One Nation, One Election

One Nation, One Election: Staggered electoral cycle important safeguard of India’s federal structure

The leitmotif of ‘One Nation’ is strongly aligned with the BJP’s policy and rhetoric; consider the 2017 introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (‘One Nation, One Tax’) and the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 (‘One Nation, One Constitution’). The ONOE falls within this inherent paradigm: an overpowering centre under the guise of administrative cost-cutting and electoral efficiency.

Kolkata rape and murder case: Confronting our collective failures

The medic rape-murder case, which captured global attention in an era dominated by the attention economy, had the potential to ignite systemic reforms, given the brutality of the crime. The movement, like many before it, held the power to expose the moral failings of the ruling party in the state. Yet, as so often happens, it faltered within a couple of months—or perhaps was made to falter. Herein lies an uncomfortable reality: we, the aam aadmi (common man), must share the blame.

Why Pakistan needs to reform and regulate its madrassas

Many critics argue that madrassas are breeding grounds for extremism. While there are undoubtedly instances of some seminaries being linked to extremist ideologies, it is essential to recognize that the vast majority of mudarrassahs are not involved in such activities. However, the lack of regulation leaves these institutions vulnerable to misuse. 

Bangladesh's passport purge: Worrying signs of authoritarianism, undermining of democratic principles

The interim government's decision to cancel the passports of 22 military officials is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked executive power. It violates the Constitution of Bangladesh, contradicts international legal standards, and disregards judicial precedents. Moreover, it reflects a troubling disregard for due process and the rule of law.

More on Spotlight

Role of governors and speakers in political crises: Will India's constitutional guardians rise above partisan politics?

During the last 25 years both these so-called high constitutional offices have repeatedly come under judicial scrutiny and invited adverse comments from the Indian courts, writes Vinod Aggarwal for South Asia Monitor

Israel’s recognition by UAE is a game-changer: Pakistan-China moves need watching

More Gulf States inking peace with Israel will upset Chinese plans to upstage Saudi Arabia’s position in the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and replace it with Turkey, using Pakistan as the handle, writes Lt Gen P. C. Katoch (retd) for South Asia Monitor

India's National Education Policy: More hope than hype

What the Indian government has put forward is a grand vision and policy framework. It reflects the government’s aspirations as to where it would like to see learning, education, teaching, and research, writes Amit Dasgupta for South Asia Monitor

Nepal urgently needs mechanism for compliance of court orders

The non-compliance of court orders would not only lower the public confidence on the judiciary in Nepal, but it will also pose threats to judicial credibility and rule of law, writes Jivesh Jha for South Asia Monitor

South Asia: Finding trade options to boost regional economic ties

South Asian nations would see a bilateral advantage in establishing trade and economic relationships with each other and the formal association of economic cooperation - SAARC-  which they have set up would gain strength by giving each other more trade access and tariff concessions to their goods and services, writes Partha Pratim Mitra for South Asia Monitor

Education policy: Why is RSS running scared of English

It is clear that in the subcontinent, colonialism is a convenient bogey for the anti-English lobby, writes Amulya Ganguli for South Asia Monitor

What the Kamala Harris nomination means for the US and ties with India

For the kind of person she has shown to be in the little time she has shot into prominence, Senator Harris will be a leader in her own right pushing for the national interests of America, not of any other country, writes Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami for South Asia Monitor

Agriculture sector in Pakistan: An orphaned child of the government

In the pandemic period while the Pakistan government is providing temporary relief to many sectors in the country why is this key area of agriculture being ignored, writes Muhammad Abbas Khaskheli for South Asia Monitor 

Quad needs to be a more binding arrangement to deter China

While Pacific and South China Sea are important, the Indian Ocean remains fundamental for India, writes Lt. Gen (Dr) Yash Malhotra (retd) for South Asia Monitor

Indian needs to develop a strong strategic culture

India has major power ambitions. A strong strategic culture must be developed to guide India to fulfill such ambitions, writes Aneek Chatterjee for South Asia Monitor

Rajapaksas should erase impression that it is family rule in Sri Lanka

The Rajapaksas have  entertained several projects with Chinese support and money, which is bound to cost Sri Lanka its sovereignty dearly in the coming years, if corrective steps are not taken, writes N.S.Venkataraman for South Asia Monitor

It is time for India to change the narrative with China

It is high time the Chinese political and military leadership are made to realise that chronic hegemonism and doggedness in constantly trying to crawl and clutch Indian territories are not going to work anymore and that the LAC must be clarified, writes Anil Bhat for South Asia Monitor

Should India continue to engage with the RIC?

For India, however, questions arise whether the RIC fits New Delhi’s objectives as it increases its strategic engagement with the United States, Japan, and Australia which goes against the RIC’s objective to undermine a growing American presence in the Indo-Pacific, writes Shantanu Roy-Chaudhury for South Asia Monitor

Time to reset the Indo-Sri Lankan relationship

Given Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean, India seeks to exert all its influence to rebalance the island nation away from the dragon’s embrace, writes N Chandra Mohan for South Asia Monitor

Democratisation of road spaces: Cycling, pedestrian tracks must be integral to smart-city infrastructure

Changing our transport behaviour is therefore the need of the hour. It becomes imperative that cycling and pedestrian walking is fully integrated with our existing public transport systems, writes Pankaj M Munjal for South Asia Monitor