The stage for Delhi’s February 5 Assembly elections is not just political but musical, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engage in a melodious exchange of barbs. Both parties launched campaign songs targeting each other, blending politics with entertainment in a high-stakes battle for the national capital.

The BJP struck first with a Hindi rap accusing AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of failing to deliver on his promises. Titled with a caption translating to “Delhi is in bad shape because of a cheat,” the song lambasts the AAP government, questioning its claims of achievements in health and education. Lyrics from the song assert, “Kejriwal left Delhi in bad shape, he tricked people with promises, he falsified every dream.”

Responding swiftly, the AAP released a Bhojpuri campaign song inspired by BJP MP Manoj Tiwari’s hit number Hind ke Sitara from the popular Panchayat web series. The adapted version lauds AAP’s governance, emphasizing its work in education and healthcare over the past two terms. The choice of Bhojpuri resonates with Delhi’s significant Purvanchali voter base, comprising migrants from eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar.

Manoj Tiwari, a prominent Bhojpuri actor-turned-politician, has been a key figure in BJP’s Delhi campaigns. His original Hind ke Sitara track gained massive popularity, making AAP’s reimagining of the song a pointed move in the musical tug-of-war.

The Delhi election is shaping up to be a three-way contest between the ruling AAP, BJP, and Congress. Amid an aggressive campaign, both AAP and BJP have accused each other of voter list tampering. While AAP seeks a third consecutive term after winning 62 out of 70 Assembly seats in 2020, the BJP is aiming to break the streak, having secured just eight seats last time.

This unique blend of music and politics underscores the high stakes and creativity in the battle for Delhi, as parties attempt to connect with voters on cultural and emotional levels.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra, who assumed office in December, is signaling a willingness to allow the Indian rupee to move more freely. Sources familiar with the central bank’s operations revealed that Malhotra has been engaging extensively with RBI departments ahead of his first monetary policy meeting in February.

The new governor has shown openness to permitting the rupee to align more with regional currencies while intervening selectively in the foreign-exchange market to curb excessive volatility. This approach contrasts with his predecessor, Shaktikanta Das, who maintained tight control over the rupee during his six-year tenure.

Under Das, the RBI built a robust foreign exchange reserve of over $700 billion, using it to shield the currency. However, Malhotra appears inclined toward a strategy that allows the rupee greater freedom to find its market-driven level, though interventions will continue to manage speculative attacks and sharp movements.

The rupee, which recently touched a record low of 86.7025 per dollar, has faced heightened volatility since Das’s departure. The currency has declined by 2% against the dollar this year, accompanied by a surge in implied volatility to its highest level in over a year.

India’s export competitiveness and trade dynamics are key factors in the evolving policy. Exporters have previously expressed concerns over the rupee’s stability, which they claim undermines their ability to compete globally. The currency’s overvaluation, reflected in the 40-country trade-weighted real effective exchange rate (REER) of 108.14 in November, has also been under scrutiny.

While the RBI is allowing some depreciation to address these imbalances, the central bank remains wary of the impact on India’s import-dependent economy, particularly in energy. As Asia’s third-largest economy imports nearly 90% of its oil, a weaker rupee drives up energy costs, impacting the broader trade deficit.

The RBI has emphasized its readiness to intervene decisively to manage speculative activity and ensure market stability. The central bank expects improved currency stability in the coming months, supported by macroeconomic adjustments and policy measures.

Malhotra’s approach marks a nuanced shift in the RBI’s currency management strategy, balancing market dynamics with the broader economic and trade imperatives of the nation.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced with the first ‘Amrit Snan’ on Makar Sankranti, marked by the participation of Naga sadhus from the Niranjani and Anand Akharas. Spiritual leaders Acharya Mandleswar Balkanand Ji Maharaj and Surendra Giri Ji Maharaj led the Anand Akhara processions, while Swami Kailashanand Giri led the Niranjani Akhara’s contingent to the holy Triveni Sangam for the sacred bath.

Renowned for their emphasis on spiritual discipline, Niranjani Akhara focuses on yoga, meditation, and self-realization. Anand Akhara, which worships Suryanarayana, the Sun God, is known for its role in promoting Hindu scriptures and martial arts education.

Kumar Swami Ji Maharaj of Anand Akhara shared his joy at witnessing the grand event. “Nothing is bigger than this (Maha Kumbh). Those who come here are truly fortunate. Being present here brings unparalleled peace and joy. Our saints and scriptures have always emphasized world peace,” he said.

The significance of Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years at four sacred locations in India. This year, the Poorna Kumbh, continuing until February 26, 2025, will feature several auspicious bathing dates, including:

• January 14: Makar Sankranti – First Shahi Snan
• January 29: Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan
• February 3: Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan
• February 12: Maghi Purnima
• February 26: Maha Shivaratri

The 13 akharas participating in Maha Kumbh include three main groups—Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav), and Udaseen. These akharas come together to uphold the traditions of Sanatan Dharma through yoga, meditation, and spiritual practice.

The first ‘Amrit Snan’ symbolizes purity and the renewal of faith, drawing millions of devotees and spiritual leaders alike. As the sacred event unfolds, pilgrims and sadhus immerse themselves in the spiritual significance of this timeless tradition.

A peaceful gathering
For devotees and spiritual leaders, Maha Kumbh represents a beacon of unity and peace. The holy dip at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual liberation.

With its rich heritage and profound spiritual essence, Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to remain a cherished event, drawing seekers from across the world.