India

Why Rahul Is Popular

Rahul Pandita

A lot of them, men and women, upper caste Hindus and Dalits, young and old, find Rahul “clean, accessible and energetic”. His looks count for something too.

The 110% Rahul Effect

Rahul Pandita

His life’s been such an unredeemed saga of misery that Baichulal Harijan has often wished himself dead. He believes Rahul might be able to turn it around for him.

India This Week

Open

BJP-SAD discord; Smoking fines; Condom as an election symbol; Naxal plans backfire; Land-related carnage in Bihar

Floods of Fury

Anil B. Lulla

The governments of deluged Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have been hurling blame around. Thankfully, there were actual rescuers at work too.

More Marxist Than Thou

Dhirendra K. Jha

If you think Prakash Karat would be lying low after his party’s recent rout, think again. He’s back at the helm with a grand plan for change

Thackeray Cousins at War

Haima Deshpande

They were supposed to go for the Maharashtra government’s jugular. Instead, they’re at each other’s throats.

Boy Who Burst out of His Bubble

Rahul Pandita

He spoke of his Dream India where everyone could dream freely. Tsk, tsk, we said. Then came the electoral tests. He lost some, won some. But now he finally has our attention.

India This Week

Open

Politicians nearing retirement; Gang wars in Byculla; Trouble for Amar Singh; India yields on carbon emissions; Risky homecoming for Kashmiri Pandits

Anyone Seen Her Lately?

KA Shaji

The Lady of Poes Garden has vanished from Chennai to a little known tea garden in the Nilgiris. Tamil politics awaits her return, stars willing.

Remember when Haryana politics was about the many shades of Lal—Devi, Bansi, Bhajan? Now, the sons are trying to ride piggyback on their fathers’ fame, but they are unlikely to find much joy in this election.