Close ties with the RSS ensure Jai Ram Thakur’s elevation as the new chief minister of Himachal Pradesh
For the election-obsessed BJP, the selection of Jai Ram Thakur as the new chief minister of Himachal Pradesh might come handy even in Karnataka, where assembly elections are due in May. The five time MLA, who belongs to the politically powerful Rajput community, is married to Sadhana, a Kannadiga doctor. They met in the mid-1990s in Jaipur when they were members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the RSS.
It is too early to say whether BJP president Amit Shah will use Thakur's services in Karnataka. However, his elevation marks a generational shift in Himachal politics. It could be the end of the active political career of veterans Prem Kumar Dhumal and Shanta Kumar of the BJP and outgoing chief minister Virbhadra Singh of the Congress.
This story is from the January 07, 2018 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 07, 2018 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ram temple not an issue in south
Much has been said this election season about the alleged north-south divide.
Haute and sweaty
In Mumbai, where I live and work, there is a severe heatwave going on. The highest temperature this month has been 40 degrees, sweltering and humid for the coastal city.
MOVE AWAY MARY!
In many parts of the world,unique names are becoming popular
CALL OF THE WILD
Tejas Thackeray, the younger son of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, shares his passion for wildlife conservation and photography
CEPA and beyond
Bilateral trade between the UAE and India has grown almost 16 per cent year-on-year, touching $84.5 billion
Brash and raw
When I chanced upon Raj Narain, who humbled Indira Gandhi
Lone voice of dissent
“I am keen to invite Parakala [Prabhakar] to Mumbai… What do you think? Do you know him?” A friend asked. No, I don’t know the man. And no, it is not a good idea to invite him, unless you want to invite trouble, I replied.
Modi and the Muslim syndrome
I have long been intrigued by the prime minister’s desire to hug every passing sheikh and sultan and his contrasting contempt for the ordinary Indian Muslim.
Assam Rifles not trained to guard borders; need separate force for Manipur border
Imphal is blanketed in darkness. The sun has set a little too soon in the valley, but N. Biren Singh is yet to call it a day.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE SENTINELS
Manipur government wants the Assam Rifles replaced, but the Union home ministry is focused on upgrading infrastructure and connectivity before deciding who guards the state
