As India stands at a pivotal juncture—navigating global economic turbulence, bracing for high-stakes state elections, and witnessing social unrest both within and beyond its borders—the coming weeks promise to be anything but ordinary. On October 3, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a message of cautious optimism at the fourth edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave, even as tariff wars and geopolitical conflicts continue to rattle global markets. According to her, "Our capacity to absorb shocks is strong, while our economic leverage is evolving. Our choices will determine whether resilience becomes a foundation for leadership or merely a buffer against terrorism." Her remarks, reported by multiple outlets, underscored India’s focus on domestic resilience and the need to maintain an 8 percent GDP growth rate to achieve the ambitious 2047 'Viksit Bharat' target.
This call for economic steadiness comes amid a turbulent political climate in Bihar, where the upcoming state assembly elections are shaping up to be a fierce contest. The Election Commission is set to arrive in Patna for a crucial two-day review on October 4 and 5, meeting with political parties, security agencies, and top administrative officials to assess preparedness. According to sources cited by national dailies, the much-anticipated poll dates are likely to be announced around October 7 or 8, setting the stage for a November vote and a high-stakes battle for the future of the state.
But if there’s one name that’s been impossible to ignore in the Bihar political landscape of late, it’s Prashant Kishor. The political strategist-turned-candidate has launched the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), contesting all 243 seats in the assembly for the very first time. Since October 2022, Kishor has walked through more than 5,500 villages—a staggering feat in retail politics—eschewing grand rallies in favor of intimate, direct conversations with ordinary people. As reported by several surveys and news organizations, JSP’s grassroots approach is resonating, especially with urban youth. Pre-poll surveys suggest JSP could secure between 8% and 11% of the vote, potentially translating into 0 to 6 seats. While these numbers might seem modest, they are significant for a debut party, especially considering the JSP’s impact on the Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc) vote share.
Kishor’s rising popularity is reflected in the C-Voter survey released this week, which shows 23% of respondents preferring him as Chief Minister, narrowly ahead of incumbent Nitish Kumar (22%) and Tejashwi Yadav (20%). This marks a steady climb from just 14% in February 2025 and 21% in August. Kishor himself has framed the stakes starkly, telling supporters that JSP will either "finish first or last, with no middle ground." The ruling NDA, meanwhile, faces significant anti-incumbency headwinds, making JSP’s emergence as a "third force" a potential game-changer unless a major wave swings decisively for one of the established alliances.
While the political temperature in Bihar rises, controversy erupted on the national stage when Congress leader Udit Raj, speaking during the Dussehra festival, compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a "modern Ravan." His comment, "Modi ji is a symbol of modern Ravan. And the way he is building his golden palace, in which he is going to go, that golden palace will burn," quickly drew the ire of BJP leaders. Tom Barrakan, a BJP spokesperson, fired back, declaring, "The real Ravans are in the Congress party," and accused Udit Raj of hallucinating. As reported by multiple outlets, the BJP is expected to leverage this remark to rally its base on the Hindutva front—a tactic it has used to great effect in previous election cycles. With the Bihar assembly elections approaching, such emotionally charged exchanges are likely to intensify, potentially influencing voter sentiment in unpredictable ways.
Beyond India’s borders, unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has spilled over into Islamabad, shining a spotlight on the region’s deep-seated grievances. According to footage and eyewitness reports, police stormed the Islamabad Press Club, assaulting journalists and protesters who had gathered to demand political reforms. Demonstrations in cities like Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Kotli have been ongoing, with protesters calling for an end to what they see as government favoritism and military interference. Their demands include cutting down on the perks and benefits awarded to parliamentarians and abolishing the 12 assembly seats reserved for "Muhajirs," which, according to protesters, are used by the Pakistani establishment to maintain control and deny local rights. The unrest has reportedly led to casualties, and authorities have deployed a significant police presence in PoK to contain the situation. The story, covered by both Indian and international media, highlights the volatility of the region and the risks faced by journalists and activists attempting to cover or participate in the protests.
Meanwhile, in Oakville, Ontario, the South Asian diaspora is grappling with a different kind of tension. On September 25, 2025, Film.ca Cinemas—a popular venue for Indian film screenings—was the target of an arson attack, the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to its choice of programming. Security footage showed two suspects attempting to ignite the theatre’s entrance with red gas cans, following a pattern of threats and vandalism that management says is tied to their commitment to showcasing South Asian films. "We’ve faced vandalism and threats tied to the screening of Indian films before," the cinema’s management shared on social media. Despite the attacks, which fortunately resulted in no injuries, the cinema has suspended Indian film screenings for now but insists it remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive space for the community. The incident, reported widely in Canadian and Indian media, has sparked concern among immigrant communities about rising intolerance and the challenges of cultural expression abroad.
Back in Bihar, all eyes are on the Election Commission’s next move. The assembly’s term ends on November 22, 2025, and polling is expected to take place in two or three phases in November, with vote counting likely between November 15 and 20. For Prashant Kishor and the Jan Suraaj Party, the coming weeks will be a test of both organizational strength and the durability of their grassroots support. For the established parties, the challenge is to galvanize their bases and stem the tide of anti-incumbency. In the words of one political observer, "For a debut party, even a third-place finish is a solid start. What matters next is whether Kishor can hold firm without giving in. If he does, JSP could evolve into a serious third force by the next election."
From economic resilience and political drama to international unrest and cultural clashes, the headlines of early October 2025 offer a vivid snapshot of a world in flux—where every choice, every word, and every vote seems to carry more weight than ever before.
