Trump deserves a fair chance in office
By Vijay Darda | 23-01-2017 Now that Donald John Trump has been sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America, the least he deserves is a fair chance in office. He is the elected leader of the world’s richest democracy and the unelected leader of the free world. Besides, the […]
UP’s mid-term test for PM Modi
By Vijay Darda | 09-01-2017 The poll schedule for the all important Uttar Pradesh elections has been announced and the D-Day is March 11 when all the results would be known. With almost 20 per cent of the country, this can be seen as a mini-national referendum. At stake is prime minister Narendra Modi’s […]
Looking ahead for smoother ride in 2017
By Vijay Darda | 02-01-2017 When dealing with events it is best to savour the pleasant moments of the past and hope that time the great healer would provide a balm to the wounds. It is with this sentiment that I wish a good bye to 2016. As for 2017, I look ahead for […]
The Rajya Sabha poll bazaar
By Vijay Darda | 14-06-2016 One of the most enchanting features of our democracy is the bicameral legislature that we have in the Parliament. The Lok Sabha represents the will of the people as its members are directly elected through universal adult franchise. The Rajya Sabha is an indirectly elected House, as its members […]
An unfinished journey to fulfil tall promises
By Vijay Darda | 31-05-2016 Political parties have the luxury of promising the moon when they are seeking our votes. But governments do not deliver even a smoothly functioning service delivery mechanism. This is a saga that is well known to voters in every democracy. Two years ago, the dreams promised by Narendra Modi […]
Post-election 2016: The bite of regional parties
By Vijay Darda | 24-05-2016 In a democracy, the periodic elections serve many purposes. Through their mechanism, we not only choose the governments that would be running our affairs, but we also get a sense of their hopes and aspirations. It is through the choices that the people make at the electronic voting machines […]
The spectre of Trump presidency
By Vijay Darda | 11-05-2016 True, the American presidential election is still some months away. But the Republicans who will challenge the ultimate Democratic nominee (former secretary of state Hillary Clinton in all probability, barring some unexpected happening) are badly divided over their presumptive nominee Donald Trump. Lest it be forgotten we should remember […]
Looking beyond oath taking at Patna
By Vijay Darda | 23-11-2015 In true celebrations of democratic victory, oath taking ceremonies are now grand public affairs beyond the high formality of reciting vows to follow the Constitution, and discharging the responsibilities of office. Prime minister Narendra Modi sent out a clear message to all the SAARC countries that he was prepared […]
Diwali: A universal celebration
By Vijay Darda | 09-11-2015 In our every day colloquial language, when someone has a good day, we say that he is celebrating Diwali. This is true for the more fortunate sections of the society. But for the average citizen, the real time for celebration on this festival of lights is with its different […]
Can we toy with people’s faith?
By Vijay Darda | 29-06-2015 The emerging political developments of the last few days will make every conscientious citizen ponder over the question: Can we toy with people’s faith? One of the basic strengths of any democratic polity is its election system. We have an electoral system that has surprised the West and holds […]