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Rahul Verma

Articles by Rahul Verma

The great game among Indian political parties

The TMC and AAP will eventually hit roadblocks in their expansion. But for now, the Congress will be worried at the emergence of alternatives and the BJP will be pleased at the fragmentation of the Opposition space

The declining appeal of the Congress has provided an opportunity for parties such as the AAP and the TMC to go on the offensive now. They are unlikely to let it go. (Hindustan Times)

opinion

Updated on Oct 16, 2021 08:13 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

The centrality of OBCs in Indian politics

A set of political, social and legal changes have brought the OBC vote back in focus. Moves such as sub-categorisation and a caste census will have a deep, but unpredictable, impact

There will be a political fallout not just from the caste census but also from other associated demands such as lifting the cap of 50% on reservation, reorganising the status of each caste within their quota group, developing a better framework to identify the creamy layer, and perhaps extending reservation to the private sector. The caste census may also lead to a renewed demand to tinker with the current electoral system too — moving from a first-past-the-post system to a more proportionate representation model (PTI)

opinion

Updated on Aug 28, 2021 08:27 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

The grim world of UP’s district politics

As a ruling party, the BJP’s win in UP local polls isn’t surprising, and reflects the distortions in local politics.

This is a power-begets-power story in rural India. A decentralised governance system has brought marginalised groups into power hierarchies, yet it is also becoming an enabler of political entrenchment(Deepak Gupta/Hindustan Times)

analysis

Updated on Jul 04, 2021 09:12 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

Assessing the quality of Indian democracy

The world has been under the grip of a democratic recession. The rising concern among scholars and commentators on how democracies die— to borrow the title of a book on this trend — is neither surprising nor unwarranted

Representational image. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

opinion

Updated on Jun 01, 2021 04:20 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

The five lessons from five assembly polls

Every party can rejoice in its share of victories, but what will shape the future of Indian politics is the political response to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic

The loss in West Bengal is going to pinch the BJP, as this was an emotional project for the party. A victory would have given the party an ideological boost and narrative advantage till 2024 (AP)

opinion

Published on May 02, 2021 10:21 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

India needs a new elite compact

No regime can govern a vast and diverse country such as India without taking social, political, and economic elites on board. PM Modi must create the space for it

The effect of these laws will neither be revolutionary nor disastrous for farmers and Indian agriculture. But in this hyper-mediatised age, both sides are playing to the gallery leaving no room for genuine conversation (PTI)

opinion

Published on Feb 22, 2021 08:39 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

The roots of the BJP’s unilateralism

It believes that the opposition to its policies is not principled. But it shouldn’t underestimate social forces

The vehement opposition the party faced between 2014 and 2016 led them to conclude that despite the party’s historic win, there is an obstructionist cabal that thinks that the BJP has no right to govern India (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

opinion

Updated on Jan 27, 2021 07:29 AM IST

ByRahul Verma

Regional parties fail to cross the final poll hurdle

The generational transition in these forces, the limits of their social base, and the erosion in their sources of finance and support have hurt state parties

State-level parties have developed a template to challenge the BJP in their respective strongholds — highlight local issues; challenge NDA’s state-level leadership; avoid walking into the trap on national issues; and stay clear of direct attacks on Modi. But this is not enough(Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times)

analysis

Published on Nov 20, 2020 08:16 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

Why Tejashwi failed to break the glass ceiling | Opinion

How did the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), then, manage to turn the rising tide against Kumar? Why could Yadav not build on the groundswell of support evident in his rallies to trounce the NDA? And finally, where did the exit polls go wrong?

The BJP left no stone unturned in reminding voters that no matter how many seats they won, Nitish was going to be CM(Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times)

analysis

Updated on Nov 11, 2020 12:15 AM IST

ByRahul Verma

Analysis| Will the migrant crisis impact the Bihar polls?

Our knowledge about how the migrant population in India engages with electoral democracy is limited

While Nitish Kumar is leaving no chance to remind everyone that his government has made several efforts to compensate the migrant workers, the opposition has alleged that it was too little, too late(Burhaan Kinu/HT PHOTO)

analysis

Updated on Oct 15, 2020 06:38 AM IST

ByRahul Verma

The Congress has four choices now

It needs to wake up to its political marginalisation. Convert the crisis into an opportunity

In states, where the Congress has slid to the third or fourth position, it has struggled to revive. As the national challenge increases, the party should remember this(Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

analysis

Updated on Sep 03, 2020 05:56 AM IST

ByRahul Verma

Politicians will pose the biggest challenge to NEP

They own many educational institutions. To preserve their patronage network, they will resist reforms

Schools and colleges function as sources of patronage for politicians. This patronage can vary from the allocation of admissions to teaching jobs to janitorial positions(Yogesh Kumar/Hindustan Times)

analysis

Updated on Aug 10, 2020 08:51 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

Covid-19: An epidemic is an epidemic. A war is a war| Analysis

They are both serious threats, but using the war metaphor is harmful because it skews our response to the crisis

The Covid-19 crisis has a key role for the government, but we should not assume that only the government has the answers(Waseem Andrabi / Hindustan Times)

analysis

Published on Apr 12, 2020 06:26 PM IST

BySuyash Rai and Rahul Verma

Politics is shifting to the centre-right. Delhi proves it | Opinion

Endorsing the religious practices of the majority, a strong nationalist pitch and populist welfarism is the new normal.

