Manjunath HR

Now that the 131st Amendment Bill failed, allocation of Lok Sabha seats will be based on 2026 census data. As per current estimates, seven States will likely lose 35 seats: AP (-5), Telangana (-3), TN (-10), Karnataka (-2), Kerala (-7), Odisha (-4), and WB (-4). Four States will likely gain 34 seats: UP (+12), Bihar (+10), MP (+5), and Rajasthan (+7). BJP is widely believed to be the potential beneficiary of redistribution of seats to States based on 2026 population. In a stunning act of self-denial, the NDA government came forward to freeze the current share of States based on the 1971 census data. There could be many reasons for BJP committing to such a freeze - putting the nation above the party, paving the way for expanding their footprint in the South, or avoiding a divisive issue when the nation has to focus on growth and prosperity in the face of global challenges. Whatever be the motivation of BJP, the seven States that lost share of population are offered an unexpected gift. You don't look a gift horse in the mouth! Surprisingly, the parties which have great stakes in the South and East have scored a spectacular self goal. This is a classic case of cutting the nose to spite the face. In 2001, as the freeze in seats was expiring, I was deeply involved in persuading the then Vajpayee government to continue the freeze in the number of seats allocated to States for another 25 years. An unwieldy coalition and the economic challenge posed by external sanctions after the Pokharan explosion demanded national unity, and the parties responded with the 84th Amendment. Now again a priceless opportunity arose, and the Opposition squandered it without any strategic thinking. If political animosity makes you oblivious of your own interest, or larger interests of fostering unity and focusing on growth and harmony, it is a sign of dysfunctional politics. I appeal to all parties to come together and find a harmonious solution to the thorny problem of seats allocation in the face of demographic imbalances. National unity and our quest for opportunity and prosperity for all demand a fair and swift resolution. In the long run migration will resolve the imbalances. Already millions of migrant workers are building and sustaining the economies of several States in the South, West and North. That is why, despite low fertility rate, Maharashtra's share of the population is increasing. In the US, dramatic internal migration changed the demography and representation over the years. People move freely to States where there is growth and jobs are created. In a century, Florida increased its representation in the US Congress from 4 to 28, California from 11 to 52, Texas from 18 to 38, and Washington from 5 to 10. Owing to outward migration, New York lost seats, from 43 to 26, Pennsylvania from 36 to 17, Illinois from 27 to 17, Ohio from 22 to 15, and Missouri from 16 to 8. We should make it easy for people to migrate to other States and recognize and respect their constitutional rights everywhere and make their life easier and safe. That will resolve our demographic challenges. Most states reached low fertility levels, and Bihar, UP, MP, Rajasthan and Jharkhand too are going to reach there in a few years. We need a reasoned and pragmatic approach to grow together and become strong. Let us persuade parties to shed inflammatory and divisive rhetoric and focus on quality education and skills and opportunities for all.

As the burden of climate change on agriculture continues to increase, this viable solution can help save 100,00 litres of water every single day. For founder Subhajit, the aim is simple - India's farmers shouldn't have to choose only between expensive foreign or makeshift Indian solutions. They deserve affordable and reliable precision farming technology that can help secure India's agriculture sector and food security as climate challenges become more critical. In partnership with @NITIAayog 's Frontier Tech Hub (NITI-FTH).

@dhume If hero and villain meet in a pub while item song,dance playing, item girl plays no part in outcome of the meeting... She s not responsible for success or failure

I genuinely don’t understand how any reasonable person can interpret the failure of the U.S. and Iran to reach a deal in Islamabad as a failure of Pakistani diplomacy. Consider what Pakistan achieved: 1. It got U.S. and Iranian negotiators in the same room at the highest level in 47 years. 2. It received public appreciation for its role from both warring parties. 3. It maintained the trust and tacit support of China and Saudi Arabia, important players in this drama. 4. It earned the goodwill of scores of nations that would like this conflict to end sooner rather than later. Is Pakistan worse off than it would have been if the U.S. and Iran had thrashed out an agreement? Yes, obviously. The Pakistani economy is fragile and particularly dependent on both energy imports and remittances from the Gulf. And if Saudi Arabia is drawn into the war Pakistan could be forced to honor its defense pact with the Kingdom, which could trigger widespread domestic unrest. But accepting that a deal is better than no deal for Pakistan (and many other countries) is not the same as claiming that the summit was a failure from Pakistan’s perspective. It most clearly was not. Pakistan has emerged, at least for now, as a prominent diplomatic actor on the world stage, and as the recipient of much international goodwill. I’m not sure how anyone can claim otherwise.

