BHOPAL/KOLKATA – In a weekend of significant administrative and political shifts, the Government of India has announced a major overhaul of its premier think-tank, NITI Aayog, while the Opposition in Madhya Pradesh has intensified its demands for immediate electoral reforms regarding women’s representation.
The developments, occurring between April 25 and 26, 2026, reflect a dual focus on scientific expertise in policymaking and a sharpening of the political narrative ahead of upcoming legislative sessions.
Amit Shah Congratulates Prof. Gobardhan Das on NITI Aayog Appointment
Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Prof. Gobardhan Das, the Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, in Kolkata on Saturday. The meeting followed the official announcement of the reconstitution of NITI Aayog, where Prof. Das has been named a Full-Time Member.
Shah lauded the appointment, noting Prof. Das’s “seminal contributions to molecular science and immunology.” Taking to social media, the Home Minister stated:
Prof. Das, an expert in immunology, expressed his commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized the importance of framing policies that bridge the gap between advanced research and rural development, particularly for the farming community.
Jitu Patwari Challenges PM Modi: “Implement Reservation on Current 543 Seats”
Simultaneously, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitendra (Jitu) Patwari launched a fresh offensive against the ruling BJP regarding the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Patwari accused the Prime Minister of using the Women’s Reservation Bill as a “political tool” rather than a genuine empowerment measure.
Addressing a gathering, Patwari argued that the government’s insistence on waiting for the census and delimitation process is an unnecessary delay.
By demanding the implementation of the 33% quota on the current Lok Sabha strength, the Congress is attempting to force a legislative showdown. Patwari’s strategy aims to highlight that the benefits of the bill might not reach women until 2029 or beyond under the current timeline.
The NITI Aayog Revamp: A Mix of Experts
The appointment of Prof. Das is part of a broader “biggest revamp” of NITI Aayog since its inception. The new-look team, under Vice-Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri, includes:
- Prof. Gobardhan Das: Immunology and Health.
- Dr. M. Srinivas (AIIMS Delhi Director): Healthcare and Public Health.
- Abhay Karandikar: Science and Technology.
- K. V. Raju: Agriculture and Rural Management.
The inclusion of Prof. Das—who has roots in West Bengal and leads a premier institution in Madhya Pradesh—serves as a strategic bridge between the academic excellence of central India and the policy requirements of the national capital.
A Weekend of “Mann Ki Baat” and Political Messaging
While the government focused on administrative appointments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 133rd episode of “Mann Ki Baat” on April 26 to urge citizens to explore the ‘Abhilekh Patal’ portal, a digital archive of India’s historical legacy.
In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav echoed the PM’s sentiments, using the broadcast to emphasize that the BJP’s vision for India is rooted in “cultural pride and scientific progress.” However, with the Opposition now focusing on the specific mechanics of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, the debate over women’s representation is expected to dominate the state assembly’s upcoming monsoon session.
