POLITICS

Sources indicate that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is scheduled to meet this morning, countering ongoing speculation about possible delays. The meeting, described as a short but significant session, is expected to address key proposals related to defence procurements and project clearances. Officials familiar with the matter said the agenda has been streamlined to ensure swift decision-making ahead of the year-end review process. The development comes amid heightened discussions within the defence establishment about pending acquisitions, as the ministry seeks to maintain momentum on strategic modernisation initiatives despite earlier reports hinting at postponement.

Congress vs Congress on the Aravalli issue?

Sachin Pilot’s aggressive front-foot role on the Aravalli mining issue is reopening fault lines within the Rajasthan Congress, with Ashok Gehlot choosing a more cautious, low-key posture given his past record in office. This emerging contrast is feeding a fresh round of whispers about factional positioning and legacy-protection inside the party. Pilot’s decision to physically lead youth-backed “Save Aravalli” marches and attack both state and central governments allows him to project a clean environmental and anti-mining image, especially among urban and student constituencies. Gehlot, who is simultaneously targeting the BJP on data and legal process but carries baggage of earlier mining and tiger-habitat controversies under his own tenure, is wary of appearing hypocritical, and therefore avoids the street-politics optics that Pilot is embracing. Within the Congress ecosystem, this is being read as a calibrated tussle over moral high ground and future leadership narrative rather than an open confrontation, but the contrast on Aravalli is sharp enough to deepen existing factional narratives in Rajasthan.