🖋️ From The Desk of Abhijeet Rane
- dhadakkamgarunion0
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
🖋️ From The Desk of Abhijeet Rane
“On campus these days, even essay topics need security clearance.”
Savitribai Phule Pune University has withdrawn its planned essay competition on “Leadership Qualities of Devendra Fadnavis” after protests by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). The competition, announced by the political science department, was intended to mark Fadnavis’s birthday but drew criticism as “political propaganda” and a misuse of academic resources. NSUI activists staged noisy demonstrations, forcing the administration to cancel the event to “avoid unnecessary controversy” and preserve the institution’s non-partisan image. The BJP-aligned ABVP called the withdrawal “unfortunate,” accusing opponents of stifling intellectual discourse. The episode has reignited debates over the creeping politicisation of educational spaces in Maharashtra, where campus protests increasingly mirror the bitter tone of state politics. For many, the incident shows how even academic exercises are now battlegrounds for political influence.
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🖋️ From The Desk of Abhijeet Rane
“A sweet pay hike before polls — because happiness, like votes, needs a little inflation.”The Maharashtra government has announced a 2% Dearness Allowance hike for nearly 20 lakh government employees and pensioners, effective July 1. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar claims the move will “ease inflationary pressures,” especially ahead of the festive season. The hike aligns state DA rates with central government levels, raising the total to 44%. Employee unions have cautiously welcomed the decision but are pressing for immediate clearance of arrears. While the announcement has brought cheer to the salaried class, opposition parties are calling it blatant “election-season populism,” noting its timing just months before civic and zilla parishad polls. Economists caution that while the hike may boost disposable income and short-term spending, it could strain the state’s already tight fiscal position. For the government, however, the political dividend may well outweigh the economic risk.
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🖋️ From The Desk of Abhijeet Rane
In a chilling reminder of Maharashtra’s deteriorating law and order, BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praful Tangadi and his cousin were hacked to death in Bhiwandi by unidentified assailants armed with swords. The attack took place near Tangadi’s residence, raising serious questions about police intelligence and the government’s ability to safeguard its own political workers. BJP leaders allege a deliberate political conspiracy and accuse the Shinde–Fadnavis government of criminal negligence in protecting grassroots leaders. State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has demanded an SIT probe, warning that “if ruling party workers aren’t safe, no one is.” Heavy police deployment has been rushed to the area, but the sense of insecurity among political workers lingers. For many, this murder isn’t just a local crime — it’s an indictment of the state’s governance.
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🖋️ From The Desk of Abhijeet Rane
“When the voters’ list starts looking like a guest list for the wrong party — expect the bouncers to show up. “The Election Commission has summoned West Bengal Chief Secretary B.P. Gopalika over alleged voter roll irregularities. Complaints allege ineligible names were added and valid voters deleted ahead of by-polls. BJP accuses the ruling TMC of manipulation; the TMC denies wrongdoing. The ECI has sought an explanation within 48 hours, warning of strict action if lapses are confirmed. West Bengal’s border districts are flooded with illegal Bangaladeshi and Rohingya immigrants & TMC’s corrupt leaders are helping them to obtain residency proofs.
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🖋️ From The Desk of Abhijeet Rane
Canada is doing the Tit for Tat act & this will help Donald Trump to introspect. Canada’s Ontario province has imposed a steep 25% surcharge on electricity exports to U.S. states including New York, Michigan, and Minnesota. The move, announced by Premier Doug Ford, is a direct retaliation against Washington’s recently expanded tariffs on Canadian goods. Ford described the U.S. policy as “economically disastrous” and warned that further escalation could disrupt North America’s cross-border energy trade, potentially affecting millions of consumers. U.S. energy officials have called the surcharge “unhelpful,” signalling the possibility of a broader trade dispute spilling into other sectors. With Canada supplying a significant share of renewable hydroelectricity to the U.S., the new tariff is expected to push up electricity prices in affected states and may strain the otherwise cooperative energy partnership between the two countries.
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