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Articles by Harihar Swarup
Manmohan Singh Never Showed Any Disrespect To His Predecessor During His Tenure As PM
By Harihar Swarup I had known former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh personally. He released my book “Power Profiles” in his office in PMO. A few journalist friends and then his media advisor Harish Khare were present. We talked politics of that time. I used to meet him frequently after he relinquished PM’s post at his new residence. He used to tell me that I can meet him any time. He was courteous, as usual, walked up to door to see visitors.
New Realignment of Caste Forces in Haryana
By Harihar Swarup Haryana has delivered a historic verdict. Never before has any party come to power for three consecutive terms. Everyone, from ground reports to exit polls, predicted a massive majority for the Congress. How did the BJP managed to pull off such an impressive victory? It might be tempting to read the increase in the BJP’s vote share (compared to last time) and the massive seat tally as a pro-incumbent vote.
New Realignment Of Caste Forces Was Evident In Haryana Assembly Polls
By Harihar Swarup Haryana has delivered a historic verdict. Never before has any party come to power for three consecutive terms. Everyone, from ground reports to exit polls, predicted a massive majority for the Congress. How did the BJP managed to pull off such an impressive victory? It might be tempting to read the increase in the BJP’s vote share (compared to last time) and the massive seat tally as a pro-incumbent vote.
Nitin Gadkari Emerging as a Parallel Power Centre in BJP
By Harihar Swarup Is Nitin Gadkari trying to send a message to the BJP central leadership ahead of the Maharashtra elections? The Union Minister of transport and highways skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Wardha on September 20 to launch the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development scheme and to mark the first anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Emerging As A Parallel Power Centre In BJP
By Harihar Swarup Is Nitin Gadkari trying to send a message to the BJP central leadership ahead of the Maharashtra elections? The Union Minister of transport and highways skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Wardha on September 20 to launch the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development scheme and to mark the first anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
A Personal Tribute To The CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury
By Harihar Swarup The general secretary of the CPI-M, Sitaram Yechury, who passed away on September 12 at the age of 72, defied all the clichés one associates with hardcore “commies”. From his appearance to his demeanour, he was like “one of us”. Meaning, he didn’t shove his ideology down anybody’s throat, nor was he judgmental about capitalists in his group. He was evolved enough to accept diverse points of view, without compromising on his own political beliefs.
A Personal Tribute To The CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury
By Harihar Swarup The general secretary of the CPI-M, Sitaram Yechury, who passed away on September 12 at the age of 72, defied all the clichés one associates with hardcore “commies”. From his appearance to his demeanour, he was like “one of us”. Meaning, he didn’t shove his ideology down anybody’s throat, nor was he judgmental about capitalists in his group. He was evolved enough to accept diverse points of view, without compromising on his own political beliefs.
Congress And NC Making Big Impact In Election Campaign In Jammu & Kashmir
By Harihar Swarup What makes the upcoming assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir different from previous ones is the altered constitutional framework. The reorganization post the scrapping of Article 370 brought Jammu and Kashmir under full purview of the constitution. Thus, the new government will have to operate without the autonomy that the law once provided. Established regional parties like National Conference and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) have been grappling with the new reality.
Mohan Bhagwat Still Continuing His Salvo Against Narendra Modi
By Harihar Swarup Mohan Bhagwat has made yet another of his cryptic statements that is being seen in political circles as yet another criticism of Narendra Modi. This time the RSS sarsanghchalk has alluded, again without saying it in so many words, to the Prime Minister’s claim, during Lok Sabha poll campaign that he was an “instrument for God to get things done”. At a meeting in Pune recently Bhagwat said “We should not consider ourselves as God. Let people decide if there is God in you”.
Mohan Bhagwat Still Continuing His Salvo Against Narendra Modi
By Harihar Swarup Mohan Bhagwat has made yet another of his cryptic statements that is being seen in political circles as yet another criticism of Narendra Modi. This time the RSS sarsanghchalk has alluded, again without saying it in so many words, to the Prime Minister’s claim, during Lok Sabha poll campaign that he was an “instrument for God to get things done”. At a meeting in Pune recently Bhagwat said “We should not consider ourselves as God. Let people decide if there is God in you”.