The BJP’s campaign did not convince swing voters but the outcome does not reflect a rejection of the ideology(SANJEEV VERMA/HTPHOTO)

analysis

Updated on Feb 11, 2020 09:22 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

By rejecting Raghubar Das, Jharkhand sends a message to the BJP | Opinion

Don’t impose leaders with no mass base; address the economy; and be prepared for a tough poll cycle

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Raghubar Das.(PTI file photo)

analysis

Updated on Dec 24, 2019 08:55 AM IST

ByRahul Verma

How SC’s Ayodhya judgment could affect the course of Indian politics | Opinion

Given that the BJP is having difficulties on the economic front, and many opposition parties (who have relied on the Muslim voters) are facing challenges of their own making, this judgment may be miscued to rally supporters.

Ayodhya, India – November 10, 2019: Sadhus read a newspaper, a day after the Ayodhya verdict, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Sunday, November 10, 2019. (Photo by Deepak Gupta/ Hindustan Times)

opinion

Updated on Nov 11, 2019 08:06 AM IST

ByRahul Verma

There is no doubt that the vote was against the ruling establishment

The BJP lost more in rural areas, failed to sustain a coalition of extremes, and saw a dip in reserved seats. It should worry

NCP president Sharad Pawar addresses the media in Mumbai, October 24, 2019(PTI)

analysis

Updated on Oct 24, 2019 09:37 PM IST

ByRahul Verma

How the Indian voter has changed in recent years

Which way the Indian voter will swing and what would drive their choices? In recent years, the Indian voter has flummoxed pollsters, journalists, and even the most seasoned political observers. Gone are simple tropes and stereotypes about voters who only care about their ascriptive identities (read caste, region and religion) and exchanged their votes for some cash and alcohol. This election affirmed that the voter exhibits carefully reasoned political preferences, weighing complex issues of jobs, inflation, and agriculture

In the past few decades, both India and its voters have undergone profound changes.(PTI)

analysis

Published on Dec 16, 2018 06:41 PM IST

ByNeelanjan Sircar and Rahul Verma

Tried and tasted: Visit this Delhi eatery for innovative Thai cuisine

In this week’s column, we take a look at Ziu in Sangam Courtyard in Delhi’s RK Puram which features Thai dishes that are cooked innovatively and plated picturesquely.

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 12, 2018 09:28 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Tried and tasted: Spanish tapas is the newest food trend and you can try it at this Delhi restaurant

Tapas means to cover, or is a word for a lid. Legend has it that tapas came to being because Spanish bars used to serve the drinks with a lid on top of a glass – possibly to keep out the flies. Soon the bar-owners started putting some food – mostly a piece of cheese or ham or olives -- on the lid to woo customers.

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 06, 2018 01:53 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Tried and tasted: This Delhi eatery serves the best of Indian regional cuisine

In this week’s column, we take a look at the Café Lota at Pragati Maidan, which offers the best and rarest of multi-regional dishes.

Café Lota was started by three friends who had known each other for decades. Their idea was simple - they wanted it to be different from the dime-a-dozen restaurants in town.(HT Youtube)

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 17, 2018 05:15 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Tried and tasted: Visit this Delhi eatery to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine

In this week’s column, we take a look at the Japanese preparations that you can savour in the capital at Triple 8, an eatery at Ansal Plaza.

Japanese cuisine is healthy, tasty and beautifully presented.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 08, 2018 11:38 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Tried and tasted: How to experiment with beetroot in innovative ways

In this week’s column, let’s take a look at beetroots, which are feted as a superfood and can be cooked in an intriguing variety of ways.

Beetroot is feted the world over as a superfood.(HT photo)

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 01, 2018 09:54 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Tried and tasted: Visit this eatery for tasty and healthy North Indian cuisine

In this week’s column, let’s take a look at Karma Kismet, a progressive north Indian restaurant in New Delhi, which shows how food can be tasty without dripping in oil.

The grilled pomfret at at Karma Kismet comes with white butter sauce.(HT file)

lifestyle

Updated on Jun 24, 2018 08:35 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Tried and tasted: How lemongrass can be your saviour in hot weather

In this week’s column, let’s take a look at the delicious flavour lemongrass adds to dishes, especially in Asian cuisine.

Lemongrass adds flavour to everything – from vegetables and meat to fish.(HT file photo)

lifestyle

Updated on Jun 17, 2018 08:56 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Shillong to Thoothukudi, what data says about increasing protests in India

Citizens are finding innovative ways to protest and are often doing so without the help of political parties, who often arrive ‘late to the party’.

Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest, after at least 13 people were killed when police fired on protesters seeking closure of plant on environmental grounds in town of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, in Chennai, on May 24.(Reuters file photo)

analysis

Updated on Jun 15, 2018 09:42 AM IST

ByPradeep Chhibber, Harsh Shah, and Rahul Verma

Tried and tasted: Where to find the best nihari in Old Delhi this Ramzan

This Ramzan, head to Shabrati Nihari Wale in Haveli Azam Khan, a bylane off Matia Mahal in Old Delhi, for delicious nihari, rotis and brain fry.

One of the places where people come for their nihari is an old shop, locally known as Shabrati.(HT photo)

lifestyle

Updated on Jun 03, 2018 09:43 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Tried and tasted: Where to find the best biryani in Delhi this Ramzan

At Dil Pasand Biryani Point in Old Delhi, the Taufeeq ki biryani is a must-have. Here’s why.

Taufeeq ki biryani has quite a reputation in and outside the neighbourhood.(HT photo)

lifestyle

Updated on May 27, 2018 09:22 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Tried and tasted: This place serves the best saag meat in Delhi

The saag meat at Bhape Da Hotel is prepared with finely blended spinach leaves, which really thicken the gravy. And what adds to the taste is the fact that it’s hot and served with ‘kadak’ rotis just off the tandoor.

Saag meat is one of Bhape Da hotel’s USPs.(HT photo)

lifestyle

Updated on May 20, 2018 08:32 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRahul Verma

Tried and Tasted: Where to find the best north-eastern food in Delhi

This week, we tell you where in Delhi you can find delicious cuisine from states such as Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh.

The north-east region boasts of a wide variety of pork dishes.(HT photo)

lifestyle

Updated on May 13, 2018 11:00 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByRahul Verma

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Rahul Verma

The TMC and AAP will eventually hit roadblocks in their expansion. But for now, the Congress will be worried at the emergence of alternatives and the BJP will be pleased at the fragmentation of the Opposition space

A set of political, social and legal changes have brought the OBC vote back in focus. Moves such as sub-categorisation and a caste census will have a deep, but unpredictable, impact

As a ruling party, the BJP’s win in UP local polls isn’t surprising, and reflects the distortions in local politics.

The world has been under the grip of a democratic recession. The rising concern among scholars and commentators on how democracies die— to borrow the title of a book on this trend — is neither surprising nor unwarranted

Every party can rejoice in its share of victories, but what will shape the future of Indian politics is the political response to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic

No regime can govern a vast and diverse country such as India without taking social, political, and economic elites on board. PM Modi must create the space for it

It believes that the opposition to its policies is not principled. But it shouldn’t underestimate social forces

The generational transition in these forces, the limits of their social base, and the erosion in their sources of finance and support have hurt state parties

How did the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), then, manage to turn the rising tide against Kumar? Why could Yadav not build on the groundswell of support evident in his rallies to trounce the NDA? And finally, where did the exit polls go wrong?

Our knowledge about how the migrant population in India engages with electoral democracy is limited

It needs to wake up to its political marginalisation. Convert the crisis into an opportunity

They own many educational institutions. To preserve their patronage network, they will resist reforms

They are both serious threats, but using the war metaphor is harmful because it skews our response to the crisis

Endorsing the religious practices of the majority, a strong nationalist pitch and populist welfarism is the new normal.

Don’t impose leaders with no mass base; address the economy; and be prepared for a tough poll cycle

Given that the BJP is having difficulties on the economic front, and many opposition parties (who have relied on the Muslim voters) are facing challenges of their own making, this judgment may be miscued to rally supporters.

The BJP lost more in rural areas, failed to sustain a coalition of extremes, and saw a dip in reserved seats. It should worry

In this week’s column, we take a look at Ziu in Sangam Courtyard in Delhi’s RK Puram which features Thai dishes that are cooked innovatively and plated picturesquely.

In this week’s column, we take a look at the Café Lota at Pragati Maidan, which offers the best and rarest of multi-regional dishes.

In this week’s column, we take a look at the Japanese preparations that you can savour in the capital at Triple 8, an eatery at Ansal Plaza.

In this week’s column, let’s take a look at beetroots, which are feted as a superfood and can be cooked in an intriguing variety of ways.

In this week’s column, let’s take a look at Karma Kismet, a progressive north Indian restaurant in New Delhi, which shows how food can be tasty without dripping in oil.

In this week’s column, let’s take a look at the delicious flavour lemongrass adds to dishes, especially in Asian cuisine.

Citizens are finding innovative ways to protest and are often doing so without the help of political parties, who often arrive ‘late to the party’.

This Ramzan, head to Shabrati Nihari Wale in Haveli Azam Khan, a bylane off Matia Mahal in Old Delhi, for delicious nihari, rotis and brain fry.

At Dil Pasand Biryani Point in Old Delhi, the Taufeeq ki biryani is a must-have. Here’s why.

The saag meat at Bhape Da Hotel is prepared with finely blended spinach leaves, which really thicken the gravy. And what adds to the taste is the fact that it’s hot and served with ‘kadak’ rotis just off the tandoor.

This week, we tell you where in Delhi you can find delicious cuisine from states such as Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh.

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