It is a touchingly funny spectacle, where every senior leader wants to be loved like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, but is beginning to speak the language of Modi of 2007, if not 2002.
Only two leaders have the strength, appeal & political wherewithal to break the two-decade stalemate in Indian politics with a big new idea: Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi.
BJP believes the CAG report on coal gives them their 2012 Bofors moment. But they also believe that a parliamentary discussion will dilute their case against Congress.
In its UP campaign, BJP has displayed all the weaknesses usually chronic to Congress: lack of a clear CM candidate, infighting, absence of a grassroots organisation & agenda.
The ordinance-mania is back in fashion. The recourse to amending the law or writing fresh legislation is a tempting escape for politicians from constitutional checks and balances.
Opposition is out of Parliament almost permanently, as was the case in the last months of Rajiv Gandhi's government. The two leading parties are not even on talking terms any more.
An ironical aspect of our reform's history has been opposition from within, stemming from unevolved intellect, inter-corporate lobbying or a clash of political ambitions.
As voters become more prosperous, acquire a greater stake in their lives and become more aware, they are rising above petty concerns, hatreds and prejudices when making an electoral choice.
It may be wishful thinking but this campaign in Gujarat may force both BJP and Congress towards the middle, with themes of governance, economic reform and better life.
In BJP’s history, this is the first election that will be won, if it is won, not by Vajpayee’s personal popularity or oratory, nor by Advani’s guile or alliance arithmetic.
In the world of ‘revenge bodies’ and ‘weight loss journeys’, it is wonderful to be unabashedly worshipped for one’s curves, as Colin does for Penelope in the famous ‘mirror scene’.
BJP alleges the hike will be put towards bankrolling Congress govt's 5 guarantees in Karnataka, while CM Siddaramaiah says hike is to 'increase resource mobilisation, increase income'.
NSA Ajit Doval met with US counterpart Jake Sullivan at 2nd meeting of initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology. Other areas of collaboration include space, biotechnology, AI.
Occasional lovers’ tiffs have marked history of RSS-BJP relations. To think that Nagpur will bring about any change in leadership is a misreading of both its intent and its power.
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