Politics News - Page 8

Manmohan Singh had his shot: Give India's economy to someone else

Some new thinking and a new strategy may be needed that addresses the lack of internal economic dynamism rather than only attracting the easy money, which by most accounts isn't coming back any time soon

Ambedkar jayanti: It's not enough for parties to just break bread with Dalits

Six decades after the Constitution abolished untouchability, politicians can’t hope to woo Dalits by calling on them for supper. The poor and landless demand their due.

Best tribute to Ambedkar: don't treat Dalits with condescension

The Dalit story is a far more complex and multi-layered one. And, on Ambedkar Jayanti, it would be best for our tokenism-loving politicians across parties to keep that in mind.

MLAs vs cop: Lawmakers and their exaggerated sense of self-worth

A sense of power, a feeling that they are above all others, a thin skin, are what goes into making a people’s representatives’ fragile self-image.

India has become safer under Manmohan Singh

The numbers indicate that the Congress government is doing something spectacularly right, and it was actually the BJP that was soft on terror.

The confused criticism of Narendra Modi

Most critics of the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi have two sticks to beat him with - 2002 riots and malnourishment. Here's why they don't count.

Where the two PILs targeting political parties have reached

This write-up will focus on 2 such cases that could have far-reaching implications on the quality of politics as well as politicians.

Were Chautala supporters trying to browbeat the judiciary?

The trend of politicians resorting to show of strength when arrested or being punished by the judiciary must end.

Electoral reforms and India: Two PILs that you should keep your eye on

These two PILs could have far-reaching implications on the quality of politics as well as politicians in India.

Explaining the sound of Indian leaders' silence

All the protesters of the Delhi gangrape seemed to want is to talk, be heard. Seemed like the obvious thing to do. But no one did.

New Year resolutions for Sonia, Manmohan and Opposition

Some people don't make New Year resolutions. We are doing so on their behalf in the hope they read it and do something about it

The dark, other side of Delhi rape: Lawbreakers as elected lawmakers

Revealing about how jurisprudence is sometimes the closet that hides political skeletons.

How to become a national leader: A three step guide for Modi

Three actions will show that Modi is not continuing with what has been a very communal rule in Gujarat.

Delhi rape debate in parliament: Will our leaders unite over other issues?

There was that unspoken acknowledgement that Indians were people, and that the people can be outraged and be demanding. The attempt to sync with the justified popular mood was visible. They spoke like the people they represent would speak if on the same platform.

Usual Suspects headed for Gujarat Assembly!

In a recently released report by Gujarat Election Watch, which has analyzed the affidavits of 482 out of the 846 candidates who are contesting first phase of Gujarat Elections, the facts that jump out are irrefutably monstrous.

MNS leader slaps senior citizen, refuses to apologise

Aggressive physical intervention by MNS and the Shiv Sena is not unusual and is seen as a part of their rabid political culture where despite being in elected offices, they cannot give up on street actions.

Why it's futile to hope the Shiv Sena will change its ways

The sense of dignity displayed by sainiks on the day of Balasaheb Thackeray's funeral was an exception. They are back to their old ways again.

The importance of Bal Thackeray’s Dainik Saamana

Bal Thackeray used Saamana as the window to his mind, and Sevaks used it as a paper for direction. Even after Thackeray's death it will remain an important way to connect to its six lakh readers.

Rahul Gandhi: PM-in-waiting despite all this?

Given his sketchy record in Indian politics, should Rahul Gandhi be heralded as the next head of the Congress and PM in waiting?

Rich Jamai Raja, poor Sasu-Ma and the 'untouchables'

India has been reduced to a Scamrashtra. Laughably fatuous protestations to the contrary, by formulaic polemicists notwithstanding.

Message to Kejriwal: Take the political class on at the grassroots

The current strategy to tilt at the top of the pyramid serves limited purpose.

How does the Congress solve a problem like Robert Vadra

To maintain their image as clean politicians, and they still have it, the Gandhi family must without delay set up an investigation into Vadra’s business deals.

Dear Kejriwal, here's why 'direct democracy' doesn't work

Arvind Kejriwal is pitching for 'direct democracy'. But democratic opinion is not always infallible. And it is susceptible to demogoguery. A civilization lesson on the perils of heeding the 'pasion of the mobs'.

Electoral Reforms: Why 26 September could be an important day

On 26 September the CIC has asked all office bearers of political parties to present themselves to explain why they haven't given information on their sources of funding.

Electoral reforms: How secret is your ballot?

Has the lack of electoral reforms prevented India from choosing political leaders of its choice?

How will Modi explain his minister's role in the riots?

What can be said of civil society in Gujarat when its minister for women development and child welfare is convicted of rioting against women and children?

Does a disrupted Parliament mean electoral reforms are in the offing?

The Indian political establishment has strenuously opposed all attempts to clean it up but is there hope?

Raj Thackeray is wrong, but Bihar is a worse offender

The Bihar police is perhaps responsible for allowing Raj Thackeray to return to his favourite platform of migrant-bashing.

Grab-o-cracy and the 15 other forms of Democracy in India

While India is a democratic nation, there are various forms of it that can be seen throughout the country. Here's what some of them are like.

Raj Thackeray: The ultimate Hindutva hottie

With his new, younger, sexier avatar, this Marathi manoos is well on his way to gaining a devoted female following. Meet the ultimate political poster-boy, in the literal sense of the word.