Shashi Shekhar
Articles by Shashi Shekhar

Keep an eye on forces set to divide country

Operation Blue Star had disastrous consequences, such as a mutiny by a military unit in Ramgarh, Indira Gandhi's assassination, and deaths in the aftermath

The 40th year of Operation Blue Star begins tomorrow(HT Photo)
Published on Jun 04, 2023 09:00 PM IST

Cybercrime is a worry with a very wide reach

A cloud hangs over the digital revolution. Regrettably, no law or preventive action has helped avert such cases thus far

A cloud hangs over the digital revolution. Regrettably, no law or preventive action has helped avert such cases thus far (Shutterstock)
Updated on May 28, 2023 08:18 PM IST

As polls draw near, a popularity test looms

Post Karnataka and a possible attempt at Opposition unity, how will PM Modi win his popularity test?

 PM Modi's upcoming litmus test will be the next general election(ANI)
Published on May 21, 2023 08:05 PM IST

What K’taka results mean for 2024 polls

This triumph has given the Congress leverage in bargaining with other Opposition allies

A polling official administers indelible ink to a voter at a polling booth during the Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections 2023 (ANI/PIB)
Updated on May 14, 2023 06:34 PM IST

Real worries are lost in rhetoric before elections

Election days are bound to be filled with mudslinging. Why do those involved in this forget that we are the world’s largest and youngest democracy?

This rising trend must be halted, but who will do so, when everyone commits the same sin? (ANI)
Published on May 08, 2023 04:55 PM IST

Karnataka elections: The field is wide open

In the last elections, the BJP fell nine seats short of a majority with 36.43% votes. The Congress cornered 38.6% votes, but won only 78 seats.

The Lingayats, who account for 17% of the population, have traditionally supported the BJP. Yeddyurappa is the most visible political face of this community (HT PHOTO)
Updated on Apr 30, 2023 07:59 PM IST

Congress needs Opposition unity now, more than ever

There are few such people, like Rahul Gandhi, in today’s politics who can apply indirect pressure on people’s representatives for the public good

If Rahul Gandhi is to succeed in his efforts, he must unify his thoughts, words, and actions. (Reuters)
Published on Apr 23, 2023 07:44 PM IST

For Oppn unity, parties must find solid issues

Why do such people forget that elections are won not only via arithmetic but also through the chemistry of affection and trust?

Bihar chief minister (CM) Nitish Kumar travelled to Delhi last week to pitch for Opposition unity, and he returned to Patna with some success (HT)
Updated on Apr 16, 2023 08:32 PM IST

Separated by a wall, raised solely on basis of religion

People like these believe India and Pakistan can unite. Nothing is impossible, but there are several obstacles in the way

The ghost of the shadow war Pakistan embraced has now engulfed it. The dream of Quaid-I-Azam MA Jinnah is being destroyed (HT ARCHIVE)
Updated on Apr 09, 2023 07:50 PM IST

Action is needed to restore harmony in ‘urban jungles’

From stray dogs to monkeys, from pets to wild animals, there are so many such occurrences of man-animal conflict.

Human populations are encroaching on areas surrounding forests. This leads to man-animal conflicts. This never-ending cycle violates the rules of sharing natural resources. (Shutterstock)
Published on Apr 02, 2023 08:55 PM IST

Punjab’s situation is more than one of law and order

Keep in mind that viewing the current scenario in Punjab solely through the lens of law and order would be a mistake. This problem has its roots in society and politics.

Since the death of Deep Sidhu, Amritpal’s popularity in Punjab has rocketed. If the state’s home department had closed in on him then, the current situation would not have arisen. (Reuters)
Published on Mar 26, 2023 09:21 PM IST

Parliament could do with less animosity

When dealing with the BJP, the Congress must remain cool, restrained, cooperative, and strong. Rahul Gandhi would have to save himself from any unnecessary row. His followers have much higher expectations of him

Can’t our lawmakers swear to discuss every issue openly? (Hindustan Times)
Updated on Mar 19, 2023 08:44 PM IST

Women’s empowerment is a real necessity of time

PM Modi launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign when he assumed power in 2014. As a result, the BJP-ruled states were motivated to launch numerous initiatives targeting women

The rise of women in politics in the country began with Independence. Sucheta Kriplani was the first woman to become chief minister of the country’s largest state, Uttar Pradesh (HT ARCHIVE)
Updated on Mar 13, 2023 02:39 PM IST

BJP remains a dominant force in the North-East

Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya are border states. That is why strong and stable democratic governments are required in these states. It is a relief that the elections in February 2023 will serve as milestone moments in this direction.

