Babus, mantris & buzz: Will the Delimitation Bill decide DMK-Congress relations?

The proposed Delimitation Bill could shape the future political dynamics between the DMK and Congress in Tamil Nadu. Reports suggest that the DMK may distance itself from the Congress party, possibly in response to perceived pressure from the latter. The CM of Tamil Nadu, Vijay, is said to be working under Congress influence, a claim contested by some sources.

Meanwhile, in Karnataka, the new CM, DK Shivakumar, faces internal challenges and a quest to solidify his position. Both CMs hail from the Vokkaliga community, which holds significant sway in the region. Additionally, the Union Government has accrued over Rs 50 crore through the sale of mementos and gifts to the Prime Minister since September 2021.

Adm. K Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, is currently in Mauritius for a four-day visit, aimed at bolstering maritime ties and defence cooperation. In a staffing move, five senior officers, including the Director of CBI and Cabinet Secretary, have been granted extensions. Similarly, three West Bengal cadre IPS officers have been given NOCs for central deputation.

The Himachal Pradesh government has relieved IAS officer Vivek Bhatia to join the Department of Youth Affairs, while an IRTS officer has been appointed as First Secretary (Legal) at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has also approved the extension of deputation tenure for IAS officer Rakesh Gupta.

Further, Naveen Kumar, a retired Additional Director of Enforcement, has been appointed as Member (Law) in the Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Meanwhile, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Sundaresan S for the post of Director (Mining & Construction Business) at Bharat Earth Movers Limited.