From free TVs to mixers, grinders, washing machines, and and now a promise of fridge in every home. After dropping its 2021 “free washing machine for all” promise, ADMK swaps it for a free fridge in 2026. One can take a bet that we are just few elections away from mainstream parties offering the grand “white goods combo pack” (fridge + washing machine + AC) delivered to every ration card holder. What is worrying is that we have intellectual-industrial complex that has emerged which is ready with its framework to term every freebie as “women empowerment”, “productivity enhancement”, “poverty alleviation”, or “visionary welfare”. With enough jargon and convoluted connection, anything can be justified. Try opposing it? You’re instantly labelled classist, casteist, elitist. Take your pick. Even PM Modi’s once-strong crusade against “revdi culture” now looks retired. BJP-ruled states are also increasingly deploying their own versions of targeted giveaways when electorally convenient. Lost in the noise is the basic trade-off. Every rupee splurged on competitive freebies is a rupee not invested in roads, industry, education, healthcare, or jobs. But that’s long-term, invisible, and boring. Electoral democrazy hasn't been served India well

Every social group in India is now a victim - Upper Castes are victims of an apartheid state - Backward Castes have been oppressed for thousands of years - Muslims are victims of a Hindu-majoritarian state - Hindus aren't getting their rights because 'system unka hai' - Farmers, labourers and delivery guys are victims of evil capitalists - Women are victims of a male-dominated society - Men are victims of laws that favour women - Taxpayer is victim of apathy and indifference from the system If you add everyone up, 99% of Indian society sees itself as a victim in some form or another. Politics in multiple states is about groups wanting to be classified as backward or OBCs. There are entire movements based around it. Victimhood "is" the aspiration. If I can get classified as a 'victim', it will give my group more rights, clout and electoral power. It wasn't always like this. Victimhood wasn't seen as a virtue. People weren't encouraged to see themselves with pity. People were taught to work on themselves and improve their lives. It is why groups like the Parsis flourished - they were refugees from a foreign land who came here with nothing. It was an insignificantly tiny population with no voting power or mass movements. They never asked for separate electorates, or reservations or special status. They built schools, hospitals, businesses and institutions. Disadvantage was treated as a problem to be solved through competence, not as a badge to be weaponised. Suffering did not automatically translate into entitlement. Everyone in the country respects the Parsis for who they are, and what they managed to do as a group. Never be a victim. Be like the Parsis.

Lionel Messi is one of those rare athletes whose story transcends sport. His journey from a child fighting physical odds to a footballer who redefined excellence has moved millions across the world. As someone who has lived the life of an athlete, I hold profound respect and admiration for what he represents perseverance humility and an uncompromising pursuit of greatness. Yet as his recent visit to India unfolded parts of it felt chaotic and left me quietly uneasy. It compelled me to pause and reflect not in judgment but in genuine concern about what we were really trying to achieve. I fully understand the economics of sport. I understand commercial realities global branding and the magnetism of icons. I do not fault Messi in any way. He has earned every opportunity that comes his way and admiration for greatness is natural even beautiful. But admiration must also invite introspection. As a society are we building a culture of sport or are we simply celebrating individuals from afar. Millions were spent for moments of proximity photographs and fleeting access to a legend. And yes it is people’s money earned honestly and theirs to spend as they choose. Still I can’t help but feel a quiet sadness wondering what might have been possible if even a fraction of that energy and investment had been directed toward the foundations of sport in our country. Playgrounds where children can run freely. Coaches who can guide young talent. Grassroots programmes that give opportunity to those who may never otherwise be seen. Spaces where sport is not a spectacle but a daily habit a teacher and a source of dignity. Great sporting nations are not built by moments they are built by systems. By patience. By belief in the ordinary child with an extraordinary dream. Icons like Messi inspire us and that inspiration matters deeply. But inspiration must be met with intent. With long term commitment. With choices that reflect not just what excites us today but what will strengthen us tomorrow. If we truly wish to honour legends like Messi the most meaningful way to do so is not through grand gestures but by ensuring that somewhere in India a young child has a field to play on a coach to believe in them and a chance to dream. That is how sporting cultures are born. And that is how legacies endure.

