The ‘seculiar’ state

Judging by the protracted slugfest between the Congress, the core of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, the only other mainstream party that led a coalition government, the National Democratic Alliance, for six years (1998-2004), it would seem that the looming parliamentary poll is going to be an epic battle between “secular and communal forces”.

Killing the messenger

Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde is an interesting politician. He presents the picture of an amiable, avuncular kind of fellow, always smiling and ready to be friends with most people.