The 2014 Parliamentary elections sprung many surprises with the new entrant Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) opening its account in Punjab by winning in four constituencies, the same tally as the Congress party. The Modi-led NDA government, which was voted to power at the Centre in these elections, failed to match this performance in Punjab.
If the impressive victory of the Congress was surprising for the SAD-BJP combine, the AAP failed to surge ahead and instead saw its support base dwindle in the state.
The changed electoral map for the state Assembly was among the many reasons that led to surprising outcomes for contesting parties and contestants. For the ruling coalition, which was expecting a victory, the higher margin was a good surprise but for the Congress the outcome was a shock.
It was a fiercely fought election. The 2007 poll result was seen not as a positive verdict for the SAD-BJP combine but a negative vote against the Congress for non-performance and internal bickering
What are the key issues the state will vote for in upcoming Assembly elections? Find out the results of the Punjab Polls-Outlook-Hansa Research Mood of Punjab survey.
The factor that ultimately swung the poll pendulum in favour of the Congress was the refrain of change that people wanted and the impression created by the Congress’ shrill campaign promising a “clean” administration.
The political history of modern Punjab has been marked with mergers of different parties, pre-election alliances and post-election coalitions. These alliances are generally based on common minimum programmes in the manifestoes and dictated by the need of the political parties to defend the alliances rather than nurture respective party ideologies.
It’s a blessing in disguise to be born as a daughter in the land of brave warriors, especially in this era when we are witnessing constant changes in society
There are many stories of 'fake encounters' and other human rights violations in the Kashmir Valley.
If the impressive victory of the Congress was surprising for the SAD-BJP combine, the AAP failed to surge ahead and instead saw its support base dwindle in the state.
The changed electoral map for the state Assembly was among the many reasons that led to surprising outcomes for contesting parties and contestants. For the ruling coalition, which was expecting a victory, the higher margin was a good surprise but for the Congress the outcome was a shock.
It was a fiercely fought election. The 2007 poll result was seen not as a positive verdict for the SAD-BJP combine but a negative vote against the Congress for non-performance and internal bickering
What are the key issues the state will vote for in upcoming Assembly elections? Find out the results of the Punjab Polls-Outlook-Hansa Research Mood of Punjab survey.
The factor that ultimately swung the poll pendulum in favour of the Congress was the refrain of change that people wanted and the impression created by the Congress’ shrill campaign promising a “clean” administration.
The political history of modern Punjab has been marked with mergers of different parties, pre-election alliances and post-election coalitions. These alliances are generally based on common minimum programmes in the manifestoes and dictated by the need of the political parties to defend the alliances rather than nurture respective party ideologies.
It’s a blessing in disguise to be born as a daughter in the land of brave warriors, especially in this era when we are witnessing constant changes in society
There are many stories of 'fake encounters' and other human rights violations in the Kashmir Valley.
Contrary to popular perception, the law has necessary checks and balances. And the Army needs it to be effective in conflict zones.
AFSPA was supposed to be a 'temporary measure'. But it has survived till date. In that, it’s an exception that has been normalised and become a norm.
In the killing fields of Nagaland, past and present provide a peek into the lives of long-suffering people who cling on to hope of better days
Two poems by Temsula Ao who was awarded the Padmashri in 2007, refer to underground groups which have filled the minds of Naga youth with violence and hatred, and the general situation in Nagaland. Ao passed away last year.
Despite relative peace across state, the government refuses to let go of a law that brutalises hapless civilians
This poem was written sometime in 2009 and made it into a song later in 2010, speaking about how AFSPA has snatched away the lives of the loved ones.
Across Manipur, widows and bereaved mothers quietly await closure for long legal battles over fake encounters, staged disappearances
The Northeastern state of Manipur has suffered for decades due to wanton use of military might under AFSPA that renders fundamental right of a citizen meaningless.
India’s Northeast is the last bastion of resistance against rapacious, extractive policies that seek to bankrupt the earth within the lifespan of one generation
The excuse of ‘mistaken identity’ is a double-edged sword. If the Army can use it to justify fake encounters, can the Nagas too?
Just another day in Nagaland, under the shadow of the gun, cowering under unfathomable State brutality
