India News Today November 22, 2025: Ajit Pawar’s “Funds for Votes
India News Today: Ajit Pawar’s controversial vote threat sparks fury. PM Modi leads G20 anti-terror push.
In a whirlwind 24 hours, India grapples with a deepening political row in Maharashtra over Ajit Pawar’s “funds for votes” ultimatum, while the G20 Summit in Johannesburg sees PM Modi championing a new global anti-terror initiative.
On the sporting front, Travis Head’s historic century in Perth has decimated England in the Ashes, even as a severe cold wave grips Central India and heavy rains batter the South.
India News Today: Ajit Pawar’s “Funds for Votes” Ultimatum Ignites Firestorm; Modi Leads Global Terror Fight at G20; Travis Head Rewrites Ashes History
Saturday, 22 November 2025 | The Definitive National Report
TOP STORIES: THE NATION’S PULSE
Key Highlights:
- Maharashtra: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar warns voters in Malegaon: “No votes, no funds,” triggering a massive Opposition backlash.
- G20 Summit: PM Modi proposes a G20 initiative to counter the drug-terror nexus during the Johannesburg summit.
- Cricket: Travis Head smashes a 69-ball century in Perth; Australia defeats England by 8 wickets in 2 days.
- Weather: Red Alert in Tamil Nadu as a low-pressure area intensifies; Delhi GRAP-IV measures invoked as AQI hits ‘Severe’.
- Entertainment: Kartik Aaryan drops the teaser for Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri on his 35th birthday.
1. “You Have Votes, I Have Funds”: Ajit Pawar’s Ultimatum Sparks Democratic Crisis
A political firestorm has erupted in Maharashtra following a controversial statement by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Speaking at a rally in Malegaon today, Pawar issued a stark warning to the electorate that has been branded by the Opposition as “blackmail” and a “mockery of democracy.”
While campaigning for the upcoming civic polls, Pawar stated, **“I will ensure there is no shortage of funds if you elect all 18 NCP candidates. If you elect them, I am committed to giving whatever I have promised.
But if you reject us, I will also reject you.
You have votes, I have funds.”** The statement, captured on video, went viral within minutes, drawing sharp condemnation from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition.
Opposition leaders have termed the remark a direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve lashed out, asking, “Are these funds personal property or taxpayer money? This is not governance; this is a transaction.
The Election Commission must take immediate cognisance of this intimidation.” The controversy comes at a critical time as the ruling Mahayuti alliance faces internal friction over seat-sharing for the upcoming civic body elections.
2. PM Modi’s Strategic Push at G20: Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, has placed India at the center of the global security dialogue.
Today, in a high-profile session attended by world leaders, PM Modi proposed three major initiatives, with the most significant being a coordinated G20 mechanism to counter the “drug-terror nexus.”
“Terrorism derives its financial oxygen from the narcotics trade. We cannot fight one without dismantling the other,” PM Modi asserted during his address.
He called for real-time intelligence sharing between G20 nations to track financial flows linked to drug cartels that fund extremist organizations.
Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed the creation of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, aiming to digitize and protect indigenous medical practices—a move seen as a diplomatic masterstroke to champion the Global South’s cultural intellectual property.
The Prime Minister also held bilateral talks with Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Canadian PM Mark Carney on the sidelines, focusing on trade mobility and green energy partnerships.
3. Ashes History in Perth: Travis Head’s 69-Ball Blitzkrieg
In a display of batting that will be recounted for decades, Australian opener Travis Head has rewritten the record books at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Filling in for the injured Usman Khawaja, Head blasted a sensational 123 runs off just 83 balls, leading Australia to a crushing 8-wicket victory over England inside just two days.
Head’s century, reached in 69 balls, is the second-fastest in Ashes history. His innings included 16 boundaries and 4 massive sixes. “It was one of those days where you see the ball like a football.
Pat [Cummins] asked if I wanted to open, and I said, ‘Go for your life’,” Head remarked post-match. The victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the series, leaving the English “Bazball” strategy in tatters.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan described the performance as “a humiliation for English cricket,” while Indian legend Wasim Jaffer took to X (formerly Twitter) to rub salt in the wounds, posting, “Bazball just hit a Head-wall.”
