Author: Sumit Pande
In the ever-changing landscape of Indian politics, the Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray found itself pushed to the margins. But a surprising turn of events led to the party forming a government with the unlikely allies of NCP and Congress. The BJP, bruised by the new alliance, struck back to break both Shiv Sena and NCP to establish its own government. However, the 2024 Lok Sabha polls revealed the cracks in the NDA 2.0 alliance, with the BJP losing in key regions. As the Congress and NCP gain momentum in Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray’s Sena remains the odd one out in…
Congress is gearing up for a power-packed performance in the upcoming Haryana elections, with former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda leading the charge after a decade-long hiatus. In an interview, Hooda highlighted the party’s key focus on giving representation to all major communities and addressing critical issues plaguing the state. Highlighting the failures of the ruling BJP government, Hooda emphasized Congress’ track record of per capita income, employment generation, and farmer-friendly initiatives. He also shed light on the party’s commitment to providing two lakh permanent jobs and funding key promises by utilizing existing resources more effectively. Addressing concerns about party unity,…
The Union government’s decision to recruit senior and mid-career professionals in the Indian bureaucracy through lateral entry has sparked controversy. Critics question the rationale behind this move, prompting the government to withdraw its advertisement for 45 positions in 24 ministries. The debate over lateral entry stems from recommendations by various commissions over the years, including the Administrative Reforms Commission and the Constitution Review Commission. Proponents argue that specialists bring fresh perspectives and expertise to policymaking and implementation. While some argue that lateral entry bypasses reservation rules for SC, ST, and OBCs, the government emphasizes the need to uphold social justice.…
The upcoming Haryana elections present a crucial challenge for BJP, as Congress aims to make a comeback after a decade. BJP’s recent performance has been lackluster, prompting a change in leadership with Nayab Singh Saini taking over from Manohar Lal Khattar. However, this move did not yield desired results as BJP’s seat tally halved in the 2024 LS polls. Congress, on the other hand, has been successful in building alternative social coalitions, particularly with the Jat community. By attracting Dalit votes and promising to revoke certain schemes, Congress has been able to make significant progress. Disenchantment with regional parties like…
Surviving a century is a remarkable achievement for any regional political party, especially the Shiromani Akali Dal – the oldest in India. Established in 1920, the Akalis’ history reflects the turbulent times of the subcontinent, from Partition to Punjab militancy. Formed to liberate gurudwaras from British-appointed priests, the Akalis have faced both external and internal challenges. Recent electoral losses have emboldened dissent within the party, questioning Sukhbir Singh Badal’s leadership. The Akalis’ struggle intensified after consecutive defeats, prompting the “Akali Dal Bachao Leher” led by Bibi Jagir Kaur. The party faces a showdown in the upcoming Jalandhar West bye-election. Challenges…
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge envisions a resurgence similar to 2004 in the current Lok Sabha election, emphasizing the importance of unity among I.N.D.I.A partners to decide on leadership. In an exclusive interview with DH, Kharge shared his insights on the evolving political landscape ahead of the vote count on June 1. As the final phase of polling draws to a close, Kharge expresses optimism about the support garnered, citing a growing desire for change due to unfulfilled promises by Modi. He critiques Modi’s campaigning tactics, labeling them as diversionary tactics lacking substance on critical issues like inflation and unemployment. Reflecting…
The battleground of Uttar Pradesh’s 80 Lok Sabha seats holds the key to the upcoming national elections. In an exclusive interview with DH’s Political Editor Sumit Pande, former UP CM and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sheds light on the alliance’s strategy to challenge the BJP in the state. Akhilesh emphasizes the need for change and criticizes the Modi government’s performance. He points out discrepancies in representation and promises a government that serves all communities, not just the elite. Akhilesh discusses the SP’s efforts to broaden its base beyond the traditional Muslim-Yadav demographic, aiming to include marginalized communities in their…