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The Congress' failed Trio and Temple template

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The Gujarat elections proved to be much more engaging and competitive than expected, at least in the sense that the messaging and campaigning machinery of the BJP did not overwhelm all others. Hardik Patel, Alpesh Thakor, Jignesh Mewani and surprisingly even Rahul Gandhi presented a tough fight to BJP electioneering. Moreover, this was probably the first time that the Gujarat model of development has been challenged and gained wider traction among its usual audience of scholars and academics. What was different this time was that people on the ground such as farmers, Dalits, and allegedly even one of the BJP’s main bases, the traders and small businessmen have expressed dissatisfaction and questioned to some extent if the Gujarat model has actually delivered what it says it has. To some extent, the largely urban victories the BJP has managed should be a reason for pause for Amit Shah and Co., who would do well to work to recapture these seats the next time, or more crucially, in...
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India’s transportation giants: Lost In transit

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India’s transportation giants: Lost In transit In the early days after India’s Independence, a middle-aged Indian man was flying on an Air India flight. When his meal was served, the man realized that the lights above his head were too dim for him to see the food properly. After fiddling with the lights above his head for some time, the man gave up, took out a small notebook and scribbled down some notes. The next day, at Bombay House, the man, JRD Tata convened a meeting of Air India officials and asked them to improve the lighting above the passengers in their aircraft. The executives were a bit surprised by this odd suggestion, to which he said, “We serve such great food, shouldn’t our passengers be able to see it? All the aspects of our airline are critical. We are not merely a transport service; we are perfecting the art of passenger service in the airline industry.” This anecdote might hardly seem to be a story from Air India, considering the intractable mess it is now ...
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Nitish after Modi: Guha’s wish is likely to remain a pipe dream

Three recent incidents point to an unsettling scenario in Indian politics and the phenomenal divisions across the political sphere in India. The first incident was the inevitable start of yet another investigation of the Yadav family of Bihar; the beginning of yet another prolonged, protracted legal investigation into the misdeeds of the erstwhile feudal lords of Bihar. This incident has major ramifications for a large group of national political parties, who are dreaming of stitching together a coalition of parties which will challenge Modi and his BJP in the upcoming national elections. Such an alliance can seem to be formidable for at least eating votes away from the BJP and reducing its margin in crucial states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, if not outrightly winning the elections. However, the investigation into a major partner’s underhand dealings puts it at risk, and is likely to drive a wedge into it before talks of a large alliance begins. The second incid...
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Modi says, "Mazel tov"

The first few years after independence were marked with a cautious approach to foreign policy. As Nehru resolutely kept himself away from major tangles in the Cold War and engaged with Russia mainly fulfilling the needs of nascent India related to defence and security. Not just that, India sought a lot of help to sustain its wobbly economy and armed forces through imports and technology transfers. A major element of Nehru's tilt away from America was the cold shoulder given to Israel, a nation which many believed to be a natural ally to India. While Nehru sympathized with the plight of the Jews and the atrocities they faced during the Holocaust, he bluntly refused deep collaborations with Israel, nor did he support the formation of Israel very enthusiastically, although India formally recognized Israel in 1950. However, the world has shifted drastically since Nehru’s time. The current situation in the world is not very suitable for clinging to long time friendships, espec...
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