India's Slapstick Comedy

From politics to show biz, a new body language is proving a great hit

India's Slapstick Comedy

-The Times of India, February 4, 2012

The ring of slap is spreading wild across politics and show business. With Sharad Pawar being slapped, and Anna endorsing more; and Shah Rukh Khan alleged slapping of Farah Khan's husband, things are unfolding as a slapstick comedy! 

Anna, Fading

By raising quixotic demands, Anna Hazare is diluting the anti-corruption fight

Anna, Fading

-The Times of India, January 30, 2012

Anna Hazare-led anti graft upsurge has gone astray, says the editor, in light of its recent "idiosyncratic demands" like a 'referendum commission' along the lines of the Election Commission, which seeks a popular vote to precede every legislative initiative.

Not only has it gone astray politically, but socially too. His endorsement of slapping "derelict politicians" has been strikingly different from the Gandhian image he seeks to portray.

In spite of discussions being held on the Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare has "demanded fresh laws, none of which are pragmatic or feasible."

In conclusion, the editor says, "Anna would do well to remember that civil society is larger than a particular individual, however popular he may be."

Meet Karma Chameleon

Earthly contradictions, yogic calmness, India has it all 

Meet Karma Chameleon

-The Times of India, January 28, 2012

A very colourful and tasty rendition of the Indian madness. 

Minority Report

Our elected representatives aren't very representative at all


Minority Report

-The Times of India, January 11, 2012

Personal Review: Jug Suraiya's views on political representation in India, with a special emphasis on UP.

Power, Not Principles

Anti-Congressism is the common plank of those motivated by short-term political gain

Power, not principles

-The Times of India, January 10, 2012

Personal Review: An article that traces the history of "anti-congressism" - in the form of political parties, and some other "groups" that have continually rose only to oppose Congress, and not to "get on with their work."

'Mamata's compulsion is to be seen as fighting for the people'

Q&A


with  A B Bardhan, four-time general secretary of the Communist Party of India.

Interview - Q&A

-The Times of India, January 6, 2012

Much Fury, Little Substance

Parliament's winter session offered little more than vacuous debate and brinkmanship


Much Fury, Little Substance

-The Times of India, January 5, 2012

Broom or bust

Will 2012 be the year of the dirty dozen or will we manage a cleaner sweep?


Broom or bust

-The Times of India, January 5, 2012

Fame Game

What Anna Hazare has in common with 'Kolaveri di'


Fame Game

-The Times of India, January 4, 2012

Rage Against Age

Some seniors just never Gray


Rage Against Age

-The Times of India, January 4, 2012

What A Ride

As we step into 2012, people power has changed the world


Article - What A Ride

-The Times of India, January 2, 2012

The saga of the Lokpal Bill

The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : The saga of the Lokpal Bill
by Prashant Bhushan, a Senior Advocate, is a member of Team Anna.

"The drama in the Rajya Sabha showed that the UPA government was not willing to go even by the will of Parliament. This gives rise to fundamental questions about the functioning of Indian democracy."

Right Cause, Wrong Time

Why Anna Hazare failed to draw crowds with his fast in Mumbai


Article - Right Cause, Wrong Time

-The Times of India, December 31, 2011

Life On Islands And In-Between

Article - Life On Islands And In-Between

-The Times of India, December 31, 2011

Last days, lasting show

Let's see how real life rewound reel life as we come to 2011 Ka The End


Article - Last days, lasting show

-The Times of India, December 29, 2011

Fix The System

Lokpal Bill can be a milestone on the path to significant political reform


Article - Fix The System

-The Times of India, December 29, 2011

The Anna Factor

Coexistence of political and civil society can strengthen democracy


Article - The Anna Factor

-The Times of India, December 28, 2011