Haryana and Maharashtra poll verdicts have a timely message for the BJP. It may still be the lead choice, but voters are no longer persuaded by its excessive focus on hyper-nationalism around India-Pakistan relations and divisive issues like the NRC. Fixing the flailing economy must be its top priority now.
Kartarpur a good accomplishment but it’s not an accurate indicator of India-Pakistan ties
The signing of the Kartarpur corridor agreement with Pakistan is a good, low-hanging accomplishment. But it’s neither an accurate indicator of the overall relationship nor can it be built upon. The problems between India and Pakistan have become far too deep and vexatious for policies of people-to-people contacts to fix.
Kartarpur agreement is reflection of deep desire of friendship of Punjabis on both sides of border. Initiated by General Bajwaa a Jat Punjabi in his hug with Sidhu a Sikh Punjabi, Kartarpur shpws that as Punjab suffered most since partition, the local sentiment should be given priority.If it was left to Punjabis on both sides a solution to even Kashmir dispute would also come !!!
As a sentimental Punjabi, would wish to agree with you, but the issues are more complex than that.
Can Fred Olsen’s Braemar make a U-turn in Corinth Canal? If not then how does one expect BJP to make a detour from hyper-nationalism?
How else does one explain the stunning loss of vote share in Haryana, in just five months ? 2. Some people are making the case that without Article 370, the outcome in both states would have been even worse. Perhaps, perhaps not. Recall the fatuous heading of Yogendra Yadav’s recent column, suggesting that electoral victories are now independent of economic outcomes. 3. Whether payback for two successive clear mandates or investment for future victories, the incumbent should ensure that Indian children get more / better than roti or chawal with namak in their midday meals. 4. Today’s results have the subtlety of a thunderclap for all participants in Indian politics.
Pakistan has become deeply enmeshed in domestic politics, in a way that China has not. That needs to be worked on patiently, disentangled. The small gesture – one cannot call it anything more – on the Kartarpur Corridor may not quite be the coming shown of the Berlin Wall, but it does suggest that the two sides can insulate something that is precious from the surrounding gloom. Could we not do that for sport, cultural exchanges, liberal grant of visas, including for medical treatment. Even trade. 2. One would respectfully urge reconsideration of the policy. Of No talks.