Beleaguered Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's political credibility will be tested by the outcome of the three by-elections. And cries that he must resign will become shriller if the Congress loses them.

'I don't believe there is an international conspiracy to swamp tribals in India or in Jharkhand.'

The strains are telling as old friends and new enemies face each other in the battlefield.

Mr Pradhan's understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, notes Aditi Phadnis.

Lokmanya Tilak lived a life replete with contradictions, although he modified many of his positions later in life.

Since it was formed 58 years ago, Haryana has had Jat chief ministers for 33 of those.

Always interesting, DMK politics is going to get even more absorbing in the days to come, predicts Aditi Phadnis.

'BJP insiders acknowledge that the party needs to be helmed by someone who can match Arvind Kejriwal's stature.' 'A Sudhanshu Trivedi or Bansuri Swaraj could bring the freshness the party needs in Delhi,' points out Aditi Phadnis.

He was reviled by critics in his party as a neo-liberal in disguise but till the end, he retained his belief in secularism and the humanity of Communism.

In the coming assembly election, negotiations over seat-sharing will be as important as actual outreach to voters.

From the word go, Bihar growled its needs out when an MP from the state said aloud: "Give something for Bihar also, Madam." Every time the Budget mentioned cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh, "Kursi Bachao" was the call from Congress MPs.

Electoral setbacks and thwarted ambition can have an unpredictable effect on leaders,, observes Aditi Phadnis.

Ramoji Rao lived as the interface between business and politics and was an active participant in both for most of his remarkable life.

While the coalition will not be unstable because of pressures, the effort from partners will be to constantly remind the central government and the BJP how much it is dependent on them.

'The people preferred Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar...'

'These include economic prosperity, a promising future for youth, empowerment for women, a thriving society, robust healthcare, quality education, elevated living standards, agricultural prosperity, and robust social security coupled with effective governance.'

Ahead of this election, the alliance between the BJP and the SKM had broken down. One reason is the fear that like Article 370, Article 371F might also be changed.

'I have no doubt that when she was prevented from meeting Kejriwal, she felt humiliated.'

Will Andhra Pradesh follow the Odisha model, voting differently in Lok Sabha and assembly elections? Or will Odisha follow Andhra Pradesh, voting in new faces in both?

'In Western UP, last time a lot of Dalits voted for the BJP.' 'This time, there is a rethink among Dalits about the extent of their support for the BJP.'