There are Many Facets of State Elections in J&K Since The Beginning
By Harihar Swarup Between September 18 and October 1, 2024 Jammu and Kashmir will see first Assembly elections in five years—a first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Elections to J&K’s 90 Assembly seats, being held along with the Haryana Assembly polls due on October 5 are similar to the 1962 Assembly polls in the state—turned—union—territory. The 1962 polls were held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections across the country between February and April that year.
Bhupinder Singh Hooda Is In Big Spirits To Bring Congress To Power
By Harihar Swarup Former Chief Minister Bhupender Singh Hooda , who is sure to contest in coming Haryana Assembly elections on October 5 , is known for the sobriquet “Ganga Putra” after a narrow escape from death in 2003 when his car was swept away by the flooded Ganga in Haridwar. This old timer of the Congress is leading his Party in the present intensive campaign against the ruling BJP in Haryana. Hooda is a survivor in politics as well.
There are many facets of state elections in JK since its acceding India
The polls always were mired by controversy over rigging and unfair practices By Harihar Swarup Between September 18 and October 1, 2024 Jammu and Kashmir will see first Assembly elections in five years—a first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Elections to J&K's 90 Assembly seats, being held along with the Haryana Assembly polls due on October 5 are similar to the 1962 Assembly polls in the state—turned—union—territory.
There Are Many Facets Of State Elections In Jammu & Kashmir Since The Beginning
By Harihar Swarup Between September 18 and October 1, 2024 Jammu and Kashmir will see first Assembly elections in five years—a first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Elections to J&K’s 90 Assembly seats, being held along with the Haryana Assembly polls due on October 5 are similar to the 1962 Assembly polls in the state—turned—union—territory. The 1962 polls were held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections across the country between February and April that year.
In India-Pakistan Relations, Sharing Of Same Nation And Traditions Count
By Harihar Swarup At Paris games, the Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem clinched the country’s first individual gold medal, which was also its first track-and-field medal. India’s Neeraj Chopra secured a splendid silver in the same game of Javelin throw. Things were fragile for a few hours after the game. Some elements on this side of the border posed the questions about India losing to Pakistan, and a Hindu losing to a Muslim. There was gloating along these lines by some across the border.
Bangladesh Interim Govt Head Dr. Md Yunus Is An Institution Builder
By Harihar Swarup When the protesting students approached Dr. Muhammad Yunus to head interim government in Bangladesh, the Nobel laureatehad several examples he could turn to while weighing his options. While French philosopher Jean-PaulSartredeclined to be a leader of the 1968 students’ movement, Russian author Alekxander Solzhenstein refused to pursue Presidency in the post-Soviet Union era because he preferred an authoritarian regime with traditional Christian values.
Shabana Azmi Completes Fifty Years Of Her Glorious Film Career
By Harihar Swarup After catching attention with her National Award winning big screen debut as Lakshmi, a low caste and morally ambiguous villager in Shyam Benegal's Ankur 1974, Shabana Azmi has pitched out a rare feat of winning five National Awards for – Ankur, Arth (1983), Khandhar (1984), Paar (1985) and Godmother (1999)— and a masterful turn in both mainstream and arthouse movies. Azmi is arguably one of India's most gifted actresses.
Shabana Azmi Completes Fifty Years Of Her Glorious Film Career
By Harihar Swarup After catching attention with her National Award winning big screen debut as Lakshmi, a low caste and morally ambiguous villager in Shyam Benegal’s Ankur 1974, Shabana Azmi has pitched out a rare feat of winning five National Awards for – Ankur, Arth (1983), Khandhar (1984), Paar (1985) and Godmother (1999)— and a masterful turn in both mainstream and arthouse movies. Azmi is arguably one of India’s most gifted actresses.
Aam Aadmi Party Has No Alternative Leader To Replace Imprisoned Arvind Kejriwal
By Harihar Swarup When newcomer Arvind Kejriwal defeated three—time chief minister Sheila Dikshit in her constituency of New Delhi in 2013 assembly polls, jubilant supporters took to streets, hailing the moment when a common man got an opportunity to master electoral politics. Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party soon became the premier force in Delhi politics.
Aam Aadmi Party has no alternative leader to replace imprisoned Kejriwal
For coming Delhi Assembly polls, release of the Party Supremo has become imperative By Harihar Swarup When newcomer Arvind Kejriwal defeated three—time chief minister Sheila Dikshit in her constituency of New Delhi in 2013 assembly polls, jubilant supporters took to streets, hailing the moment when a common man got an opportunity to master electoral politics. Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party soon became the premier force in Delhi politics.
