POLITICS
Comment | BJP should not have aligned with a weak AIADMK in Tamil Nadu
The BJP should have either fought the polls on its own, or, should have settled for an alliance with other parties (such as the PMK) excluding the AIADMK.
POLITICS
Comment | The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is a victory for Uddhav Thackeray
Why is the BJP mellowing in Maharashtra and accommodating the Shiv Sena — a party that has for the past four years criticised the BJP governments at the Centre and state?
POLITICS
Comment | General Elections 2019: Rajinikanth takes a big political gamble
When the 2021 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu take place, Rajinikanth will be 70 years old. Unless there are tectonic shifts in Tamil Nadu politics, it’s difficult for Rajinikanth to get a party up and running in such a short while.
POLITICS
Opinion | Anti-BJP opposition parties cannot ignore the Congress
Opposition unity has strengthened over the past few weeks and is likely to further solidify. However, its electoral benefits might be limited — particularly if the Congress is kept out of the equation.
POLITICS
Comment | Why Karnataka will be tricky for BJP
The BJP state unit Karnataka is on the back foot and Narendra Modi should avoid be seen as interfering in state politics.
POLITICS
Comment | Kerala's fishermen deserve the Nobel Peace Prize
Kerala’s fishermen have been recognised for their efforts by the state government and various organisations. Perhaps there's still this incomplete expression of gratitude which wants to see them being recognised at an international level.
POLITICS
Comment | Why Robert Vadra’s ED case will directly impact Priyanka’s political innings
Much will depend on how the Congress deals with the developments in the days ahead.
POLITICS
In Other Words | HD Kumaraswamy and the art of coalition navarasas
It is doubtful whether India has seen a Chief Minister who has emoted so much in such a short span of time.
POLITICS
Opinion | Mamata Banerjee’s dharna is a high-stakes political game
If Mamata Banerjee is in her elements as a protester, the BJP is a party that itches for a confrontation, especially in West Bengal. By now it is clear that the BJP is betting big on West Bengal.
POLITICS
Comment | This Interim Budget was no dead rubber
The interim budget has taken the wind out of the Opposition’s sails — at least for the time being. However, does the government’s offensive move betray the BJP’s fears about the upcoming Lok Sabha polls?
POLITICS
In Other Words | BJP is SEETA, Congress and others are GEETA
The BJP’s acronyms can be largely classified into two categories: the HAHAs for political rivals and the SAMOSAs for government schemes.
POLITICS
Opinion | BJP has an opportunity in Tamil Nadu and must seize it
Rather than forming an alliance with a weak AIADMK, the BJP must fight the polls on its own.
POLITICS
Quick Take | Will this election see communal polarisation? Anantkumar Hegde gives a hint
If Anantkumar Hegde is still a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s council of ministers, one would presume it is because the party sees a successful leader in him.
POLITICS
Quick Take: What Nitin Gadkari’s statement tells us about BJP and elections
The timing of Gadkari’s statement is intriguing, and gives weight to the speculations.
POLITICS
100-Word Take | Congress’ decision to go alone in Andhra Pradesh a bold and wise one
Rahul Gandhi’s decision to not form an alliance with the TDP in Andhra Pradesh for the elections is in line with his larger goal of rebuilding the Congress in the state. With no MLAs or MPs from the state the party can only improve from here.
POLITICS
Quick Take | Will Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into politics help Congress in UP?
Priyanka Gandhi’s entry as a general secretary will strengthen the accusation by other parties that the Congress is overly reliant and run by a single family. Expect the BJP to use this as ammunition during the election campaign.
POLITICS
Quick Take | Why are Congress and other parties bringing the EVM hacking theory now?
The seasonal fluctuations displayed by political parties which blame the EVM when they lose an election and keep quiet when they win reeks of political duplicity
POLITICS
Quick Take | Mamata’s anti-BJP rally also sends a message to Congress
The Kolkata rally is the latest display of opposition unity in the run-up to the general elections.
POLITICS
100-Word Take | In Karnataka poaching drama, a warning for Congress
The developments in Karnataka will take the fizz out of Congress’ victory in forming governments in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
POLITICS
Quick Take | ‘BJP like Hitler’: Arvind Kejriwal’s fear-mongering is in bad taste
Political leaders, especially senior members holding important constitutional posts, must not resort to fear-mongering to meet their political ends.
POLITICS
Opinion | BSP-SP alliance is good news for Congress, but bad news for BJP
The alliance could be a formidable challenge for the BJP which is on the back foot. Going alone is likely to benefit the Congress.
POLITICS
Quick Take | Lok Sabha polls: Will a delay in Ayodhya verdict affect BJP?
An overt focus on religion and communal issues in the run-up to the polls could backfire on the BJP as it is yet to build the temple in Ayodhya.
POLITICS
Quick Take | A lesson for political parties in AIADMK’s Pongal sop opera
Political parties need to ask themselves if they are morally on the right side when they entice voters with ‘welfare schemes’. The electorate needs to ask itself if it has no compunctions in falling for such promises.
POLITICS
Quick Take | 10% reservation for EWS an astute political move
Some political parties are calling the government’s decision to introduce 10% reservation to EWS a ‘jumla’. This criticism will fall flat if the Bill is passed in Parliament.
