Shekhar Gupta argues that for a rapidly declining and self-destructive Congress to rejuvenate, change should first come from the top, i,.e., the Gandhi family.
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.
Through film, textile, scent, sound, and gesture, spectators are invited to descend into an immersive environment where inherited knowledge seeps through material and form.
November exports to the US saw 10% growth from the previous month. Overall, in the first 8 months this fiscal, the merchandise exports to the US touched has touched $59bn.
Of the total package, $649 million will be utilised for additional hardware, software, and support services, and the remaining for Major Defence Equipment (MDE).
Don’t blame misfortune. This is colossal incompetence and insensitivity. So bad, heads would have rolled even in the old PSU-era Indian Airlines and Air India.
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