I have no idea what happened in Kolkata in the Messi event. But I couldn't help thinking that we Indians really do not like sport. We like stars. What else could explain the millions, and I mean millions of dollars we spend to fly in superstars, when they will not even play a proper match. I am ok with paying whatever it takes to bring in a top football team to play in India, like Messi did in 2011 or Tata Steel did for a long time in the 80s and 90s. But getting them to come here just to shake hands and pose for pictures defies all reason. They will sell real estate, take pictures with every sponsor and go back with more money in two days than say the I League used to spend in a year. I don't blame the organizers for getting into this, its a really profitable business, because the politicians are getting serious free mileage and the sponsor is spending his, or his company's money to fulfil his childhood fantasy. The journalists are overawed just to be there with a generational superstar, lots of folks are spending a reported Rs 10 lacs for a handshake and a photo op and the real estate guys are busy pushing deals. That's millions of bucks spent on a footballer, whose closest attempt at action would be kicking a few footballs at the crowd or dribbling for a few minutes. Money that is desperately desperately needed elsewhere in actual football. Real camps, matches, ground level sponsorships. Or even to revive a football league. And then we expect India to be better at sport!

I have a feeling that in a few years time we will miss Kohli-the captain. All those who are criticising his leadership skills now will appreciate and admire his tactical genius…

@KiranKS Its no longer Modi magic , but due to lack of better alternatives n more freebies

Right now, around 41.5 crore people in India are having non NDA CMs. Around 104 crore people are living in states with BJP or NDA CMs. That's a massive 71.5% of India in "saffronized" states. And the chances of this percentage going up in 2026 are there too.. Modi magic!

Dear BJP, Yes we want less dependency on foreign petrol. But not by killing our engines. Yes we want end to Muslim appeasement. But not replace it with caste appeasement. Yes we want sea-links and flashy subways. But not with cratered roads and right-angle bridges. Yes we want lower GST. But not with ladli behans and nikamma bhais. Yes we want UPI and digital economy. But not with a unsustainably parasitic welfare state. Yes we want Abdul disciplined. But not with a pampered blue one taking his place. Yes we want the good things you promised and are doing. But we don’t feel the compromises you demand are acceptable. You seek too much impunity for too little in return. Right now, you may not give a wet fuck about rants like this because the alternative is still more messed up than you, but that gap is narrowing at a scary rate. Three years is a long time for others to catch up if you continue this free-fall. A fatigue is setting in. The Muslim boogey won’t work after a point, simply because you’re replacing it with another, more immediate boogey. Take, for example, ethanol. Only hours ago, there was this news of sugar lobby seeking your stamp on E27. This at a time when an overwhelming number of automobile owners are already suffering engine degradations with E20. Is this a joke to you? Your minister is so brazen, he carries on steamrolling his fiat despite his conflict of interest being public knowledge. Is this not a giant middle finger to anyone who bought your “khane-khilane” rhetoric? How dare Gadkari carry on screwing with our cars while his family fortunes grow exponentially in carefree abandon? At least your predecessors PRETENDED to be honest. You fuckfaces don’t bother even with pretense? Is that not an insult to your voters? Get your act together because not only are we not obligated to vote for you, but we’re not obligated to vote at all. We are voters. Not volunteers. The Balas and Bagrees can only take you so far.

- EPF was 100% tax free before 2021. - Equity LTCG was 100% tax free until 2018. - Real Estate LTCG had full indexation benefits before 2024. - Debt MFs LTCG had full indexation benefits before 2023. - Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) abolished for companies. They are now taxed in the hands of investors since 2021. - Swachh Bharat Cess started in 2015 - Krishi Kalyan Cess started in 2016 - ULIPs lost full tax exemption status since 2021 .... I am exhausted now... Sorry for the incomplete post! But what's common among all these new taxes ??

