The BJP on Tuesday seized the moment by sharing a viral clip of the viral girl from the CSK vs RR match, using it to mock the Congress-led Karnataka government. The jibe comes in response to the state’s recent decision to increase prices for Nandini milk, BMTC bus fares, and Namma Metro tickets, sparking widespread criticism.

Sharing the viral clip on X (formerly Twitter), the Karnataka BJP captioned, “That too, right after hikes in BMTC, Metro, and Milk prices!”

During the Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match, a female fan’s reaction to Dhoni’s departure captured attention online. Her expression, as Hetmyer caught a ball that Dhoni had hit, quickly became popular meme material across the internet.

Bengaluru residents are grappling with a wave of price hikes that have swept across essential services over the past year, from public transportation to household staples. The escalating costs of metro fares, bus tickets, milk, and electricity are placing a growing burden on daily commuters, families, and small businesses alike.

One of the steepest increases has come from the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), which rolled out a fare revision in February. The maximum fare for a metro ride jumped from ₹60 to ₹90, while the minimum balance required on smart cards doubled from ₹50 to ₹90. This adjustment translates to a 50-90% fare hike, a significant blow for the thousands of daily passengers who depend on the Namma Metro as an affordable lifeline. For a city known for its traffic woes, the metro’s rising costs are forcing many to rethink their budgets.

The pain at the ticket counter doesn’t stop with the metro. In January, the Karnataka government greenlit a 15% fare increase for state-run transport corporations, directly impacting the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). As a result, bus commuters—many of whom rely on BMTC services to navigate the city—are facing higher prices. An ordinary daily pass now costs ₹80, up from ₹70, while a weekly pass has risen from ₹300 to ₹350. Monthly pass holders, including students and regular travelers, are shelling out ₹1,200, compared to ₹1,050 previously. The fare surge is yet another hurdle for those already stretched thin by rising living costs.

For households, the sting of inflation is also evident at the breakfast table. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has raised the price of its popular Nandini milk by ₹4 per litre, effective April 1. This marks the third hike in less than a year, following increases of ₹3 per litre in July 2023 and ₹2 per litre in June 2024. A litre of Nandini toned milk, which retailed for ₹40 last year, now carries a ₹46 price tag. While KMF insists its rates remain competitive with brands like Amul and Heritage, the steady upward trend has left consumers frustrated and budgets tighter than ever.

Adding to the financial squeeze, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has approved higher fixed charges for electricity consumers over the next three years. The new rates, set to appear in bills starting May, will impact households and businesses across the state. However, there’s a silver lining for some: beneficiaries of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which provides free electricity, will be shielded from these increases. For everyone else, the rising cost of power is yet another expense to juggle.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday firmly stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to lead the nation in 2029, asserting that there is “no need to search” for a successor as Modi will retain his position, after Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut claimed Modi’s successor will likely be from Maharashtra.

This statement by Fadnavis came in response to claims by Raut, who suggested that Modi had visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday to inform RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat of his impending retirement. Modi will turn 75 in September this year.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized, “There is no need to look for his successor. He (Modi) is our leader and will continue to lead.” He also rejected speculations that Modi’s successor might come from Maharashtra, saying, “In our culture, it is not right to talk about succession while the father is still present. That is the way of the Mughals. The time to discuss this has not yet arrived.”

Raut had earlier claimed that the RSS is seeking a change in political leadership. “He (Modi) probably went to the RSS headquarters to submit his retirement application in September,” Raut said. He added, “PM Modi visited the RSS office to announce his retirement. As far as I know, he has not visited the RSS headquarters in the last 10-11 years. The RSS wants new leadership, and now PM Modi is stepping down.”

However, Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters marked his first since becoming Prime Minister. During the visit, he also laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, a new extension of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre, named after the late RSS chief Madhavrao Golwalkar.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi praised the selfless work of RSS volunteers across various fields and regions of India. “The RSS is like a banyan tree of India’s eternal culture and progress, with ideals and principles aimed at safeguarding national awareness,” he said. “This great tree is not ordinary.”

Modi also highlighted the RSS’s dedication and organization over the past century, noting that their efforts are bearing fruit as India moves toward its goal of becoming a developed nation, ‘Viksit Bharat,’ by 2047. “The period from 2025 to 2047 is crucial because we have big goals ahead. We must lay the foundation for the next 1,000 years of a strong and advanced India,” he added.

The statements from both leaders have sparked a political debate, with Fadnavis staunchly supporting Modi’s continued leadership, while Raut’s claims suggest a potential shift in the political landscape.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assured Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday that he would “never again” part ways with the BJP, referencing his previous separations as “mistakes.”

This came during an event in Patna, where both leaders announced various projects benefiting both the Centre and the State amid an impending Assembly election season.

As the political landscape in Bihar intensifies with elections just months away, Kumar’s comments reflect a renewed commitment to the ruling coalition.

Shah, who has been instrumental in the BJP’s strategy nationwide, had addressed party workers late Saturday night. He reportedly emphasized that “our victory in Bihar will resonate far and wide,” underscoring the significance of Bihar to the BJP’s broader electoral ambitions.

Shah’s visit, anticipated to conclude with a strategic discussion at Kumar’s residence involving other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, showcased his rapport with the Chief Minister.

During the event held in Patna, Kumar appeared enthusiastic, mentioning the large turnout: “This grand auditorium is filled beyond capacity.”

The gathering also highlighted the robust presence of BJP supporters, as chants of “Jai Shri Ram” filled the hall. Despite the religious undertones, Kumar maintained his commitment to his secular image, stating, “What did the previous government [RJD-Congress alliance] achieve? They secured Muslim votes but failed to prevent communal riots.”

Moreover, Kumar criticized the state of affairs prior to the JD(U)-BJP regime, asserting that Bihar lacked quality healthcare and educational facilities. He reminisced about his ascent to power in November 2005, attributing improved conditions to the JD(U)-BJP partnership.

Kumar’s political journey with the BJP has seen tumultuous shifts; he first parted ways with the party in 2014 but realigned in 2017. After another separation in 2022, he sought to unify regional parties against the BJP under the newly formed INDIA coalition. However, as the Lok Sabha elections approached last year, he made a surprising return to the NDA.

In his address, Kumar attributed his past split decisions to “some individuals within my party” and firmly declared his resolve, stating, “I made a mistake twice, but that will not happen again.” This statement aligns with his aim to solidify the JD(U)’s role within the NDA as the political stakes rise in Bihar.