Editorial

Modi Submits Meekly to US

ALL indications are that the second term of the Modi government will mark a further reinforcement of its role as a junior partner of the United States. This will, in turn, quicken the implementation of the neoliberal agenda and the consequent adverse impact on the lives of the people.In the period 2014-19, the Modi government took substantial steps to further interlink India strategically and militarily with the US. Agreements for logistic support and integration of military communication equipment were signed.

The Election Verdict

THE 17th Lok Sabha elections have resulted in the BJP and the NDA getting a decisive majority and the return of the Modi government to power.  The BJP has won an increased majority and the NDA has increased its overall tally.It seems that the BJP’s campaign projecting Modi as a strong leader and its communally tinged nationalism making use of the post-Pulwama situation and the Balakot strike  have succeeded in overcoming the real problems faced by the people under Modi rule – agrarian crisis, unemployment, deteriorating education and health facilities and continuous attacks on minorities, w

Modi’s Coalition Phobia

NOT a day passes in this election campaign without Narendra Modi attacking the mahagatbandhan or opposition alliance as a `mahamilavat’ (great adulteration) and depicting them as a bunch of power hungry opportunists. From the start of the campaign, a constant theme in Modi’s speeches has been how a mahamilavat government would jeopardise development; it will be a weak government which cannot ensure national security; and how the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh and other places is just an unprincipled and opportunist getting together to grab power for the pers

Supreme Court: Justice Denied

THE crisis that has gripped the Supreme Court in recent times has been further aggravated by the way in which the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and the Supreme Court have handled the accusation of sexual harassment leveled against the CJI himself in a written complaint made by a former Supreme Court employee, copies of which were given to all members of the Court. As a consequence, every effort should have been made to ensure complete transparency in the matter.

Protect Integrity of Election Commission

THE Election Commission performs a vital role in the parliamentary democratic system in India.  The Commission is the body authorised by the Constitution to conduct free and fair elections.  Article 324 (1) of the Constitution empowers the Commission with: “The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every state...”. The Commission has, over the last seven decades, fulfilled this responsibility in a manner which has enhanced the credibility of the electoral system in India

A Malign Symbol

PRAGYA Singh Thakur’s nomination as the BJP candidate from Bhopal constituency marks a significant and ominous moment in the 17th Lok Sabha election. This decision of the BJP is a declaration of its real platform for this election – an unapologetic hardline Hindutva with all its negative implications. Pragya Thakur is an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.

Scrap Electoral Bonds Now

THE electoral bonds scheme which came into effect in March 2018 is a brazen and opaque method to funnel corporate funds, kickbacks and black money into the ruling party’s coffers.That is why the CPI(M) challenged the scheme and the amendments made in the relevant laws in the Supreme Court. The Association for Democratic Reforms also petitioned the Court to strike down the scheme.

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