Sedition Law Being Repealed? Not By A Long Shot

October 19, 2023

The sedition law was enacted by the British in 1870 and was added to the IPC in order to deal with the Wahabi Movement. Ironically, the law still exists in India even though the United Kingdom, which enacted this statute in this country, abolished it in 2009. During the Indian freedom movement, this law was used to curb the voices of freedom fighters, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and others. Now, it is used to stop journalists, professors, human rights activists and civil society members from raising their voices.

Why are the BJP and Centre so afraid of data?

October 13, 2023

The Narendra Modi government has a chronic case of arithmophobia, the correct term for the fear of numbers. Evasion of data is not about simply “not knowing”, it is often about knowing but preferring not to tell.

BJP’s double-engine sarkars have hurt the poor

September 29, 2023

MNREGA has been pivotal in providing employment opportunities to rural households, especially landless labourers, minorities and women, working as a shield against a life of penury.

Rightful wages under MNREGA have been denied to 1.4 crore workers in Bengal. Is anybody listening?

Give Me Back My India

September 28, 2023

This article has been adapted from a speech delivered in Parliament. Give me back my India was the last speech to be made in the original Parliament building.

My ode to Old Parliament’s Central Hall

September 15, 2023

My most joyous times in Parliament have been with you. Thank you for the friendships, the bonds and the decency you made space for

On Women’s Quota, A Reality Check

September 8, 2023

The need to increase women participation is felt not just in public institutions but in private ones as well.

A key to increasing participation and representation of women in institutions is to encourage them to join professional and technical courses in larger numbers.

Memories of Mother Teresa

September 1, 2023

On the occasion of Mother Teresa’s birth anniversary and seven years after her canonisation, some shared moments.

Tomahto, Tomayto – Soaring Prices, Government In Denial

August 25, 2023

Surging food prices have had a domino effect, materially changing India’s inflation outlook. India’s retail inflation rose to 7.4% year-on-year in July, surpassing the upper limit of Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s tolerance band of 6%. This trend has led to the RBI upwardly revising India’s Consumer Price Index inflation rate for the year from 5.1% to 5.4%. The RBI Governor has even warned that policymakers will have to stand ready to go beyond keeping a watchful eye, and deploy policy instruments if necessary.

Data Protection Act: A systematic wreckage of democratic procedure

August 18, 2023

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act can lead to muzzling of voices within the media, civil society and Parliament

6 Former PMs And Their “Manipur” Moment In Parliament

August 12, 2023

Since Independence, no other Prime Minister has insulted Parliament more than Mr Modi. Let me share with you six instances when Prime Ministers have spoken on the floor of Rajya Sabha on crucial issues.