The sequence of events since the Anna Hazare movement suggests a conspiratorial political roadmap. Was a movement spearheaded by India against Corruption during the UPA-II period created by the RSS? Were Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal propped up by the Hindutva mother-body? These are not new questions and the RSS itself would perhaps not fight …
The present policy of ‘lockdown without preparation’ generates a suspicion about the intent of the ruling class. Even as the question why, in the first place, the lockdown was announced without an iota of preparation, remains to be answered, the delay of one full month to come up with any substantial relief to the migrant …
Over the past month, Uddhav Thackeray has emerged as a new rallying point for almost all the non-BJP folks in the state. Admiration for him increased to such an extent that a fairly successful I support Uddhav Thackeray campaign was trending on social media. The arrest of a television reporter in Mumbai has led to …
Today, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is offering an alternative political platform to Shiv Sena’s Hindutva politics. But we need to see how long Raj Thackeray’s new theatrics last, and how much of an impact it will create in the state’s politics. It is a déjà vu moment in Maharashtra’s politics, particularly in Mumbai. Raj Thackeray, in a …
On the outset, the ministry’s expansion seems to be successful, not only in striking a social and regional balance, but also in terms of posing a challenge to the BJP’s socio-organizational dominance. The long-awaited expansion of Maharashtra’s Uddhav Thackeray-led government happened without many surprises. The delay in the ministry’s expansion was not unexpected, as was …
Prabodhankar Thackeray’s lofty legacy is knocking at the doors of Uddhav Thackeray and the Shiv Sena today. Will it prevail? “There is always a sacred veil to be drawn over the beginnings of all governments.” This statement by Edmund Burke is used by the publisher in the preface of Uddhav Thackeray’s grandfather Keshav Sitaram Thackeray’s …
The relevance of Keshav Sitaram Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray’s grandfather Read More »
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision not to stake a claim to form a government in Maharashtra is significant for itself and Indian politics. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision not to stake a claim to form a government in Maharashtra is significant for itself and Indian politics. It is the first time since the 13-day-old government …
The space occupied by smaller parties is shrinking and the larger parties have become hegemons. These are not good signs for parliamentary democracy and really bad signs for a diverse and hierarchical society. The recent assembly election and its results in Maharashtra indicate the consolidation of the multi-party bipolar political system in the state. It’s …
The Shiv Sena needs legislative leaders but can’t trust anyone anymore. Hence, Aditya Thackeray is contesting from the Worli constituency in Mumbai. Aditya Thackeray’s decision to contest an assembly election is a significant departure from Shiv Sena’s rogue politics. Aditya’s grandfather and founder of Shiv Sena, Balasaheb Thackeray, always considered himself above the system. Balasaheb …
After facing multiple defections from the rank and file of his party in the last two months, Sharad Pawar hit the ground running with his 6-day whirlwind tour of Marathawada and Western Maharashtra. Sharad Pawar’s name was synonymous with power in Maharashtra for more than 3 decades. Today Pawar is fighting for survival against the …
