Did Oli turn to India when he realised that China was backing unity of the Nepal Communist Party rather than the government led by his faction?

Though the BJP is running too close for comfort, populist schemes and support among Muslims may help Mamata Banerjee overcome the challenge, observes Aditi Phadnis.

It will be the year of preparation for the electoral test in Uttar Pradesh, due in 2022. But before that, the West Bengal Assembly election will set the mood for the rest of 2021.

Heckling, confrontation and strong-arm tactics don't come to him easily, reveals Aditi Phadnis.

He has no challenger in the Congress, the Akali Dal is in disarray. Will he call a snap election?

With his exit, the TMC will lose a crucial, politically influential vote catcher in the Jungalmahal region and areas in minority-dominated Murshidabad, and the BJP will get a face it badly needs, especially in rural Bengal, reports Aditi Phadnis.

Patel's closeness to the Gandhi family was undeniable. But unlike others, he resisted the temptation to use it to leverage personal business, says Aditi Phadnis.

No one in Bihar will deny Nitish Kumar's contribution to governance, notes Aditi Phadnis.

Although assembly election are 16 months away, it makes sense to let his party know he's very much in the running for the job he's currently holding.

There are also over 10 million voters in the 18-29 age bracket. Winning them over could be Nitish Kumar's biggest challenge, reports Aditi Phadnis.

Uddhav Thackeray would do well to remember: Once he decides on a course of action, Bhagat Singh Koshyari never gives up, notes Aditi Phadnis.

For far too long, people in J&K have felt the government doesn't exist for them.' 'My first priority is to make them feel that not only does it exist, it is there to work for them.

e Union minister of state for home is somewhat brash and rowdy, and has enormous confidence.' Some of this derives from the fact that he has independent sources of income (he reported assets amounting to Rs 18 crore in his 2019 Lok Sabha nomination papers)

'We can't underestimate future threats.'

If the Chirag Paswan-led LJP posts a good result, the young leader could become a formidable caste challenger in the years to come and a permanent fixture as a BJP ally, reports Aditi Phadnis.

Vagela could not have reached this position if Narendra Modi, who'd known him from his chief minister days, had not backed the choice.

Venugopal is valued highly by Mrs Gandhi and Mr Gandhi. They consider him a loyalist, more to the point, one who can deliver.

'We have taken technology to the mandal and booth level.'

The final report was to be submitted in March but it got an extension till the second week of the monsoon session that began September 14.

'The border has stayed the way it was for over 30 years, and they are now trying to change it'