Aam Aadmi Party Has No Alternative Leader To Replace Imprisoned Arvind Kejriwal
By Harihar Swarup When newcomer Arvind Kejriwal defeated three—time chief minister Sheila Dikshit in her constituency of New Delhi in 2013 assembly polls, jubilant supporters took to streets, hailing the moment when a common man got an opportunity to master electoral politics. Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party soon became the premier force in Delhi politics.
Puducherry’s Coalition Govt Facing Rebellion From Disgruntled BJP MLAs
By Harihar Swarup Puducherry is said to be the BJP’s plan B to get a foothold in the Dravida land. But it took a serious hit in the Lok Sabha elections when its candidate in the lone constituency in the union territory, home minister A. Namassivayam, suffered a humiliating loss against the Congress’s V. Vaithilingam. And the poll debacle has led to a rebellion within the party, putting the N. Rangaswamy-led coalition government in trouble.
Puducherry’s Coalition Govt Facing Rebellion From Disgruntled BJP MLAs
By Harihar Swarup Puducherry is said to be the BJP’s plan B to get a foothold in the Dravida land. But it took a serious hit in the Lok Sabha elections when its candidate in the lone constituency in the union territory, home minister A. Namassivayam, suffered a humiliating loss against the Congress’s V. Vaithilingam. And the poll debacle has led to a rebellion within the party, putting the N. Rangaswamy-led coalition government in trouble.
Rahul Gandhi Is Making The Right Moves As The Leader Of The Opposition
By Harihar Swarup Suddenly Rahul Gandhi is the flavour of season. If you look at the hard data, the BJP lost only 1.2% of the popular vote share, and the Congress gained 1.49 %. It is not as if whopping numbers swayed from one side to the other. The BJP still has 240 seats despite being in power for ten years with majority, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pre-poll alliance of the NDA has moved into his third term in office.
Sathya Shankar Embodies A Person Of Vision And High Perseverance
By Harihar Swarup A seed of an idea is all you need for success. Sathya Shankar K. would know for there is a , tiny seed at the heart of his success story. His life got a kick-start in 1984. At only 18, Shankar had applied for an auto-rickshaw driving license. But it was more than just a driving license; it was his license to dream big. The third of four sons of a poor village priest in Bellaire in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, he had to drop out after class 12 for want of funds.
Sathya Shankar embodies a person of vision and high perseverance
From an Auto Driver, this Karnataka man, has built a Rs.800 Cr business By Harihar Swarup A seed of an idea is all you need for success. Sathya Shankar K. would know for there is a , tiny seed at the heart of his success story. His life got a kick-start in 1984. At only 18, Shankar had applied for an auto-rickshaw driving license. But it was more than just a driving license; it was his license to dream big.
Sathya Shankar Embodies A Person Of Vision And High Perseverance
By Harihar Swarup A seed of an idea is all you need for success. Sathya Shankar K. would know for there is a , tiny seed at the heart of his success story. His life got a kick-start in 1984. At only 18, Shankar had applied for an auto-rickshaw driving license. But it was more than just a driving license; it was his license to dream big. The third of four sons of a poor village priest in Bellaire in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, he had to drop out after class 12 for want of funds.
First Session Of 18th Parliament Showed Opposition In Poor Light
By Harihar Swarup The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha has just concluded where an unprecedented level of acrimony was witnessed. Since this session was held immediately after the general elections, the mood during the electioneering, it appears, was carried into the house as was reflected in the speeches made from both sides. Few speakers referred to the issues, included or not included in President’s address.
First Session Of 18th Parliament Showed Opposition In Poor Light
By Harihar Swarup The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha has just concluded where an unprecedented level of acrimony was witnessed. Since this session was held immediately after the general elections, the mood during the electioneering, it appears, was carried into the house as was reflected in the speeches made from both sides. Few speakers referred to the issues, included or not included in President’s address.
Centre permitting prosecution of writer Arundhati Roy after 14 years of her speech makes no sense
Mahatma Gandhi is, of course, the Father of the nation but how often do we remember what he said and, and more importantly, how often do governments abide by his wishes? As you will soon discover this is not a rhetorical question. Actually, if we still have a conscience, it might be embarrassing one! On March 18, 1922, writing in Young India, Gandhi explained his attitude to governments and those in authority over us. “I hold it as a virtue to be dissatisfied towards government”, he wrote.
