The Beginning of the End

Here is a news that should cheer those who are expecting the ouster of BJP in the 2019 elections. Will this be a precursor to the downfall of BJP remains to be seen. But given the protests against Demonitization (which has been demonized now) and GST (again demonized now) it appears that BJP would struggle to retain power in 2019.

The first hurdle that they will need to get past is the state elections in Gujarat. This will be a hard test for BJP to pass. If they pass they can hope to hang on to power in 2019, but this time they will end up cobbling a coalition with uncomfortable partners like Shiv Sena and others and keep getting beat up at every turn. In such an eventuality that they just end up as the biggest party, it will be in their best interest to sit out in the opposition and let Shiv Sena and other partners support Congress, which is likely to boost its numbers to at least 100 and will be the next largest party, and let them manage the coalition.

Given these uncertainities it does not look to be a very rosy future for India. God save the Citizens of India.

Periyar - A Political Biography of E. V. Ramaswamy by Bala Jeyaraman

Periyar: A Political Biography of E.V. Ramaswamy by Bala Jeyaraman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very balanced biography of the much revered political leader of Tamil Nadu. Just like any other leader he had his good points and his warts. As the author rightly says he is neither the saint that his followers make him out to be, nor is he a demon which his detractors make him out to be. He was an ordinary man who succumbed to the normal human temptation of attempting to make the whole world see things from his point of view.

The good part was that he wanted a society where everybody is equal irrespective of caste, creed, religion or gender. Some of the stance that he took were militant, like cutting off the tufts and sacred thread of the brahmins. It is arguable if they really deserved it. And in the later part of his life he seems to have become power crazy, power to bring his dreams to reality.

The other deified leader who has been brought down to earth in this book is Rajagopalachari. Many think he was a paragon of virtue, but this book brings out the shades of grey in him as well.

A eminently readable book.

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(In)Justice in Pakistan

US wants to provide billions of dollars of aid to a country where such a thing can happen. Supreme court saying that rape is fine (It is hogwash to say there is no evidence).