Minister D K Shivakumar’s political journey rests on his money power more than his community backing. Leaders like him are a strong combination of caste and money. And all through their political life, they’d always be in the eye of storm and controversies.

Every time a new party comes into power, one of the most predictable things that gets spoken about is that of trimming costs, especially what would be considered as ‘extravagant’ in normal parlance. But all these talks bit dust few months later, is the bitter truth. CM Kumaraswamy has instructed chief secretary to ensure extravagance in terms of money should be brought down. This is the most welcome move. His commitment is indeed honorable. 

It hasn’t been too long since United Nations cautioned India against the violation of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir, stating India and Pakistan together were engaged in quashing the human rights of the people of the valley. UN had expressed inclination to probe these cases.

Hemant Karkare, who was gunned down in a terrorist attack in Mumbai, and his team had been successful in tapping the major attack plans unleashed by saffron terror in the country. Even today, one cannot be sure if they died a death in an attack or were led into a conspiracy, so that their investigations could be aborted.

The murder of cattle trader Husenabba has taken a mysterious turn. Husenabba’s body was found in a settlement around Udupi, after he was picked up by police, after Sangh Parivar people had assaulted him for transporting cattle. Investigations have revealed he died following a gruesome blow to his head.

In a country like India which has stark contrasts in standards  of people’s lives, fitness is deemed rather ostentatious. Yoga and spirituality are up for sale much like fitness equipment in the market. Fake babas and swamijis are much celebrated too. They are not only setting up massive business establishments, but are also making money out of the talks they deliver on psychological and physical health. 

The case of Gauri Lankesh’s assassination has reached the most crucial stage with the arrest of the main accused. SIT officers arrested and have taken a person called Parashuram Vaghmore into their custody for 14 days.

Central government has announced ceasefire during the month of Ramzan against Kashmir extremists. Home minister Rajnath Singh had referred to the preparedness of central government to engage in talks provided the Hurriyat conference gave its concurrence to find solution to Kashmir problem. Though the issue has mellowed down for the time being, the instigating talks by BJP leaders is doing more harm than good. Rajyasabha member D P Vatsa stating those pelting stones at defence forces in Kashmir must be shot dead, has created a furore. This could add more complexities to Kashmir problem that’s already in a quagmire.