NATIONAL POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Key Highlights:
- Seat Sharing: Congress forms a panel to initiate talks with DMK for the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls.
- Shashi Tharoor: Praises the Mamdani-Trump meeting as a model for democratic dialogue.
- Voter Data: Election Commission clarifies procedures for missing “SIR” enumeration forms.
Congress Gears Up for 2026: Eyes on Tamil Nadu Looking ahead to the 2026 Assembly elections, the Congress High Command has today constituted a high-level panel to begin formal seat-sharing negotiations with their relentless ally, the DMK.
The move signals Congress’s intent to resolve friction points early, avoiding the last-minute chaos seen in recent state elections.
Sources indicate the panel will push for a larger share of seats in southern Tamil Nadu, leveraging the party’s improved performance in the Lok Sabha polls.
Democracy in Action: Tharoor on Mamdani-Trump Meet Congress MP Shashi Tharoor today lauded the meeting between Mahmood Mamdani and US President-elect Donald Trump, terming it “how democracy should work.” Tharoor emphasized that engagement between ideological opposites is the hallmark of a mature democracy, a subtle dig at the current polarization in Indian parliamentary politics.
“If they can talk, why can’t we?” Tharoor tweeted, sparking a debate on the lack of cross-party dialogue in New Delhi.
Election Commission Update: The SIR Forms With confusion reigning over the Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls, the Election Commission has issued a clarification today.
For citizens who have not received their “SIR” enumeration forms from their Booth Level Officer (BLO), the EC has enabled a direct download option on the NVSP portal.
“No voter will be disenfranchised due to logistical gaps,” the Chief Election Commissioner stated.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Key Highlights:
- Stock Market: Sensex climbs 669 points weekly; Nifty settles at 26,068.
- Gold Plunge: MCX Gold dives ₹8,000 from record highs; analysts advise “Wait and Watch.”
- Karnataka Bank: Cupid CMD Aditya Kumar Halwasiya buys ₹71 crore stake.
Market Wrap: Bulls Hold the Fort Despite global headwinds and a weakening Rupee (which hit a record low of 89.48 vs USD), Indian markets showed resilience.
The BSE Sensex closed the week at 85,231.92, up 0.79%, while the Nifty 50 reclaimed the 26,000 mark to settle at 26,068.15.
- Top Gainers: Infosys (up 3.7% on buyback news), HCL Tech, and Bharti Airtel.
- Top Losers: Tata Steel and Bajaj Finance, dragged down by global metal prices and rate cut uncertainties.
Gold’s Freefall: A Buying Opportunity? Gold prices on the MCX have witnessed a dramatic correction, shedding over ₹8,000 per 10 grams from their recent peak. The yellow metal is trading around ₹68,500 today.
Analysts at Motilal Oswal suggest that while the dip is tempting, investors should wait for stability around the ₹67,000 mark before making fresh entries, citing volatile US bond yields.
Big Move in Banking: Cupid CMD Bets on Karnataka Bank In a significant bulk deal reported today, Aditya Kumar Halwasiya, CMD of Cupid Ltd, has acquired a massive stake in Karnataka Bank worth ₹71 crore.
The deal, executed on the NSE, signals strong promoter confidence in the mid-tier lender, which is also backed by Quant Mutual Fund. Karnataka Bank shares surged 4.5% following the news.
DEFENCE & SECURITY
Key Highlights:
- President’s Bodyguard: The horse is declared an “integral part of the soldier’s identity” in new ceremonial protocols.
- J&K Terror Bust: “White collar” terror module dismantled in Srinagar; one arrested.
Srinagar Terror Module Busted J&K Police, in a joint operation with the CRPF, have arrested a key individual linked to a “white-collar” terror module in Srinagar.
The suspect, identified as a local government contractor, was allegedly channeling development funds to Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of Lashkar-e-Taiba. “This arrest exposes the deep-rooted nexus between administrative corruption and terror financing,” a senior police official stated.