Narendra Modi And Rahul Gandhi – Never The Twain Shall Meet | Arabian Post
By Harihar Swarup Many things have been said about the first verbal skirmish in Parliament’s 18th session between NDA Government and opposition, or more specifically between Leader of 0ppsition, Rahul Gandhi, and Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The most commonly heard comment is that opposition has finally found its voice, and government, now cannot steamroll anything through Parliament.
Narendra Modi And Rahul Gandhi - Never The Twain Shall Meet
By Harihar Swarup Many things have been said about the first verbal skirmish in Parliament’s 18th session between NDA Government and opposition, or more specifically between Leader of 0ppsition, Rahul Gandhi, and Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The most commonly heard comment is that opposition has finally found its voice, and government, now cannot steamroll anything through Parliament.
RSS leadership is not happy with Narendra Modi’s style of governance in his last term
By Harihar Swarup The RSS hints at the course correction from the BJP and Modi government 3.0, which it wants to be reflected in the choice of new party president. The third tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi got off to a turbulent start. A series of unrelated events — paper leaks, a train accident and terror attacks — within a week of his government swearing -in thrust the government into crisis management mode.
RSS leadership is not happy with Narendra Modi’s style of governance in his last term
By Harihar Swarup The RSS hints at the course correction from the BJP and Modi government 3.0, which it wants to be reflected in the choice of new party president. The third tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi got off to a turbulent start. A series of unrelated events — paper leaks, a train accident and terror attacks — within a week of his government swearing -in thrust the government into crisis management mode.
Opposition voices on major issues have to be given adequate scope to be heard
Lok Sabha Speaker has to function impartially in interests of vibrant democracy By Harihar Swarup A contested election for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker is a sign of a broadening divide between the treasury and opposition benches. Before Independence contests for the position of president (equivalent of modern-day speaker) were quite common. In the first election in 1925, Vithal Bhai Patel defeated his government nominee by two votes.
Speaker Of Lok Sabha Has To Function Impartially In Interests Of Vibrant Democracy
By Harihar Swarup A contested election for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker is a sign of a broadening divide between treasury and opposition benches. Before Independence contests for the position of president (equivalent of modern-day speaker) were quite common. In the first election in 1925, Vithal Bhai Patel defeated his government nominee by two votes. He went on to lay the institutional foundations for the independence of the Speaker’s office. The next exciting contest was in 1946.
Speaker Of Lok Sabha Has To Function Impartially In Interests Of Vibrant Democracy
By Harihar Swarup A contested election for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker is a sign of a broadening divide between treasury and opposition benches. Before Independence contests for the position of president (equivalent of modern-day speaker) were quite common. In the first election in 1925, Vithal Bhai Patel defeated his government nominee by two votes. He went on to lay the institutional foundations for the independence of the Speaker’s office. The next exciting contest was in 1946.
The Rise And Rise Of Priyanka Gandhi In Congress Politics In Last Two Decades
By Harihar Swarup Finally after two decades of ‘will she, won’t she’ Priyanka Gandhi is going to make her election debut now. She will contest the Lok Sabha bypoll from Kerala’s Wayanad, the constituency that her brother Rahul Gandhi has vacated so as to retain Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh instead. The development shows – if there was only doubt on that score—that Rahul would be principal leader of the Congress (and Prime Ministerial face whenever the time comes).
Odisha’s Tribal CM Mohan Manjhi made it to the top with friends in high places
Curtains down on Naveen Patnaik, one of India's longest serving Chief Minister By Harihar Swarup Caste does not matter much in Odisha politics. But it seems the BJP is up to experimenting with it, as it chose a tribal face as its first Chief Minister in the state over more familiar — Mohan Charan Manjhi, a four–time legislator from Keonjhar district, who belongs to the Santhal tribe, like the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Tribals constitute almost a quarter of Odisha's population.
Odisha’s Tribal CM Mohan Manjhi Made It To The Top With Friends In High Places
By Harihar Swarup Caste does not matter much in Odisha politics. But it seems the BJP is up to experimenting with it, as it chose a tribal face as its first Chief Minister in the state over more familiar — Mohan Charan Manjhi, a four–time legislator from Keonjhar district, who belongs to the Santhal tribe, like the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Tribals constitute almost a quarter of Odisha’s population.
