MEA in wait-and-watch mode on Hormuz Toll by Iran?

The government is keeping a wait-and-watch approach on Iran’s reported toll plan for the Strait of Hormuz, treating it as a signal that could still be a negotiating threat rather than a firm enforcement policy. MEA wants to see whether Tehran is only posturing or will actually stop friendly vessels, including Indian-flagged ships, from transiting safely.

That distinction matters because Iran has suggested the strait remains open for “friendly” nations, while reports also indicate tighter screening, passage fees, and threats against ships that do not seek permission. India’s concern is immediate maritime security and energy flows, so the ministry is monitoring whether this becomes selective access or a broader disruption.

The message from New Delhi is clear: avoid escalation, keep shipping safe, and judge Iran by what it does on the water, not only by what it says.

BJP Accelerates Uniform Civil Code Rollout Across States

The Bharatiya Janata Party is learnt to have directed all BJP-ruled states to prepare and implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before the July 15 deadline, signalling a determined push to translate its long-standing ideological promise of “one nation, one law” into reality. In Madhya Pradesh, the state cabinet finalised a detailed UCC report on April 7, modelled largely on Uttarakhand’s 2024 code and Gujarat’s framework. The state is poised to notify and implement the code by the end of April, making it one of the first major states to do so, disclosed sources in the secretariat.

Key provisions expected in MP’s UCC include equal inheritance rights for men and women across religions, a uniform minimum age for marriage, prohibition of polygamy, and mandatory registration of live-in relationships, with safeguards for tribal customary laws.

MP BJP leaders are also likely to meet the national leadership in New Delhi on April 22 to coordinate implementation strategies, amid assembly elections in five states. The timing appears strategic: the party aims to create successful state-level templates, demonstrate progress on gender justice and national integration, and build momentum for eventual nationwide legislation.

While the BJP projects the UCC as fulfilment of Article 44 and a step towards ending discriminatory personal laws, critics view it as majoritarian overreach that threatens minority rights and cultural diversity. The Supreme Court’s past observations lend constitutional weight to the reform. If executed smoothly, Madhya Pradesh’s early rollout could serve as a crucial test case for the BJP’s broader political project.

Raghav Chadha Highly Unlikely To Launch His Own Front, Or Join Any Other Party. Likely To Become Another Swati Maliwal?

According to exclusive sources, Raghav Chadha is highly unlikely to launch his own political party or defect to BJP or Congress amid recent AAP internal tensions. Recent developments, including his April 2026 demotion from Rajya Sabha deputy leader—replaced by Ashok Mittal and restrictions on his speaking time, mirror Swati Maliwal's sidelining, signaling a pattern of curbing dissenters.

Chadha, a Punjab-elected Rajya Sabha MP with his term secure until 2028, has responded defiantly via social media videos, declaring himself "silenced but not defeated" while highlighting public issues like inflation and adulterated food. AAP leaders like Saurabh Bharadwaj accused him of "soft PR" over aggressive anti-government stances, escalating the rift without pushing him out.

He is poised to emulate Maliwal as a vocal internal critic, leveraging his Rajya Sabha position to challenge AAP leadership on policy and strategy from within. Speculation on exits persists, but sources indicate he stays put, avoiding the risks of a solo venture or national party switches. This positions Chadha as AAP's potential thorn, testing Arvind Kejriwal's control ahead of key elections.