The President’s Bodyguard: Honoring the Equine Soldier In a touching ceremonial update, the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) regiment has formally codified the status of their horses.
The new protocol, released today, states that the horse is not merely an animal but an “integral part of the soldier’s identity.” This change ensures retired PBG horses receive enhanced post-service care and are buried with partial military honors.
WEATHER REPORT: RED ALERT
Key Highlights:
- Tamil Nadu: Heavy rain alert for 11 districts including Tirunelveli and Thanjavur.
- Delhi: AQI at 369 (“Very Poor”); GRAP-IV measures enforced.
- MP: Severe cold wave; temperatures dip below 10°C in Bhopal.
South India: The Bay of Bengal Threat The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for 11 districts in Tamil Nadu as a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal intensifies.
- Districts at Risk: Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, and the Delta region (Thanjavur, Tiruvarur).
- Forecast: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the next 48 hours. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea.
- Chennai: The city will see intermittent moderate spells, but the southern districts face the brunt of the system.
Delhi-NCR: Choking Under the Smog The capital remains a gas chamber. Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 369 today, with hotspots like Anand Vihar and Bawana breaching the 400 (Severe) mark.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked stringent GRAP Stage IV measures, which include:
- Ban on entry of diesel trucks (except essentials).
- Suspension of construction activities.
- 50% staff capacity for public and private offices (Work from Home advised).
Central India: Winter’s Icy Grip While the south floods, the center freezes. Madhya Pradesh is under a cold wave alert. Bhopal recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2°C, while Pachmarhi dipped to 4.5°C. The administration has ordered schools to delay opening times to 9:00 AM.
SPORTS ARENA
Key Highlights:
- Cricket: Australia beats England by 8 wickets; Head (123), Starc (7 wickets).
- ISL: Mohun Bagan SG defeats East Bengal FC 1-0 in a heated derby.
- Tennis: India’s Davis Cup preparation begins in earnest.
ISL: Green and Maroon Rules Kolkata In the high-octane Kolkata Derby today, Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged out arch-rivals East Bengal FC with a 1-0 victory at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The solitary goal came in the 41st minute, a clinical finish by Jamie Maclaren, assisted by Asish Rai.
The match saw intense drama, with East Bengal dominating possession in the second half but failing to break Bagan’s defensive wall led by Alberto Rodríguez.
Steve Smith on Travis Head: “The Best Back Spasms Ever” Revealing a locker room secret, Australian captain Steve Smith joked about how Usman Khawaja’s injury led to Head’s promotion. “Uzzy had back spasms during the warmup.
He told me, ‘I think Trav is ready for this.’ It turns out, those were the best back spasms for Australian cricket.
Head’s knock was not just skill; it was psychological warfare.”
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Key Highlights:
- Kartik Aaryan: Teaser for Tu Meri Main Tera… released; fans praise chemistry with Ananya Panday.
- Ranbir Kapoor: Prioritizes Love & War; Ramayana Part 2 delayed.
- Box Office: Naagzilla continues to hold steady.
Kartik Aaryan’s Birthday Treat Celebrating his 35th birthday, Kartik Aaryan gifted his fans the teaser of his upcoming Christmas release, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. The rom-com, directed by Sameer Vidwans, reunites him with Ananya Panday.
The teaser features the duo in a vibrant, snowy landscape, promising a nostalgic 90s-style romance.
“It’s fresh, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect holiday watch,” producer Karan Johar posted on Instagram.
Ranbir Kapoor Shifts Gears In a major shuffle of Bollywood calendars, Ranbir Kapoor has reportedly pushed the shoot for Ramayana Part 2 to late 2026. Sources confirm he is prioritizing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, co-starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.
“Ranbir wants to fully immerse himself in Bhansali’s world before returning to the epic,” a source close to the production revealed.
REGIONAL FOCUS - NORTH INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Delhi Blast: Court allows accused to meet lawyer at NIA headquarters.
- Pollution Fines: Delhi Traffic Police collects ₹84 crore in GRAP violations.
