Politics News - Page 8

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.

Raj Thackeray: Will he grab this moment?
Raj Thackeray has emerged as a useful ally for the Shiv Sena and BJP. To the NCP and the Congress, he would be a worry. Thus, all parties are on notice because, now, Raj Thackeray has a strategy.

What Manmohan Singh won't say on Independence Day
The Prime Minister is not known for speaking his mind. But if he decided to break protocol and address the nation on Independence Day, here's what he might be expected to say.

How Parliament's monsoon session will flop thanks to coal-gate
Here's why coal gate and CAG will ensure that nothing productive is going to happen in the monsoon session of Parliament.

Why do our criminal politicians need guns?
Why do our politicians need guns given that they already have police protection? What makes it worse is the fact that most of our gunslinger MPs have criminal cases against them.

Is the religion of Marx now in self-destruct mode?
The fallout from the troubles of the CPI (M), including alleged murders in Kerala, and a violent strike in support of the alleged murderer, raises questions

Chess and poker: The way Pawar plays his political games
It is hard to see through the NCP chief’s politics. He is brilliant at keeping everyone guessing.

Pawar, Pranab, Thackeray: What’s the fuss about No 2?
Placements, as at a high table at a dinner, matter. If it is a buffet, it does not. Politics is after all the latter where you reach the food tables first and grab as much as you can and hope you move right up to the top.

How to use an SMS to know the secrets of our netas
Can an SMS be used to know our netas better and help us make better choices during elections? Evidently.

UP Assembly thugs: How Akhilesh has broken his promise
In the first part of a series looking at criminals in state assemblies, we turn our gaze to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly which according to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was to be cleaned of all criminals and lumpen elements.