Why Mayawati, the controversial ‘Dalit’ or lower-caste Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP), deserves to win the ongoing state elections. As India's largest and most populous state, UP sets the stage for India's national elections in 2014. It will determine in large part the surety of the stranglehold that the Congress's dynastic leader, Rahul Gandhi, has on his... Continue Reading
Despite possessing strong economic credentials, the Indian Prime Minister’s economic team has not yet been able to effectively address inflation. Control on corruption has not been Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's strongest suit. And now, as we approach the one year anniversary of 9 percent plus inflation, it seems neither is his grasp of the economy. For all of the criticism that... Continue Reading
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s ineptitude has quickly caused him to fall out of favor. India’s Prime Minister, Dr. Singh, seems to be at a loss in understanding why Indians across the country are coming out and protesting in support of Anna Hazare. From college students in Bangalore to the Dabbawala delivery men in Mumbai to the housewives in Delhi, the frustration is real and palpable. Dr. Singh's... Continue Reading
Chanakya writes that the Indian government is ambivalent about its attitude towards NGOs in the country, which are alternately viewed as either doers of good or as frauds. Either way, they are now indispensable in serving India’s poor. Are non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India angels or foes in the nation’s struggle to achieve prosperity? Are microfinance NGOs saviours to... Continue Reading
In Bihar, the state with the lowest female literacy rate in the country, things have changed dramatically. All indicators of governance have improved dramatically. School enrolment has shot up, crime has decreased dramatically and roads have been constructed all across the state. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in power since November 2005, is the person who deserves the credit for... Continue Reading
