Santwana Bhattacharya

2 weeks ago | newindianexpress.com | Santwana Bhattacharya

Trump is himself said to be rather fond of 19th century American protectionism that helped develop its manufacturing potential. Old Oprah footage from the 1980s has him raging about the same theme that he’s agitated over today. Which is, cruel foreign nations robbing America of its manufacturing testosterone. Then he had a different Oriental enemy in mind. It was Japan, then flooding the world with its cars and electronics. Today, of course, it is China.

Dec 26, 2024 | newindianexpress.com | Santwana Bhattacharya

Economical with his words, but gentle in his phrasing, the conversations he struck up were with the times. And he persuaded the times to change. That was Dr Manmohan Singh, the self-effacing savant who rose to perform two big roles for an India in transition — that of Prime Minister and finance minister. In both roles, he is likely to win a contest with history for having been the most clean of spirit and genuinely courteous, the most knowledgeable and, arguably, the most transformational.

Nov 23, 2024 | newindianexpress.com | Santwana Bhattacharya

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar addresses a press conference as the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secures victory amid the counting of votes for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, in Mumbai, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. A gap had opened up in India’s polity this summer. It was after a decade that political strands contrary to the reigning one had found space for articulation.

Sep 12, 2024 | newindianexpress.com | Santwana Bhattacharya

A mop of frizzy hair that placed him in a permanent Seventies, a boyish face that seemed to be built for laughter, eyes that were always smiling (though of late touched by sadness), a manner that was the very definition of amiable, speech that was erudite but easy, persuasive rather than offensive, smooth but always guided by conviction. Of all the talk of revolution that swirled around, he must have been the gentlest apostle.

Jun 4, 2024 | newindianexpress.com | Santwana Bhattacharya

On par with Jawaharlal Nehru. That bridge has been crossed for Narendra Modi, but as part of a political bargain whose cost cannot be entirely calculated at present. The river underneath flowed in strange ways. Rather than an enhancement of stature, it is the shadow that lengthened—of a doubt about his continuance that was unthinkable just the other day. The figure itself stood diminished in victory, when set against the will of the people. Which is not inappropriate in a democracy.