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.
If India wishes to unravel the complexities of Kashmir, constitutional autonomy is a pretty good starting point. The debate so far was dominated by people who never cared to understand the basic issues.
There’s no confirmation that Natasa Stankovic and Hardik Pandya are actually heading for a divorce. But the meme factory has already gone into overdrive.
This year, govt announced that 2nd and not 3rd revised estimates would be final. Here’s inside story on how this was achieved without compromising on quality of data.
With Modi govt granting a one-month extension to Gen Manoj Pande, others whose names were sent to the Cabinet Committee on Appointments are strong contenders now.
Discussion about outcome of Lok Sabha polls continues to boil in cauldron of expectations only from BJP. Now reverse this equation, what if we asked about the performance of the 'loser'?
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