BJP supporters celebrate Tripura Chief Minister and party candidate from Bordowali Town Manik Saha's victory in the state assembly elections (ANI)
Updated on Mar 05, 2023 07:03 PM IST

Separatism needs to be weeded out urgently

The nuisance at Ajnala police station and the character of mahapanchayats in Haryana may appear to be different on the surface, but the desire to hijack the spirit of the Constitution is the same in both cases

Amritpal Singh's supporters break barricades and enter the police station demanding the release of Amritpal Singh's close aide, in Ajnala near Amritsar on Thursday. (ANI)
Published on Feb 26, 2023 08:04 PM IST

If we do not end the Russia-Ukraine war soon, it will be our end

To date, almost 7,000 Ukrainian civilians have died in the war. The war has made the entire world more afraid, hungry, and miserable

A self-propelled artillery vehicle fires on the frontline, Donetsk region, Ukraine, February 18, 2023 (AP)
Updated on Feb 19, 2023 08:31 PM IST

Adani row: Yet another case of history repeating itself

For the past 66 years, we have witnessed some farce being repeated in politics. The debate over Adani Group and its political relations is nothing more than an episode in this never-ending series of farces

Modi appears unaffected, much like a batsman who can play the most difficult of balls with ease. That is why he made no mention of these charges in his speeches in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. (Bloomberg)
Published on Feb 12, 2023 07:51 PM IST

Water we save now will matter in times to come

According to the NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index, 600 million people are affected by the water problem. In the next eight years, our needs will more than double. How will this demand be met?

Nature is sending us warnings. We must revolutionise all aspects of our water usage, including daily use. Water is essential for survival. We must learn to value every drop of it. (Hindustan Times)
Updated on Feb 06, 2023 10:16 AM IST

No matter what, Gandhi’s thoughts cannot be killed

Bapu’s thoughts are as relevant today as they were in his day. However, the greatest tragedy of our fast-paced world is that we no longer have people like Gandhi

Godse had no idea that Gandhi’s thoughts could not be killed. (HT Archive)
Updated on Jan 29, 2023 08:12 PM IST

Like netas, some players have also abused fame

It is awful if the government and society cannot protect the players’ interests, but it is an outrage if the star players abuse their fame

The government has set up a panel to investigate complaints of physical abuse, along with financial and administrative anomalies. This committee will present its report in four weeks (PTI)
Updated on Jan 22, 2023 08:42 PM IST

The time is now to avert a crisis that faces the world

Among border nations, India is the most stable. We have Pakistan on one side, and Sri Lanka on the other. Both are in poor shape and Pakistan may be on the verge of a civil war

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has established a parallel government in the border region. (Reuters)
Published on Jan 15, 2023 08:03 PM IST

The economy has come a long way since the 90s

Business organisations outside India are aware that our economy and politics have come a long way from Rao to Narendra Modi

Those who settle abroad and lose links with India after a generation or two also serve India’s interests (Shutterstock)
Updated on Jan 08, 2023 07:52 PM IST

India can help tackle the global food crisis

The United Nations has said that 48 million people in West and Central Africa could be hungry in 2023 due to the reduction in farm productivity

The United Nations has said that 48 million people in West and Central Africa could be hungry in 2023 due to the reduction in farm productivity (Shutterstock)
Updated on Jan 01, 2023 08:31 PM IST

The new year should usher in fresh optimism

Despite shocks, we also received some good news in 2022. India took over as the G20 president, and global financial institutions voiced optimism about the Indian economy’s performance this fiscal year

Several drones fly in formation to create an image of G20 symbol to mark India's presidency of G20, December 19, 2022 (AP)
Updated on Dec 25, 2022 10:00 PM IST

The Northeast elections hold huge significance

Elections in three Northeast states are important for the dreams of the BJP, Congress, and opposition unity.

During his tenure, PM Narendra Modi prioritised the Northeast. But as a new alliance is being formed to oppose the BJP juggernaut, will this association begin with these seven sisters? (ANI)
Published on Dec 18, 2022 07:21 PM IST

Message from voters: No room for complacency

These results should serve as a wake-up call to the entire Opposition that if they fight between themselves, the results in 2024 may be disappointing. If the Opposition parties desire, they can use this lesson in the upcoming elections in nine states

How could the BJP retain and grow its popularity for 27 years in Gujarat in this era of evolving technology and increased expectations? (ANISharma)
Updated on Dec 11, 2022 08:28 PM IST

A long way still for India to be the best democracy

Those who entered politics preaching alternative politics and eradicating corruption had to adopt populist measures, and, as a result, election after election, actual issues are pushed further behind

Elections are becoming pompous “events” rather than democratic festivals. (HT Photo)
Published on Dec 04, 2022 08:21 PM IST

Netas must stop using history as a weapon

It undoubtedly provides politicians with an opportunity to engage in combative behaviour

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with a padayatri during the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra as it enters Madhya Pradesh, November 23, 2022 (Sanjeev Gupta)
Updated on Nov 27, 2022 08:23 PM IST

Much needs to be done to bolster our defences

October 20 marked the 60th anniversary of the brutal conflict of 1962, but much work remains to be done to free our territory from Chinese occupation

It is reassuring that the country’s current leadership is engaged fully and dealing with this sensitive issue appropriately. (Shutterstock)
Updated on Nov 20, 2022 08:26 PM IST

Voters have aided the misconduct of netas

Our politics has grown dependent on accusations and counter-allegations. This also taints the positive works of the rulers

The moment has come to remind our politicians that we will vote based on their work and principles, not on hatred or spectacle (HT PHOTO)
Updated on Nov 13, 2022 08:07 PM IST
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