- Punjab: Farmers protest over delayed compensation for crop loss.
Delhi Blast Investigation Update A Delhi court today granted permission for the accused in the recent low-intensity blast case to meet their legal counsel at the NIA headquarters. The defense had argued that access to legal aid was being restricted.
The NIA is currently probing a potential cross-border link to the explosion that occurred near a CRPF school last month.
The Cost of Pollution: ₹84 Crore in Fines The Delhi Traffic Police released data today showing that between October 14 and November 18, they imposed a staggering ₹84 crore in fines for violations related to GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan).
The majority of challans were issued to BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles plying illegally and for vehicles without valid PUC certificates.
### Our Analysis The imposition of ₹84 crore in fines highlights a reactive rather than proactive approach to Delhi’s pollution crisis. While penalizing violators is necessary, the sheer volume of fines suggests that public awareness and compliance mechanisms are failing.
Politically, the AAP government is in a tight spot; the high pollution levels are neutralizing their “Delhi Model” narrative ahead of future electoral battles.
The collaboration between the NIA and local police in the blast case indicates a hardening of the internal security posture in the capital, likely to be a key talking point for the BJP in the coming months.
REGIONAL FOCUS - SOUTH INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin expands Cauvery delta region by adding 38 revenue villages.
- Karnataka: Trade unions protest against the Centre’s four labour codes in Bengaluru.
- Kerala: Rift in LDF over Thrissur Corporation seat allocation.
Expanding the Delta: A Protectionist Move? In a significant administrative decision, the Tamil Nadu government today issued an order expanding the Protected Agricultural Zone in the Cauvery delta. 38 new revenue villages across Thanjavur and Pudukottai have been added.
This move effectively bans new industrial projects in these areas, solidifying CM Stalin’s image as a pro-farmer leader.
“We will not let an inch of fertile land turn into concrete,” Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam stated.
LDF In-Fighting in Kerala The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala is facing internal turbulence. In the Thrissur Corporation, the CPI has publicly accused the CPM of “big brotherly attitude” regarding the allocation of standing committee seats.
This public spat threatens to destabilize the local body governance just months before the crucial local body polls.
### Our Analysis CM Stalin’s expansion of the Delta zone is a calculated consolidation of the agrarian vote bank, insulating the DMK from opposition attacks regarding industrial encroachment.
In Karnataka, the trade union protests signal rising urban dissatisfaction with labour reforms, a potential headache for the Congress government as it tries to woo foreign investment.
Meanwhile, the LDF rift in Kerala exposes the fragility of the coalition when local power dynamics overshadow ideological unity; if unresolved, the UDF stands to gain significantly in the upcoming civic polls.
REGIONAL FOCUS - EAST INDIA
Key Highlights:
- West Bengal: 5.5 magnitude earthquake strikes Kolkata; no major damage reported.
- Jharkhand: ED conducts raids on “coal mafia” syndicates in Dhanbad.
- Odisha: Para athletes shine at World Abilitysport preparations.
Tremors in the City of Joy Kolkata and surrounding districts in South Bengal were shaken by a 5.5 magnitude earthquake early this morning. The epicenter was located near the Bangladesh border.
While panic ensued, with residents rushing out of high-rises in Salt Lake and Newtown, officials have confirmed that there is no structural damage or loss of life.
“It was a sharp jolt, lasting about 5 seconds,” reported a resident of Ballygunge.
ED Tightens Noose in Jharkhand The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today launched simultaneous raids at 12 locations in Dhanbad and Ranchi, targeting a syndicate allegedly involved in illegal coal mining and transportation.
Sources suggest that the raids are linked to money laundering channels that funnel proceeds of crime into real estate in Kolkata. “Documents seized today point to a nexus between local contractors and powerful political figures,” an ED source revealed.
### Our Analysis The earthquake in West Bengal serves as a wake-up call for Kolkata’s urban planning, which remains vulnerable to seismic activity. Politically, the ED raids in Jharkhand are the most significant development.
