Smarting over the loss of face after the exodus of its OBC leaders, BJP in UP has retaliated by acquiring one from the Mulayam Singh Yadav clan. Such aggressive tit-for-tat moves by BJP and SP weeks before voting makes for sensational headlines, but again underlines ideology is fungible for them.
Modi govt vetoing states’ objection to sending IAS officers won’t solve Centre’s shortage
There’s no denying the shortage of IAS officers in the central government but Modi government’s proposal to arm itself with powers to veto states’ objections is a fraught move. Increasing recruitment, creating a central cadre, lateral entry, are better ideas than further rupturing relations between the central government and states.
Escalation in UAE-Saudi proxy war would harm India. Delhi must engage both countries
Tuesday’s drone strike on UAE by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, and subsequent retaliation by Saudi Arabia, raises fears that the two countries’ proxy war could intensify. Escalation would cripple India’s fuel supplies, and harm the 60 lakh diaspora in UAE and Saudi. India must engage both countries to avert this outcome.