India’s Top Political Stories This Month: What You Need to Know
Published: March 13, 2025
India’s political landscape has been dynamic this month, with significant developments across various sectors. From legislative reforms to high-profile legal battles and electoral campaigns, here’s an in-depth look at the top political stories shaping the nation.
1. Legislative Push to Boost Oil and Gas Exploration
In a strategic move to enhance energy security, India approved new legislation aimed at revitalizing oil and gas exploration. This amendment to the 1948 law on oil extraction seeks to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported crude oil, which constituted nearly 90% of consumption between April and December 2024. Key provisions of the law include policy stability, allowance for international arbitration, and extended lease periods to attract both domestic and international investors. Despite being the world’s third-largest carbon emitter, India emphasizes the necessity of utilizing available energy resources to fuel economic growth. The country’s energy demand continues to rise, currently at 5.5 million barrels of crude oil per day. Notably, partnerships with global entities, such as Brazil’s Petrobras, and agreements to increase American oil and gas exports to India, underscore the nation’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio.
2. Legal Disputes Over Import Restrictions in the Steel Industry
The industrial sector witnessed significant legal confrontations as ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India filed a lawsuit against the Indian government. The dispute arose from the government’s rejection of the company’s metallurgical coke (met coke) imports from Indonesia and Poland, following newly imposed import curbs with country-specific quotas. These restrictions, intended to support domestic suppliers, have been criticized by major companies concerned about the quality of local met coke. ArcelorMittal Nippon argues that the retroactive application of these curbs disrupts existing orders, threatening production capabilities and financial stability. Similarly, JSW Steel has initiated legal action over delays in clearing met coke imports. The Delhi High Court has mandated a government response to these challenges, highlighting the tension between protectionist policies and the operational needs of industry giants.
3. Proposal for a Domestic Coal Trading Exchange
In a bid to reform the coal sector, India has proposed establishing a coal trading exchange to streamline the buying and selling of domestically produced coal. This initiative aligns with the increased coal production by private companies, breaking the longstanding monopoly of state-run Coal India. Projections indicate that private sector production could reach 350-400 million metric tons by 2030. The proposed exchange aims to transition from the existing one-to-many sales model to a many-to-many platform, fostering competitive markets and enhancing efficiency. This marketplace would enable commercial miners, self-use miners, and public sector entities to sell surplus coal, reflecting a significant shift towards market-driven mechanisms in the coal industry.
4. Political Turmoil Following the Murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh
The brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the Sarpanch of Massajog village in Maharashtra’s Beed district, has sparked a political storm. Known for his rural development initiatives and staunch opposition to local extortion activities, Deshmukh was abducted and tortured on December 9, 2024. The assailants recorded videos of the atrocity, which later went viral, leading to widespread outrage. Investigations suggest the murder was linked to an extortion scheme targeting renewable energy firm Avaada Energy, with Deshmukh standing as an obstacle to the extortionists. The case has implicated individuals with political connections, leading to the resignation of Maharashtra’s Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Dhananjay Munde, after the arrest of his close associate. This incident has intensified debates on political accountability and law enforcement efficacy in the state.
5. Campaigns Heat Up for the 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly Election
As Delhi gears up for the 2025 Legislative Assembly election, major political parties have intensified their campaigns:
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): Led by Arvind Kejriwal, AAP has introduced schemes like the Mahila Samman Yojana, offering ₹2,100 monthly to women, and the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, providing ₹18,000 to temple priests and gurdwara granthis.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The BJP’s campaign, initiated with the Parivartan Yatra, focuses on alleged corruption within the AAP government. Their manifesto promises the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, granting ₹2,500 monthly to women, increased pensions for senior citizens, and affordable meals through Atal Canteens. The BJP also emphasizes implementing central schemes like the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, previously blocked by the AAP government.
Indian National Congress: The Congress party conducted the month-long Dilli Nyay Yatra, addressing issues such as pollution, inflation, and unemployment. Their manifesto proposes universal health insurance with coverage up to ₹25 lakhs for Delhi residents. Additionally, the Pyari Didi Yojana aims to provide ₹2,500 monthly to women, modeled after Karnataka’s Gruha Lakshmi scheme.
These developments set the stage for a highly contested election, with each party striving to address the electorate’s concerns through targeted policies and promises.
This month has been pivotal in shaping India’s political and industrial landscape. Legislative reforms in the energy sector aim to bolster self-reliance and economic growth. However, legal disputes in the steel industry and the coal sector’s proposed market reforms highlight the complexities of balancing protectionist policies with market efficiency. The tragic murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh underscores the pressing need for political accountability and robust law enforcement.
