Opinion

**Signals of a Possible Return by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar? Original Shiv Sena–NCP Streams May Strengthen Again** The severe drubbing faced by the opposition in the Bihar Assembly elections has sent ripples across the national political landscape. Following the NDA’s sweeping victory, Maharashtra too is witnessing renewed political churn. Speculation is rife that several rebel factions and leaders may return to their parent parties — Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Growing Buzz Over a Possible ‘Uncle–Nephew’ Reconciliation Sources indicate that the two factions of the NCP — one led by Ajit Pawar and the other by Sharad Pawar — may explore electoral coordination in the coming months.In political circles, this is being read as a major hint that Ajit Pawar ...

Is the Central Government Planning a Special Scheme to Woo Women Voters in Bengal? The National Democratic Alliance’s historic victory in the Bihar elections has dramatically altered the country’s political landscape. A record turnout of women voters in favour of the NDA — widely described as the “Lady Factor” — played a decisive role.Along with schemes like Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao, Kanya Sumangala and Ladli Yojana, the direct transfer of ₹10,000 to women's bank accounts is believed to have significantly influenced the electoral outcome. Now the big question is:Can the Bihar model be replicated in West Bengal?Could the Centre launch a major women-centric cash assistance scheme aimed at Bengal’s crucial female electorate? Bengal: A Challenging Yet Promising Terrain Over the past...