ core social coalition, but moving forward aggressively with the census recommendations risks alienating sections of key communities whose support is crucial to both the Congress and Shivakumar’s own political base.

Clash over Congress CM chair in Karnataka

Welfare versus development dilemma

The Congress government came to power on the strength of its guarantee schemes.Free electricity, free bus travel for women, cash assistance programs and other welfare initiatives helped build a powerful electoral coalition. While these schemes are popular among the beneficiaries, they are also expensive.Shivakumar inherits a government that must deliver on welfare commitments as well as invest in infrastructure, urban development and economic growth.This stress can affect his tenure to a great extent.Guarantees have become politically non-negotiable, withdrawing them would risk alienating key supporters. Yet continuing these indefinitely without expanding revenues creates fiscal constraints.Therefore, the challenge is not whether to continue the schemes or not, but how to sustain them.Can Karnataka maintain its welfare architecture while maintaining its reputation as one of India’s most investment-friendly states?This question is likely to become more acute as the next elections in the state approach.

countdown to 2028

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing Shivkumar is time. Shivkumar is holding the post of CM in the second half of his tenure.Meanwhile, the clock is already ticking towards the next assembly elections in 2028. This leaves him about two years to establish an independent record, deliver visible results and convince voters that Congress deserves another term.Anti-incumbency is already a factor.And for Shivakumar, this creates a unique political dilemma.Even if the government performs well, most of the credit can be given to Siddaramaiah as many key policies originated under his leadership.If the government struggles, the blame will probably fall on the new CM as he was in charge during the last phase before the elections.In this sense, Shivakumar has inherited both the benefits and burdens of power.For decades, Shivakumar had built his reputation as a political operator with extraordinary skill. He became indispensable to the Congress leadership. Also fondly called ‘Kanakpura Bande’ – the granite rock of Kanakapura (his constituency) – the 64-year-old leader has steadily established himself as the key Vokkaliga strongman of the Congress party. However, the troubleshooter now faces a different challenge.The qualities that make him a successful political manager may or may not result in successful governance. It will be known in the coming months whether Shivkumar will be able to make this change or not.And the results could decide not only the future of his government but also the future of the Congress in one of its most important states.After the oath taking ceremony on Wednesday, Congress’ crisis manager will be in charge of Karnataka and soon after this his real test will begin.

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