All stories by Aditi Phadnis
You Can Become Chief Minister Only if You Have The MLAs
Rediff.com11 May 2023The two main factions in Karnataka's Congress party -- one led by Siddaramaiah and the other by D K Shivakumar -- are both contenders for the chief ministership. Both groups have fought hard to get their choice of MLAs the party ticket, notes Aditi Phadnis.
Is Bhupesh Baghel In ED's Sights?
Rediff.com10 May 2023If the corruption issue doesn't claim Mr Baghel, the Congress's chances in the assembly election later this year are good, observes Aditi Phadnis.
How Hakki Pikkis Inspired Operation Kaveri
Rediff.com8 May 2023Hakki Pikkis are a semi-nomadic tribe, traditionally of bird catchers and hunters, from Karnataka. Their knowledge of the forest and traditional medicine is extensive and is prized by the Sudanese community.
'Ajit Pawar will not accept anything less than CM post'
Rediff.com2 May 2023All the current political upheavals in Maharashtra are with the 2024 elections in mind and there is a degree of white-knuckle tension in all parties.
Badal used the carrot and stick to play with Punjab militancy
Rediff.com26 Apr 2023Panthic politics came easily to Parkash Singh Badal. But he was quick to abandon it when it became a problem, points out Aditi Phadnis.
'Congress must make electoral adjustments'
Rediff.com25 Apr 2023'So must the Opposition where it is the dominant party in the state.' 'That is neither problematic nor impossible to achieve.'
Challenges To Opposition Unity Continue
Rediff.com24 Apr 2023The Congress is planning to call a meeting of Opposition parties in May. It is possible to keep all possibilities open in case Karnataka yields a hung House, leading to a recalibrated Opposition.
When Narasimha Rao Agreed To A JPC
Rediff.com14 Apr 2023There is, between Rao's tenure as PM and the current Modi regime, a powerful resonance of how transition can be managed. Rao's tenure saw many scams -- one where he was supposedly approached by Harshad Mehta with a bribe for making the securities scam go away. The Opposition insisted on a JPC. Despite knowing a JPC report would undermine him politically, Rao agreed to one, saying he had 'nothing to hide'.
Kaun Banega Karnataka Ka Mukhya Mantri?
Rediff.com13 Apr 2023They are the contenders, the leaders of parties that will finally form a government in Karnataka.
'Sense of bitterness is with the entire Opposition'
Rediff.com8 Apr 2023'It's not that the Opposition has to search for common ground.' 'The government is handing the common ground to the Opposition.'
Rahul's Expulsion And The Casualties
Rediff.com7 Apr 2023One fallout of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification will be reflected in the Opposition's role in Parliament and related institutions.
How Much Did Govt Spend On Minorities?
Rediff.com4 Apr 2023The ministry of minority affairs informed the Lok Sabha that in 2022-2023, it had been allotted Rs 5,020.5 crore (Rs 50.20 billion); in the Revised Estimates, it had got Rs 2,612.66 crore (Rs 26.12 billion); and had spent, until the end of March this year, Rs 712.5 crore (Rs 7,12 billion).
Faultlines Resurface In Karnataka BJP
Rediff.com3 Apr 2023In an election where every seat will matter, micro-strategising is going to be the order of the day. And in such a situation, party infighting - in all parties --could lead to unpredictable results.
Why Fadnavis Has Lost Out
Rediff.com1 Apr 2023He staked everything to ensure the BJP returned to power; and now that it has, he stands to lose a lot, points out Aditi Phadnis.
Why BJP In Karnataka Is Not In Good Health
Rediff.com29 Mar 2023'There is a conscious move by the BJP to distance itself from the current state leadership.'
Who Is Propping Up Amritpal Singh?
Rediff.com17 Mar 2023The Akali Dal is convinced that Waris Punjab De and Amritpal Singh are part of a bigger plan to create a law and order problem in the state, leading to the imposition of central rule and even the exclusion of Punjab from the Lok Sabha polls as was done in 1991.
'Bommai will struggle to lead BJP to victory in Karnataka'
Rediff.com14 Mar 2023'Some of his ministers have performed abysmally, and Bommai has faced an unwanted campaign of religious polarisation imposed by national BJP leaders.'
US May Finally Have Ambassador In India
Rediff.com9 Mar 2023On March 8, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to advance former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti's nomination as US ambassador to India.
Karnataka Won't Be A Cakewalk For BJP
Rediff.com7 Mar 2023The current public mood is that it will be a hung assembly. No one, not even in the BJP, is talking about even a simple majority for the party.
Haath Se Haath Jodo: Congress' Next Move
Rediff.com28 Feb 2023To highlight alleged misgovernance by the present regime, its first nationwide campaign ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections.