Every time there is an oath-taking ceremony, MLAs do not follow the rules, which is to take the oath either in the name of God or the Constitution. Instead, they take the oath in the name of whomsoever they want. This time was no different, the MLAs began their stint as rule-makers by breaking the…
King Cong
May 20, 2023Soon after Congress got an overwhelming mandate, an otherwise stern and emotionless D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) shed tears of joy before the media. Now, he is probably shedding tears of disappointment as he did not get the Chief Minister’s chair. Unfortunate for a man who has been a Congress workhorse all his life. While many may…
Verdict 2023: Lessons & Warning
May 14, 2023What an emphatic victory for Congress and what a lesson the Karnataka voters have taught the State BJP that was corrupt, arrogant, incompetent and ill-prepared. The scale of Congress’ victory in the Karnataka Assembly elections is a record of both seats and vote share in over 30 years. The party has won 135 seats with…
Manifesto? Meh!
May 6, 2023Every year on the 25th of January, the Election Commission of India (ECI) releases advertisements asking voters to take a pledge which is to be an honest voter. That elaborate pledge seems redundant as I watch the caste and cash politics being played out before us. This year, the Election Commission has stated that there…
Garland Mania
April 22, 2023Come elections, I look forward to two things — manifestos and garlands. So far, no party has presented a manifesto. It’s an embarrassment in democratic politics. Sadly, no one is asking or talking about it. But garlands have become a talking point. The garlands this election have been outstanding as they have been outlandish. Garlands,…
Road to Riches!
April 15, 2023Since our NGOs are quiet, our Opposition parties are quiet, and we Mysureans are quiet about bad roads, we will only ever have bad roads. Our silence has paved a path of unpliable roads for us, and road to riches for them, the politicians. We deserve it. Elections are here and cosmetic tricks have begun…
Congress, seek Indian Voters’ Validation, not Western Nations’
April 1, 2023The Cuban people have a saying, given to them by José Martí, a Cuban literary figure: “Our wine may be bitter, but it’s our wine.” Meaning our government may not be perfect, but it is ours. Similarly, Indian Democracy has flaws, but it is our problem. All democracies have flaws, even the western ones and…
Criminal Defamation A Flawed Law
March 25, 2023Rahul Gandhi is no more a Member of Parliament. He has been disqualified because a Surat Court sentenced him to two years imprisonment. This brings to the fore the issue of criminal defamation law. This sentencing is because Rahul Gandhi, during the 2019 election campaign, sarcastically asked, after naming Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and PM…
SC verdict on EC and CEC Sukumar Sen
March 11, 2023On Mar. 3, the Supreme Court (SC) passed a critical judgement on the appointment of Election Commissioners. It is a judgement crucial for India’s journey to becoming a more robust democracy. After all, strong Election Commission is the facilitator of free and fair elections, core of an authentic democracy. The five-Judge Constitution Bench said that…
Bundles of Corruption
March 4, 2023Yesterday we all saw bundles and bundles of cash being arranged by Lokayukta Police. They found these bundles of money at Prashanth V. ‘Bundle’s’ ..oops! I meant Prashanth V. Maadal’s residence, a Karnataka State Audit and Accounts Services Officer. He is the son of BJP MLA K. Maadal Virupakshappa. As I watched this, I was…
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