India’s Covid R-value rising above 1 and touching a five-month high of 1.17 is alarming. It’s highly irresponsible of Maharashtra BJP and Anna Hazare to protest seeking reopening of temples at this juncture in a badly hit state. This is the time to hunker down, not for gatherings or festivities.
Congress-Ajmal break-up in Assam signifies secular parties’ ideological dilemma
Assam Congress’ decision to sever ties with Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF is no surprise. Opportunistic alliances based on common maximum programme of securing power are inherently fragile. The break-up also signifies secular parties’ ideological dilemma rooted in the fear of pro-Muslim tag. And that’s the success of Hindu Right wing politics.
Mathura’s meat-liquor ban defies logic. Urban renewal shouldn’t be at the expense of livelihoods
Reversing the neglect of temple-towns is a good idea, but has to be done smartly and not at the expense of livelihoods and economic activity. Banning meat and liquor in Mathura and calling upon people to start selling milk runs counter to the logic of both urban renewal and preservation.