BUSINESS
Political space finally opens for Rajini in TN, but he’s squandering it
AIADMK’s decline in Tamil Nadu follows perceptions that it is remote controlled by BJP. This offers an opportunity for Rajinikanth, fresh off the massive hit film Jailer. But he is missing a trick if he draws close to BJP, as its political positioning to AIADMK’s right has limited traction in TN
BUSINESS
BJP hotly coveted NCP defectors for two good reasons: Winnability, Cooperative Heft
Unlike Shiv Sena’s emotive appeal to its voters, NCP’s base rests on control over agri cooperatives. This forces farmers to align with its netas, even when they shift loyalties, because proximity to power helps. Post-2014 data shows NCP defectors are 3x more likely to win than other turncoats. Can Sharad Pawar’s emotional card undercut NCP defectors’ economic bonds with voters?
WORLD
After Nahel’s killing and the rioting, France must revisit its colour-blind approach
Despite racism running deep in its society and in its policing system, the French have held on to a preposterous “colourblind” policy maintaining that there is no institutional racism in France. Failure to work towards long-term and institutional solutions ensures anger against police brutalities and racial discrimination is quick to surface
POLITICS
Why assembly polls in Assam are important for BJP
The BJP looks invincible when it is the challenger to the throne, but seems vulnerable while defending governments in the states