Humble, Humbler, Humblest — Has Arrogant Modi Learned His Lesson? - Latest India news, analysis and reports on IPA Newspack
By Harihar Swarup This time, the voter has asked for a humbler government and a more robust Opposition. One of the great joys of watching a blockbuster movie is the intermission which comes just when the plot is reaching a dramatic crescendo. It is during the interval that you can step out from the darkness into a calmer space for a quick break. Ever since Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister in 2014, the news cycle has been on steroids.
PM Narendra Modi Takes Running A Coalition Govt As A Challenge
By Harihar Swarup With Narendra Modi elected Prime Minister for the third time, this time at the head of a coalition government, the question at the uppermost on the people’s mind as he took the oath of office and secrecy at Rashtrapati Bhavan was: Could Modi be a coalition builder? Atal Behari Vajpayee ran coalitions during his prime ministership in 1996, 1998 and 1999. Modi on the other hand has always run majority governments, in Gujarat (2001 to 2014) and nationally for the last 10 ten years.
Congress Focused On Fewer Seats, Sacrificed Many In Favour Of Allies
By Harihar Swarup Forty-four seat and 19.3% of the votes in 2014: 52 seat and 19.49% of the votes in 2019: and 99 seats and 21.26% of the vote in 2024. One of the stories of these elections has been turnaround of the Indian National Congress, one made all the more remarkable by its improved overall strike rate (defined as seats won to seats contested expressed in percentage) of 30 per cent compared to 8.3 per cent in 2019 and 9.4% in 2014.
The Big Transformation Of Campaigning In Indian General Elections
By Harihar Swarup This correspondent has covered Lok Sabha elections right from 1962. Polls in 1962 were not delinked. The big news then was Dr K N Katju, who was chief minister of newly formed state—Madhya Pradesh— was defeated by an unknown Vadiya from Jaora constituency. Though Dr. Katju was a Kashmiri he always claimed he originally came from Jaora, a town in Madhya Pradesh. The Lok Sabha elections moved in “swings” and “waves”.
Election Commission Is Acting Partially By Ignoring Hate Speeches Of PM
By Harihar Swarup “I am strict and I may be stern but I’m always fair and transparent. You get what you see”. This is one side. This was how T N Seshan, arguably, the Chief Election Commissioner who made the Election Commission of India an admired institution, used to describe himself. Then he would add “whilst I sit on this chair I have a job to do and I’ll do it to the best of my ability. Wild horses can’t stop me”. No wonder he was fondly called “Bulldog Seshan”. It was a moniker he revelled in.
Election Commission Is Acting Partially By Ignoring Hate Speeches Of PM
By Harihar Swarup “I am strict and I may be stern but I’m always fair and transparent. You get what you see”. This is one side. This was how T N Seshan, arguably, the Chief Election Commissioner who made the Election Commission of India an admired institution, used to describe himself. Then he would add “whilst I sit on this chair I have a job to do and I’ll do it to the best of my ability. Wild horses can’t stop me”. No wonder he was fondly called “Bulldog Seshan”. It was a moniker he revelled in.
Libia Lobo Sardesai ran a secret Radio Station during liberation movement in Goa
99 year old recalls in their Panaji home the day Portuguese troops surrendered By Harihar Swarup “Rejoice Brothers and sisters” Rejoice Today, after 451 years of alien rule, Goa is free and united with the mother land. Our brothers are there to protect you”.
Libia Lobo Sardesai Ran A Secret Rado Station During Liberation Movement In Goa
By Harihar Swarup “Rejoice Brothers and sisters” Rejoice Today, after 451 years of alien rule, Goa is free and united with the mother land. Our brothers are there to protect you”.
Lok Sabha Battle In Maharashtra Is Crucial For Both The Alliances
By Harihar Swarup Injured pride can be a major motivating factor and there is a lot riding on it in Maharashtra. The aggressive BJP had outsmarted master strategist Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, inheritor of Balasaheb Thackeray’s Maratha legacy, by supporting the split in their parties. For both leaders, the Lok Sabha battle is also a personal one to stay relevant.
Carrying The Long Family Tradition In Rae Bareli Lok Sabha Constituency
By Harihar Swarup Rahul Gandhi faces a tough battle in Rae Bareli where he locks horn with local strongman Dinesh Pratap Singh of the BJP. For every boundary that is breached in politics; there is a homecoming; for every leap into the unknown, a fallback into the comfort of the old. It is the memory of that solace that seeps through the faded yellow brick walls latched onto brown doors that run around a large courtyard at Gurujikaghar.
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