@narendramodi @JPNadda @AmitShah Real danger @BJP4India wl lose next election's. Urban decay is assuming humongous proportions. Every city in decay, no garbage management, systemic Corruptn,contract mafia, zero accountability making Viksit Bharat only on paper

Are we so morally bankrupt & criminally impotent as a nation that not one person from the government /administration has lost their job and has been criminally prosecuted for the death of 22 kids in MP, 40 people in Karur and 11 people in Bengaluru? Have we become so callous as a nation that we now classify the death of 22 kids and the brutal death of 51 others is now classified under the "Moving On" category? What's the point of the 3nm chip, technological sovereignty, shiny airports or metros or becoming the Fintech capital of the world when we can't even protect our kids and citizens and punish those who harmed them? In the past when people used to talk about the technological advancements of the US and compare them with India, many would counter it by saying "They may have all the money in the world but we have culture and values" Has this become our culture and our so-called values?

The act of hurling a shoe at CJI is a reprehensible act but by calling it a ‘Brahminical mindset’ is an equally low grade response to violence. Troll this post from me all you’ll want, but expect better from country’s thought leaders.

The MP govt has raised reservation in direct recruitment to 73%. The remaining 27% isn’t earmarked for general category, it’s open to all. The matter went to the SC, where the MP govt, in its affidavit, made arguments like these: The Varna system deprived 80% Bahujan Shudras of rights and exploited them for centuries. This system, reinforced by ideas of God’s will, rebirth, and fatalism, left Shudras so crippled that they could not even imagine resisting injustice. Ram killed Rishi Shambuk for daring to perform jap-tap despite being a Shudra. Dronacharya denied Eklavya because he was a Bhil. All of this can be disproven with even a little scrutiny, yet it’s shocking to hear such statements from a BJP govt. One would expect them to bridge divides and unite Hindus, this does the exact opposite. And if BJP truly wants to follow this path, why stop short? Why not reserve 100% for Bahujans? Why not close the doors entirely to the general category and be done with it for once and all?

@rameshsrivats Plus fine car owners for congestion while two wheeler taxi is banned by the same govt

So, the government is pushing people to use public transport (which is inadequate), or to car-pool (whose apps are banned), in order to decongest roads (which are half-unusable), and clear lanes (that are non-existent).

India reached the finals of the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup without losing a single match, and went on to win 3 of those 4 trophies. A golden era of white-ball dominance that fans are either taking for granted or are yet to fully appreciate.

@subodhsingh_ Politicians or Tax are not our problem, people like you are the biggest problem

Tax on 1 crore earning 1. Earning 1 crore in India - 57 lakhs in hand. 2. Earning 1 crore in Japan - 44 lakhs in hand. 3. Earning 1 crore in Germany - 55 lakhs in hand. 4. Earning 1 crore in Switzerland - 60 lakhs in hand. 5. Earning 1 crore in America - 63 lakhs in hand. Taxes are not high only in our country, the situation is the same in all countries. So stop whining unnecessarily and work hard #tax #stockmarket

A flyover in Hyderabad has turned into a swimming pool itself. How on earth does an elevated road flood? Anyway, while we’re at it, why not just block traffic on this engineering marvel and let kids use it for swimming until the monsoon ends?

Karnataka’s Nandini milk just dropped a game-changer — and it's not the flavour, it's the packaging. In a bold move for sustainability, Karnataka Milk Federation’s Nandini brand has started testing biodegradable milk packets made from corn starch, a first for India! These eco-friendly packets look like plastic but break down in just 6 months, compared to traditional covers that choke our planet for over 500 years. Launched on World Environment Day at Kanakapura’s new Mega Dairy, the pilot began in Hunasanahalli village, and early reports found no leaks, no quality issues. Why This Matters: Bengaluru uses up to 25 lakh plastic milk packets daily. These new covers could drastically reduce waste clogging our cities. Bangalore Urban, Rural and Ramanagara District Co-Operative Milk Producers’ Societies’ Union Ltd (BAMUL) aims to roll this out across all milk packaging operations very soon. Nandini is walking the talk, proving that innovation doesn’t have to cost the Earth. #Sustainability #GreenPackaging #NandiniMilk #EcoFriendly #MilkPackaging #PlasticPackaging #PlasticWaste #WasteManagement