With the state having recently faced political instability, these raids targeting the financial lifelines of local powerbrokers could reshape the funding dynamics for regional parties.
It suggests the Centre is maintaining relentless pressure on resource-rich states where opposition parties hold sway.
REGIONAL FOCUS - NORTHEAST INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Assam: SIT raids residence of Zubeen Garg’s manager in connection with his demise.
- Arunachal Pradesh: CM Pema Khandu announces digitization of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
- Manipur: 4 militants arrested; tensions persist as IDPs blocked from returning home.
Zubeen Garg Case: The Investigation Deepens In a major development regarding the tragic demise of Assamese icon Zubeen Garg (who passed away in September 2025), the Special Investigation Team (SIT) today seized two bags of evidence from his residence in Kahilipara, Guwahati.
The raids also extended to the homes of his former manager and event organizer. The SIT is probing allegations of negligence and financial misappropriation surrounding the events leading to his death in Singapore.
Fans gathered outside the residence, demanding “Justice for Zubeen.”
Arunachal Goes Digital: The New ILP System Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, speaking in Koloriang today, announced the launch of a fully digitized Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. “This is not just about tourism; it is about national security.
We will now have real-time data on every non-native entering the state,” Khandu declared.
The system aims to curb illegal overstaying, a longstanding demand of indigenous student unions.
### Our Analysis The Zubeen Garg investigation is an emotive powder keg in Assam; the government’s proactive SIT raids are essential to manage public anger and prevent civil unrest. In Arunachal, the digital ILP is a strategic move.
By modernizing border controls, Khandu is addressing local demographic fears while simultaneously integrating the state’s security architecture with the central grid—a vital step given the sensitive border with China.
REGIONAL FOCUS - WEST INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar’s “funds for votes” controversy (Detailed in Top Stories).
- Mumbai: Fire disrupts Harbour Line train services near Bandra-Mahim.
- Gujarat: 7-year-old girl assaulted in school; accused given injection by police (correction: accused gave injection to victim).
Mumbai Local Disrupted by Fire Commuters in Mumbai faced a harrowing Saturday as a major fire broke out in a slum cluster adjacent to the railway tracks between Bandra and Mahim stations.
The blaze forced the suspension of Harbour Line services for three hours during peak morning traffic. Fire tenders battled the flames while thousands of passengers were stranded.
No casualties were reported, but the incident has reignited the debate on encroachments near critical rail infrastructure.
Horror in Gujarat School In a shocking incident in Dahod, Gujarat, a 7-year-old girl was sexually assaulted within school premises.
Police reports state the accused, a man unrelated to the school staff, scaled the wall and administered an injection to the child before assaulting her.
The accused has been arrested, and the state government has ordered a safety audit of all primary schools in the district.
### Our Analysis The Mumbai fire highlights the perennial urban governance failure regarding slum rehabilitation, which directly impacts the city’s economic lifeline—the local trains. Politically, Ajit Pawar’s blunder in Malegaon overshadows everything.
It hands the MVA a potent weapon to paint the ruling alliance as arrogant and transactional.
If this narrative sticks, it could severely damage the NCP’s strike rate in the upcoming civic polls, potentially forcing the BJP to rethink its reliance on Pawar.
REGIONAL FOCUS - CENTRAL INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Madhya Pradesh: CM Mohan Yadav visits Greenko HQ in Hyderabad to solicit investment.
- Pension Fraud: Case booked against 11 officials in Kadur for granting old-age pensions to under-60s.
- Chhattisgarh: Anti-Naxal operations intensified in Bastar following intelligence inputs.
MP CM’s Investment Hunt in Hyderabad Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav spent the day in Hyderabad, visiting the headquarters of Greenko Group.
The CM is pitching MP as the “Green Energy Hub” of India, offering land banks in the Rewa and Sagar districts for renewable energy projects.
“MP is ready to power India’s future,” Yadav tweeted, securing a preliminary commitment for a 500MW solar park.
Pension Scam Unearthed A significant corruption scandal has surfaced in Kadur, where police have booked 11 government officials for falsifying records. The officials allegedly granted “Old Age Pensions” to hundreds of individuals below the age of 60 in exchange for bribes.
