All stories by PRAKASH BHANDARI
The Maharaja Who Asked The British To Quit India
Rediff.com20 Jun 2023When he stood to speak for the princes, he surprised the British when he declared, 'The breeze is blowing from east to west. It will uproot and blow off the British. It is my earnest request to my British friends to now quit India respectfully'.
Why 27,000 Litres Of Ganga Jal Was Carried to London
Rediff.com6 May 2023When Jaipur's Maharaja Madho Singh was invited to attend King Edward VII's coronation in 1902, he chartered a ship for Rs 15 lakh for the journey. He also carried 27,000 litres of Ganga jal on board. Prakash Bhandari recalls the maharaja's voyage to attend a British monarch's coronation on a day when Charles III will be crowned king at Westminster Abbey.
'I would have been the king of limited overs cricket'
Rediff.com7 Apr 2023'I am not envious of those who are making millions. It's their era and I had my era.'
Why Jats Want CM Post In Rajasthan
Rediff.com14 Mar 2023The Jats are a political force in Rajasthan and the community's presence in 85 assembly constituencies may tilt the balance in electoral politics.
Remembering Football Legend Tulsidas Balaram
Rediff.com20 Feb 2023Tulsidas Balaram, who passed into the ages last week, was a member of the Indian football team which reached the semis at the Olympics and won an Asian Games gold medal.
'Kashmiris would never like to be part of Pakistan'
Rediff.com14 Feb 2023'They are worried that the BJP government is trying to reduce Kashmiris as a minority.'
'Terrorism in Kashmir can be eliminated...'
Rediff.com14 Feb 2023'...only if we sort it out with Pakistan.'
'Modi Magic Won't Work Always'
Rediff.com12 Dec 2022'It is creditable that the BJP builds the organisation set-up and then looks for leaders.' 'The Congress on the other hand has to care for the leaders more than the organisation.'
Why Gehlot Called Pilot 'Gaddar'
Rediff.com28 Nov 2022What provoked Ashok Gehlot's belligerence was Sachin Pilot's participation in the Bharat Jodo Yatra with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi in Madhya Pradesh. Gehlot was also aware that Rajasthan assembly Speaker C P Joshi had met Rahul in Maharashtra.
'When Modi visits, BJP lures Congress leaders'
Rediff.com10 Nov 2022'Adivasi seats will sound the bugle of the end of the BJP regime in Gujarat.'
'BJP is beatable in Gujarat'
Rediff.com10 Nov 2022'Modi is imposing himself as the face of Gujarat to send a message that people should not forget that a Gujarati is prime minister.'
Will Adani Invest Big In Rajasthan Before 2023 Poll?
Rediff.com13 Oct 2022'I clearly recall how you immediately directed your administration to identify and allocate land, water, and other clearances in the shortest time possible.' 'That was the fastest decision-making process I have ever witnessed.'
Gehlot's Mutiny Is A Congress Game Changer
Rediff.com29 Sep 2022Ashok Gehlot has proved that a strong state leader can challenge the Congress high command.
The Queen's Controversial India Visit
Rediff.com17 Sep 2022At sunrise the following day, a hunt was organised for the queen to shoot a female tiger. But she decided a monarch should not make the kill and handed her gun to one of her staff to deliver the fatal shot.
How 'Harijans' Celebrated August 15, 1947
Rediff.com7 Sep 2022It was a unique celebration; there is no other instance where Harijans were feted to celebrate India's Independence, says Prakash Bhandari.
Did RSS Links Get Dhankar Veep Nom?
Rediff.com20 Jul 2022When Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi's name was floated as Venkaiah Naidu's successor as vice president, the RSS instead suggested Jagdeep Dhankar, indicating that he was also Mohan Bhagwat's choice, states Prakash Bhandari.
Why Are BJP, Congress Meeting in Rajasthan?
Rediff.com9 May 2022At its Jaipur meeting, the BJP will focus on this year's assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh while the Congress's Chintan Shivir in Udaipur will discuss how it can resurrect itself.
ERCP: Gehlot's Quiet War With Modi
Rediff.com20 Mar 2022Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is determined to implement the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project despite the Centre's indifference.
Is Rajasthan's English experiment a failure?
Rediff.com5 Feb 2022'What is taught here is a mockery of the English language.'
Jaipur's Royal Family: 15-Year Battle Ends
Rediff.com30 Dec 2021A battle royale, fought over 15 long years, comes to an end as a prince and a princess -- grandchildren of the legendary Rajmata Gayatri Devi -- get back the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel from their step-uncles.