Topic: Parliament

The UP election results earlier this year signaled a growing support among the Dalits for the BJP. This was followed by NDA fielding Ram Nath Kovind as its presidential candidate, forcing the opposition to field another Dalit, Meira Kumar, as his rival. Then last week, Mayawati resigned from the Rajya Sabha, protesting against what she said was the attitude of the ruling party to suppress her voice raising Dalit issues. As parties from across the spectrum aggressively target and woo the Dalit community, what is the future of exclusive appeals by smaller parties? We ask experts.

Opposition parties likely to submit dissent note after amendments rejected ANUBHUTI VISHNOI

Leaders such as Chidambaram and Jyotiraditya Scindia did not want the party to boycott the GST launch. But the line of Sonia and Rahul prevailed. RUHI TEWARI

Civilised, mature democracies demand, and deserve, better governance. They do not enact bad laws in a hurry.

Before the next Parliamentary session, it is important to analyse the scandals, cover-ups and popular anger around the Lokpal Bill that threatened to collapse the system.

With decline in Centre's powers & rise in state's bargaining powers, people now see their CM as the main reason they vote for one party — there is more to this power than protocol.

India is now far from setting the standards for the newer, less mature democracies to aspire to. It has regressed.