The scam was uncovered during a routine audit by the district collectorate.
### Our Analysis CM Yadav’s aggressive wooing of southern capital demonstrates a shift in MP’s economic strategy—moving beyond agriculture to high-tech energy. It also signals competition among BJP-ruled states to align with PM Modi’s green energy goals.
However, the pension scam in Kadur reveals the persistent “last-mile” corruption that plagues welfare delivery.
For the BJP, cleaning up this administrative rot is crucial to maintaining its “good governance” credibility among the rural poor.
KEY VOICES & STRATEGIC ANALYSIS
- “You have votes, I have funds. If you reject, I will also reject.” — Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM, Maharashtra.
- Our Analysis: This is a classic “transactional politics” slip-up. While patronage is an open secret in Indian politics, vocalizing it as a threat breaches democratic norms. It indicates Pawar’s insecurity about his hold on the electorate and gives the Opposition a perfect narrative of “arrogance vs. people’s will.”
- “Terrorism derives its financial oxygen from the narcotics trade.” — PM Narendra Modi at G20.
- Our Analysis: By linking drugs and terror, Modi is aligning India’s security interests with global concerns (like the fentanyl crisis in the West). This ensures that India’s cross-border terror concerns are framed as a global financial crime issue, making it harder for nations to ignore.
- “It was one of those days where you see the ball like a football.” — Travis Head.
- Our Analysis: Head’s comment reflects the supreme confidence of the current Australian side. It underscores a psychological dominance over England that goes beyond skill—they are playing with a freedom that England’s “Bazball” claims to have, but currently lacks.
- “If they [Mamdani & Trump] can talk, why can’t we?” — Shashi Tharoor.
- Our Analysis: Tharoor is attempting to position the Congress as the “reasonable” party open to dialogue, contrasting it with the BJP’s perceived rigidity. However, it also highlights the Congress’s internal struggle to find a coherent strategy to counter the BJP’s ideological dominance.
- “We will not let an inch of fertile land turn into concrete.” — M.R.K. Panneerselvam, TN Minister.
- Our Analysis: This is pure protectionist populism designed to secure the agrarian vote in the Delta. While politically astute for the DMK, it raises long-term questions about Tamil Nadu’s industrial land bank and balanced regional development.
SOCIAL MEDIA & PUBLIC SENTIMENT
Top Trends:
- #AjitPawar (Trending National)
- Context: His “funds for votes” remark.
- Sentiment: Overwhelmingly Negative. Users are sharing the video with captions like “Democracy for Sale” and demanding EC action.
- Impact Analysis: This trend is damaging the Mahayuti alliance’s image among the urban middle class, who view such statements as crude and undemocratic.
- #TravisHead (Trending Sports)
- Context: His 123-run knock.
- Sentiment: Euphoric (among cricket fans) / Trolling (towards England). Memes mocking “Bazball” are viral.
- Impact Analysis: Reinforces the global perception of Australian dominance in cricket.
- #JusticeForZubeen (Trending Northeast)
- Context: SIT raids in Guwahati.
- Sentiment: Emotional/Angry. Fans are demanding immediate arrests and alleging a conspiracy.
- Impact Analysis: This trend keeps the pressure on the Assam government. They cannot afford to let the investigation drag on, or they risk a youth backlash.
- #KartikAaryan (Trending Entertainment)
- Context: Birthday and Teaser launch.
- Sentiment: Positive/Excited. The “chocolate boy” image is working well for the Christmas release hype.
- Impact Analysis: Good initial buzz for the movie, translating to strong potential opening numbers.
- #DelhiChokes (Trending Delhi)
- Context: AQI hitting 400+.
- Sentiment: Frustrated/Hopeless. Residents are posting pictures of smog towers and grey skies, tagging the CM and PM.
- Impact Analysis: Normalization of the crisis. The outrage is high but resignation is setting in, which is dangerous for political accountability—voters may stop expecting clean air as a deliverable.
