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CAS – medicine worse than disease: Uddhav Thackeray
MUMBAI: Hindu Hridaysamrat (emperor of Hindu hearts) Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray might not have been able to make it to the CODA (Cable Operators and Distributors Association) meeting in Mumbai but his son and anointed heir Sena president Uddhav Thackeray did come and make his mark. The younger Thackeray played to the gallery (and yes there were claps galore) when he said that the conditional access system (CAS) is a medicine worse than the disease.
While addressing nearly 1,500 Mumbai-based cable operators at the Rang Sharda Auditorium in Bandra (a Mumbai suburb), the younger Thackeray asserted that the I&B ministry has erred in the implementation of the conditional access system (CAS). He congratulated the assembled cable operators and sought a pledge from them – “Promise me that you will remain united and fight against the efforts of multi-system operators (MSOs) and broadcasters who try to divide and rule you. Remember, Balasaheb Thackeray and the Sena might is behind you!”
Earlier in his speech, Uddhav Thackeray apologised for the absence of Balasaheb Thackeray but reiterated: “The very fact that I am here proves that Balasaheb is backing you wholeheartedly. Balasaheb is a brahmashtra (powerful weapon used by Hindu gods in Indian mythology) and used be unleashed only if all other tools are rendered useless,” he added vehemently.
While claiming that the Central government is part and parcel of the coalition BJP-led government, Uddhav Thackeray said that the information and broadcasting ministry (I&B) has erred in the implementation of CAS in its current form. “Clearly, someone has wrongly advised them. Otherwise why should the government act if as someone is giving them supari (bribe money) for implementing CAS in this form?” he questioned and added, “The government should act like a facilitator overseeing things with authority; and a regulator – rather than doing vasuli (collections).”
But Thackeray stated that it was unfair that the I&B minister RS Prasad hadn’t provided answers to Balasaheb despite assuring him that he would allay all the concerns about CAS not being consumer friendly. Thackeray referred to the meeting earlier this year when Prasad visited Thackeray’s residence Matoshree (in Mumbai) with members of Parliament Pritish Nandy and Sanjay Nirupam.
When asked by indiantelevision.com whether the government should pass a notification clarifying things in lieu of the current situation, Thackeray refused to be drawn into controversies about technical matters. “According to the government, CAS is already on in Mumbai from 1 September – but this is only on paper.” While referring to CAS rollout in Chennai, Thackeray said: I have got reports that those Chennai residents who have invested in a set top box don’t seem to get pay channels whereas non STB homes seem to be getting all the channels. Anyway, Chennai residents seem to hate Hindi and therefore, the non-availablity of Hindi entertainment channels hardly bothers them.”
Talking about Delhi, Thackeray referred to the fact that Delhi’s Congress chief minister Sheila Dixit had clearly said that CAS was not consumer friendly and the fact that the I&B ministry decided to postpone CAS in Delhi citing the excuse of elections proves that the ministry knew that CAS would rub consumers the wrong way. “They postponed CAS in Delhi due to chunaav (elections); then why are they planning to put “chunna” (a colloquial slang phrase for conning someone) on Mumbai residents?” he thundered.
Appreciating the efforts of Shiva Sena Vibhag Pramukh and CODA president Anil Parab (who is also a CAS implementation panel member), Thackeray said: “I must specially congratulate Parab for taking Balasaheb’s cue and making efforts to bring all the cable operators under a single fold. He is a true Sena worker.”
Referring to the millions of slum dwellers in Mumbai, Thackeray said: “Watching these channels is the only source of entertainment for those residing in slums. As is it, Doordarshan has become Dukhdarshan (sad state of affairs) and these people cannot be forced to watch the pathetic free to air terrestrial channel. What would happen to these people if they were asked to pay in excess of Rs 400 per month for watching popular entertainment channels?” he questioned.
Emphatically stating that the Sena isn’t against technology, Thackeray said: “We never opposed the telecom revolution because the government didn’t prohibit consumers from having fixed phone lines in their houses. It opened doors for those who had the propensity to buy mobile phones; but now mobile phone airtime costs have reduced; wireless in local loop (WPP) technology has come in so on and so forth. This is really a revolution in the true sense,” he added.
Clearly stating that the dadagiri (rogue like attitude) of pay channels will not work in Mumbai, Thackeray urged the cable fraternity to remain united and fight the vested interests. He told the assembled gathering that the cable operator is the most important medium between the broadcasters and the consumers; no one can undermine their strength and push them to the background. “And we are with you!” he said while being cheered by the last mile operators.
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Induction cooktop demand spikes 30× amid LPG supply concerns
Supply worries linked to West Asia tensions push households and restaurants to turn to electric cooking alternatives
MUMBAI: As geopolitical tensions in West Asia ripple through global energy supply chains, the familiar blue flame in Indian kitchens is facing an unexpected challenger: electricity.
What began as concerns over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has quickly evolved into a technology-driven shift in cooking habits. Households across India are increasingly turning to induction cooktops and other electric appliances, initially as a backup but now, for many, a necessity.
A sudden surge in demand
Recent data from quick-commerce and grocery platform BigBasket highlights the scale of the shift. According to Seshu Kumar Tirumala, the company’s chief buying and merchandising officer, demand for induction cooktops has risen dramatically.
“Induction cooktops have seen a significant surge in demand, recording a fivefold jump on 10 March and a thirtyfold spike on 11 March,” Tirumala said.
The increase stands out sharply when compared with broader kitchen appliance trends. Most appliance categories are growing within 10 per cent of their typical demand levels, while induction cooktops have witnessed explosive growth as households rush to secure an alternative cooking option.
Major e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart have reported rising searches and orders for induction stoves. Quick-commerce apps such as Blinkit and Zepto have also witnessed stock shortages in major metropolitan areas including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
What was once considered a convenient appliance for hostels, small kitchens or occasional use has suddenly become an essential addition in many homes.
A crisis thousands of miles away
The trigger for this shift lies far beyond India’s kitchens.
Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Nearly 85 to 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports pass through this narrow waterway, making the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The ripple effects have been swift.
India currently meets roughly 60 per cent of its LPG demand through imports, and tightening global supply has already begun to affect domestic availability and prices.
Earlier this month, the price of domestic LPG cylinders increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders rose by more than Rs 114.
To discourage panic buying and hoarding, the government has also extended the mandatory waiting period between domestic refill bookings from 21 days to 25 days.
Restaurants feel the pressure
The strain is not limited to households. Restaurants, hotels and roadside eateries are also grappling with supply constraints as commercial LPG availability tightens under restrictions imposed through the Essential Commodities Act.
In cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, restaurant associations report that commercial LPG availability has dropped by as much as 75 per cent, forcing many establishments to rethink their kitchen operations.
Some restaurants have reduced menu offerings, while others are rapidly installing high-efficiency induction systems, creating hybrid kitchens where electricity now shares the workload with gas.
For smaller eateries and roadside dhabas, the shift is less about sustainability and more about survival.
A potential structural shift
The government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG crisis and has directed refineries to increase production to stabilise supply.
Nevertheless, the developments of March 2026 may already be triggering a longer-term behavioural shift.
For decades, LPG has been the backbone of cooking in Indian households. However, recent disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on a single fuel source.
Increasingly, households appear to be hedging against uncertainty by adopting electric cooking options to guard against price volatility and delivery delays.
If the current trend continues, the induction cooktop, once viewed as a niche appliance, could emerge as a quiet symbol of India’s evolving kitchen economy.
