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Is India under BJP joining the ‘democracy suppressors’ club of Pak, Sri Lanka et al?

By Ram Puniyani*  The leaders of BJP,  the ruling dispensation, have been claiming to be winning more that 400 (370 BJP + 30 allies) seats in the forthcoming parliamentary elections (Char sau paar) of 2024. This is not based on any psephological analysis but purely propagated for political reasons.
Recent posts

Invincible, Modi 'taller' than BJP, RSS: An opportunity for Congress beyond 2024?

By NS Venkataraman*  With the announcement of poll schedule for the 2024 parliamentary election, there is palpable excitement and expectation amongst the countrymen  about the shape of things to happen in India after the  results of the election would be announced. There is also speculation abroad about the future course of developments in India.

Allahabad police 'blocks' women activists' move to commemorate anti-British Rani

By Our Representative In an unusual move, the Allahabad police on March 17 blocked commemoration of 200 years of courageous resistance against British imperialism by Rani Chennamma of Kittur, Karnataka, whose valour is compared with Rani Lakshmibhai of Jhansi.

Indo-Bangla border: Farmers facing 'illegal obstacles' in harvesting, transporting yields

  Counterview Desk  In a representation to the chairperson, National Human Rights Commission, human rights defender Kirity Roy, who is secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), has said that Border Security Force (BSF) personnel are creating "illegal obstacles" for farmers seeking to harvest their ripened yields and transport them to the market in village Jhaukuthi of Cooch Behar district.

How international aid is dragging developing countries from one crisis to another

By John P Ruehl*  On February 1, 2024, Ukraine secured a €50 billion aid package from the European Union (EU), aimed at bolstering its defense capabilities and facilitating the country’s reconstruction. Dozens of other countries , along with Western-dominated multilateral lenders like the International Monetary Foundation ( IMF ) and the World Bank , as well as private investors , have contributed billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Billions more are pledged.

'A war crime': This Ramadan starvation is general condition for Palestinians in Gaza

By Vijay Prashad*  Speaking in Rome, Italy, the head of the United Nations World Food Program Cindy McCain said , “If we do not exponentially increase the size of aid going into the northern areas” of Gaza, “famine is imminent. It’s imminent.” Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by the genocidal Israeli war, and the Palestinians in Gaza are on the verge of famine. Palestine’s Permanent Observer at the United Nations Riyad Mansour said that over half a million people are “one step away from famine.” 

Hindutva 'threat' to Odisha's indigenous leadership, grassroots empowerment

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Democratic identity encompasses more than just political processes and governance structures; it is about the empowerment and development of citizens. At its core, democratic identity reflects the intricate interplay between the state, government, political parties, and citizens, influenced by diverse ideologies aimed at fostering democratic progress and ensuring the well-being of the populace.

Environmental concern: It was Sterlite; now it's Coromandel. What next in Tamil Nadu?

  By NS Venkataraman* It is reported in the media that around 200 Chennai residents  came together for a demonstration at Besant Nagar  in Chennai on 3rd March,2024 in solidarity with the residents of Ennore, who have been demanding that the fertiliser unit of Coromandel International at Ennore in Chennai should be closed once for all. 

In India, as elsewhere, displacing villagers from forests 'harmful' for biodiversity

By Bharat Dogra*  While there is widespread and increasing support for the protection of wild life, avoidable obstructions have been created by the insistence of some conservationists and project authorities on pursuing conservation work in ways that involve the displacement of many villagers. Hence an avoidable conflict has been created, ignoring the alternative of pursuing conservation in ways that avoid such displacement and disruption of rural communities.

Victim to cricketing politics, Alvin Kalicharan was a most organized left handed batsman

By Harsh Thakor* On March 21st Alvin Kalicharan celebrates his 75th birthday. Sadly, his exploits have been forgotten or overlooked. Arguably no left handed batsman was technically sounder or more organized than this little man. Kalicharan was classed as a left-handed version of Rohan Kanhai. Possibly no left-handed batsmen to such a degree blend technical perfection with artistry and power.