Come 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,…
Musings on Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023
April 19, 2023Karnataka is now in birth pangs of a new government — May 2023. The fight is between the incumbent BJP and desperate Congress but JD(S) is the challenge to both Congress and BJP. H.D. Kumaraswamy of JD(S) is confident that in case of a fractured mandate he can act as a catalyst in forming the…
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…
Corruption in high places: Recalling an IAS Officer’s experience
April 8, 2023The Supreme Court last Wednesday told the united Opposition of 14 National Parties that political leaders stand absolutely on the same footing as any ordinary citizen of India and therefore they are not entitled to ‘higher immunity’ from investigation, arrest or prosecution. The Opposition parties had filed a joint petition in the Supreme Court claiming…
A visit to St. Bartholomew’s Church Cemetery: Remembering van Ingens of Mysuru
April 6, 2023I was surprised to read a detailed article on the world famous taxidermist Edwin Joubert van Ingen of Mysuru, who passed away in the year 2013 at the age of 101. Unsung and unwept. It was very sad to learn that at his burial at St. Bartholomew’s Church Cemetery, next to St. Philomena’s High School,…
Make way…Siddharamaiah is marching into Varuna
April 3, 2023Some BJP party workers speculate on a 2018 scenario even this time. Which is why, it is said, Vijayendra does not want to lose the chance to contest like last time. And, hence, he wants Shikaripura also, in case he is asked to keep-off Varuna at the last minute. A wise decision. If one does…
A gentle soul, greatly missed!
April 2, 2023By Dr. K. Javeed Nayeem The reason why Nagarahole forest, in particular, was Prof. KV’s favourite destination for his Botanical excursions was because it had as its caretaker and Range Forest Officer, K.M. Chinnappa, a complete outdoors man. So at every visit to Nagarahole, this gentleman would lead our group, pointing out to us the…
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…
Celebrating Democracy in Karnataka
March 30, 2023Yesterday morning the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the calendar of events for Karnataka Assembly election-2023. The Code of Conduct for the election, which prescribes ethical, moral and legal principles to be observed by the political parties, the contesting candidates and those who canvass for their party candidates, comes into force immediately. Like Rahul…
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…
Recent Comments