Counterview

By Mohd. Ziyaullah Khan   Ever since Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi spoke to female students in Maharashtra on August 22, 2026, urging them to “smash patriarchy” and reject the “Manusmriti mindset,” a storm has erupted in BJP circles. His assertion that women belong to themselves—not to their fathers, husbands or sons—has provoked a predictable rush among BJP supporters to defend the Manusmriti. This should surprise no one. For years, the politics of cultural nationalism has selectively elevated ancient texts as symbols of civilisational pride. But reverence becomes dangerous when it collides with the foundational values of a modern democracy.

By Ram Puniyani*  In pre-colonial India, Hindu society was broadly governed by the Manusmriti, where caste and gender hierarchy formed the core of its values. During the colonial period, as education, transport and modern administration took root, the seeds of democracy began to sprout. These changes were oriented around the emerging concept of secular nationalism. The various components of this transformation included the struggle for workers' rights, the expansion of education, the empowerment of Dalits and women, and the concept of equal citizenship for all, irrespective of religion, caste, language or gender. 

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  Rahul Gandhi’s Chhatrokigoonj programme may be drawing noticeable enthusiasm from urban middle‑class youth, but whether it will help the Congress in the long run remains an open question. His new avatar—colourful shirts, casual interactions, and a more relaxed public persona—does resonate with young Indians. He is also asking several important questions. Yet he must recognise that the same Gen Z audience is often uncomfortable with some of the issues he foregrounds, including social justice, caste census, and reservations. Rahul Gandhi needs to walk a careful line. His communication strategy must ensure that no section feels unrepresented or offended. Even the language of social justice must be framed as reconciliation rather than confrontation. Rahul Gandhi today commands a “fan following” similar to Narendra Modi’s. Anyone disagreeing with him is often mocked or targeted by his supporters—an unhealthy trend in any democracy. His recent Pune event crossed ...

By Syed Ali Mujtaba   An extraordinary event at the Press Club of India in New Delhi, where a cutout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was depicted as Lord Ram and worshipped, has raised serious questions about the sanctity and credibility of an institution that is expected to uphold the independence of the press.

By Bharat Dogra   Activist, teacher, and lawyer—Pradip Prabhu contributed immensely in his many-sided roles, with the one unifying thread being his deep commitment to justice. It is rare to witness such a combination: someone who went to jail and risked his life in struggles for various oppressed communities, particularly for the rights of tribal people, while also serving with distinction on several government committees; teaching students at top institutes and training senior officers, while at the same time fasting for many days to press for legislation protecting tribal rights.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  The contemporary left-wing political landscape presents a paradox of proliferation and paralysis. In the United States, more than ten left-democratic groups and coalitions operate simultaneously, while Britain hosts approximately twenty-two distinct active socialist and communist organizations.