Neerja Chowdhury

The long game behind BJP govt rethink on women’s quota: What comes next?Subscriber Only

March 31,2026 06:48:50 AM

A critical mass of women in legislatures may change the very focus of policy-making, with the potential to alter the very trajectory of Indian politics.

Back in Rajya Sabha, can Sharad Pawar reinvent himself, script new Opposition pushback against BJP?Subscriber Only

March 19,2026 06:33:10 AM

By not opposing him in RS poll, BJP sought to make a goodwill gesture to the patriarch of Maharashtra politics; it may also view NCP (SP)'s eight LS MPs as a “reserve” force which might come in handy if push ever comes to shove.

As Nitish Kumar gives up the Patna gaddi he prized most, what the future may holdSubscriber Only

March 11,2026 07:44:25 AM

The Bihar CM’s seminal contribution was to moderate the Mandal phenomenon and make it a mainstream reality without allowing the extremes to take over.

Why Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘comeback’ sets off alarm bells in BJP, CongressSubscriber Only

March 03,2026 07:22:54 AM

Unless Kejriwal is accepted as the leader of a non-Congress, non-BJP front of regional parties or a third front, his task would be cut out – to build his party as an alternative to Congress as the principal Opposition against BJP

Mamata Banerjee as PM face? Why buzz is more about the coming battle for Bengal than 2029Subscriber Only

February 22,2026 15:38:22 PM

The West Bengal CM has a proven record of delivering politically. However, like other regional satraps, her political capital is limited to one state.

‘Opponents, not enemies’: Parliament needs to remember Sushma Swaraj’s words once moreSubscriber Only

February 12,2026 19:01:12 PM

The recent developments in the House underscore once again the breakdown of trust between the ruling side and the Opposition that has rendered Parliament dysfunctional.

NCP at a crossroads, Maratha politics in flux: Does BJP stand to gain?Subscriber Only

February 04,2026 12:38:53 PM

Ajit Pawar’s death has shaken the Pawar clan, convulsed the NCP, and made the Marathas, whose support has undergirded the party, suddenly feel “orphaned”. But it has led to a situation loaded with new possibilities.

How Opposition hopes to regain plot as BJP looks to clear road to 2029: Bengal to Tamil Nadu, KeralaSubscriber Only

January 26,2026 20:25:47 PM

PM Modi has lost no time in shifting his focus to poll-bound Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with the BJP going all out to expand its footprint in the South

As BJP wins BMC qila, why the echoes of its civic poll success will travel far beyond MaharashtraSubscriber Only

January 17,2026 07:05:48 AM

While the outcome in the Mumbai civic elections will likely allow Devendra Fadnavis keep his allies in check, it also contains a message for the regional satraps who will face the BJP in elections within a few months.

MGNREGA to G Ram G: How a new flashpoint may shape BJP vs Gandhi family conflict in 2026Subscriber Only

December 25,2025 08:30:51 AM

While G Ram G law may have its appeal, the BJP has upped the ante by overhauling the rural job scheme; sensing an opportunity, the Congress is set to mount a nationwide campaign over the row.

Deciphering BJP signals behind Nitin Nabin’s rise: next-gen shift, consolidation to long gameSubscriber Only

December 18,2025 07:45:30 AM

BJP has put in motion its “karyakartaisation”, which Nabin’s elevation represents – it signals that power is devolving in the organisation, even as the party high command has become stronger

In the glow of Putin’s visit, why no banquet invite to Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge cast a shadowSubscriber Only

December 08,2025 14:30:56 PM

There have been many instances in the past of the government and the Opposition working together to reinforce India’s position on the global stage on various issues. This bipartisan spirit was missing from Rashtrapati Bhavan's guest list.

Shivakumar’s gamble, Siddaramaiah’s leverage, and a weak high command: What ails the Congress?Subscriber Only

December 02,2025 07:43:50 AM

Karnataka is a reminder, among other things, that the two-and-a-half-year rotational formula of chief ministership has only served to intensify factionalism in the Opposition party.

With battle lines clear for 2026, Nitish’s 10th return as CM a reckoning for INDIA amid driftSubscriber Only

November 23,2025 07:28:57 AM

Barring its common opposition to BJP, INDIA alliance does not have a leader or convener nor a defined structure, nor a clear roadmap or narrative — it stands at a crossroads today

Sympathy, shraddha, and the Modi-Nitish model: What next after decisive Bihar mandate?Subscriber Only

November 16,2025 07:00:02 AM

After a pro-incumbency wave, Nitish Kumar has promises to keep in alliance with BJP, Opposition has to address what went wrong and rebuild

Prashant Kishor put in the time to carve out space in Bihar politics, but can he play the long game?Subscriber Only

November 11,2025 07:24:02 AM

While some feel Kishor’s momentum petered out after the initial hype, the Jan Suraaj leader is banking on the “50 to 70 lakh” migrants he estimates to have stayed back after the festival season to vote.

In the wings, Lalu strikes new notes: ‘jobs priority, no reachout to Nitish’Subscriber Only

November 08,2025 21:59:38 PM

Defensive in the face of an NDA campaign revolving around his ‘jungle raj,’ RJD supremo distances himself from his past

Forty-six yrs later, returning to a Musahar village in Bihar, to find change but desire for moreSubscriber Only

November 06,2025 04:00:37 AM

Women in Piparghatti village still barely go to school, but ensure their children study. They are also clear about what they need and their choice: jobs, and Nitish Kumar

Tejashwi to Chirag, amid rise of young faces in ‘Badalta Bihar’, the X factor is the PK factorSubscriber Only

October 26,2025 07:49:35 AM

It is a moot question whether Prashant Kishor would be a king or kingmaker — or just a courtier who would make his presence felt in the Pataliputra durbar.

How will Nitish-BJP play unfold? Key question looms amid NDA vs Mahagathbandhan storySubscriber Only

October 19,2025 17:21:15 PM

Could Nitish be forced to walk into the sunset? Or, would he fight the final battle of his political career if deprived of the chief ministership? The answers to all such questions will depend on the numbers the new House throws up

There’s a new ‘M’ factor in Bihar elections: Mahila, will it counter Nitish fatigue?Subscriber Only

October 12,2025 07:58:37 AM

If women voters help Nitish return to power again, schemes like Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana may be seen being rolled out in other poll-bound states too

Lessons from Ladakh: Why Govt must talk, talk, and talk some moreSubscriber Only

October 03,2025 07:19:25 AM

Protesters have become stakeholders in the country’s evolving and devolving politics in the past. It is important to remember that as an aspirational, young country deals with the reality of joblessness and corruption.

Wheels within wheels in Bihar: Amid NDA vs INDIA, why polls may rejig lines between alliesSubscriber Only

September 25,2025 07:35:54 AM

There may be a flip side to an NDA victory crafted by Nitish Kumar, as far as BJP is concerned. It could strengthen his bargaining position vis-a-vis his senior ally in Delhi.

PM at 75: Rising from margins, he rewrote Indian politics. Now, it is about his legacy shaping the futureSubscriber Only

September 17,2025 07:10:49 AM

The prime minister represents the empowerment of communities that have been historically on the margins. But certain tasks remain, namely safeguarding and celebrating diversity and dissent — key to atmanirbhar Bharat

As C P Radhakrishnan is elected Vice-President, BJP makes a telling point, but can it build on it?Subscriber Only

September 10,2025 07:22:58 AM

V-P elections have not normally elicited the kind of hype that this contest generated. But this time, it assumed importance because of the stakes for the ruling party.