When Aspirations Count

Muslim political choices could turn out to be an electoral game-changer in UP

When Aspirations Count

"Muslims are keen to fight socio-economic backwardness and hence are focussed on issues of education and employment, criticising ruling parties at the Centre and the state for their neglect and deprivation."

-The Times of India, February 9, 2012 

UP's voter

Seema Mustafa analyses the entire political scenario on ground-based politics and explains the strengths and weaknesses of each and every party whch is trying to gain any stake in the state elections 2012...

UP's voter is savouring her moment in the sum

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. 

'There's space for every party that works for dalit emancipation'

Q&A


with Badri Narayan, academic and political analyst, and a professor of social and cultural anthropology at the G B Pant Social Science Institute, Allahabad, discussing "his current research, UP chief minister Mayawati's past performance - and the state's forthcoming elections."

Interview - Q&A

-The Times of India, January 18, 2012

UP's New Star Caste

The state's political paradigm shifts with Congress and BJP wooing the smaller castes


UP's New Star Caste

-The Times of India, January 16, 2012

The BJP's own goal

"... the setback of an own goal at this stage of the game is not so easily overcome. Indeed, the Kushwaha fiasco came at a time when the BJP had just about recovered from l'affaire Yeddyurappa and had gained a measure of credibility with its Lokpal campaign. "

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The BJP's own goal

"The Kushwaha episode raises fundamental questions about the BJP and its leadership. What is the party's strategy for the next general election? The BJP was banking on a reasonable showing in U.P. to gain momentum ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election. The party will have only itself to blame if that dream goes up in smoke."

A Watchdog Needs Teeth

Only public pressure on the political class will ensure a strong and effective Lokpal


A Watchdog Needs Teeth

-The Times of India, January 7, 2012