Their courage unites them. Their worldview divides them. They represent a changing tide in Indian polity. Before the likes of Modi and Kejriwal came on the scene, it was felt that in Indian politics the meek will continue to inherit the world. The genuflectors will be crowned. Note how those in the prime-ministerial fray bowed to the powers that be. Except Rajiv Gandhi who came on a sympathy wave, every prime ministerial aspirant stooped to ascend. Indira Gandhi too was known as the Goongi … [Read more...] about Modi, Kejriwal and Shivakumar: What is common among them? What do they augur for Indian Polity?
Political
Medici, Modi And Moderation
If all his political colleagues started taking a strident tone, it would erode the aura of temperance that India is known for in the world. The Medici business family of Italy rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th century. They were well known for their banking prowess and are also credited for funding the renaissance in Italy through their patronage of art and philosophy. But the Medician patronage of the arts was not random. It was thoughtful and targeted. Medici wanted to use art to … [Read more...] about Medici, Modi And Moderation
Centre’s move to scrap MP airfare DA draws flak across party lines: Narendra Modi faces side-effects of political reform
Machiavelli said, "the ruler's virtuous actions can also bring harm". He cites the example of Pertinax, the Roman emperor who after taking over from his predecessor Commodus, mandated his soldiers to live an honest and Spartan life. These soldiers were accustomed to living licentiously under Commodus. They started hating Pertinax for withdrawing their privileges and he was overthrown and assassinated soon. His army then even auctioned the post of the emperor, bringing the state of affairs to an … [Read more...] about Centre’s move to scrap MP airfare DA draws flak across party lines: Narendra Modi faces side-effects of political reform
Karnataka fallout: BJP’s fierce pursuit of Congress-free India could hurt its chances in other polls, damage Narendra Modi’s image
Why did Narendra Modi allegedly allow horse-trading overtures in Karnataka though he swears to uproot corruption from public life? Which is part of a bigger question: Why don’t political leaders keep their promises? File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Getty images This phenomenon is best enunciated by Machiavelli in his seminal work Discourses on Livy, where he compares how the dilettante politician recognises the impracticality of the promises he made in the plaza (public … [Read more...] about Karnataka fallout: BJP’s fierce pursuit of Congress-free India could hurt its chances in other polls, damage Narendra Modi’s image
Five Wishes From The PM This Republic Day
Here is my take on the top five areas PM Narendra Modi could focus on - The last I wrote of my expectations from the PM was for his Independence Day speech. Some of the wishes I put forth must have been on his agenda as well, as I see some spur on these. Thought I must come up with the next set of asks from my PM on 69th Republic Day of India. So, for his consideration, here is my take on the top five areas he could focus on: 1. Avoid drastic interventions in Business - Factor in … [Read more...] about Five Wishes From The PM This Republic Day
Modi: The Much-Needed Antibiotic – Some Side Effects too
Any account of how the Modi government has fared on this front should begin with what the BJP promised in the 2014 election manifesto and whether and to what extent has it been able to keep these promises. Staying within the area of my expertise, I will restrict my argument to the medical technology and hospital sector and assess the government’s performance on some of the most important indices. These two sectors, coincidentally, are those where the government has been most active. The … [Read more...] about Modi: The Much-Needed Antibiotic – Some Side Effects too