Indian kidnapping stokes sectarian divisions
THE CITY of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka is facing a general strike on 28 September over the kidnapping of veteran film actor Rajkumar by the infamous bandit Veerappan. Rajkumar’s fans are infuriated at the authorities’ failure…
India – 50 years of a failed “republic”
IN STARK contrast to the lavish celebrations marking 50 years of independence nearly three years ago, the ruling elite in India is not that enthusiastic to rave about the anniversary of the formation of the Republic on 26 January 1950. JAGADISH CHANDRA…
BJP election victory – a challenge to Indian workers
India’s 13th Lok Sabha (national parliament) elections saw the right-wing Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retain its hold on power at the head of the 24-party coalition National Democratic Alliance. Jagadish Chandra, of Dudiyora Hora’ata,…
The Kashmir Battle Zone
This summer’s clashes between India and Pakistan, the world’s newest nuclear powers, claimed hundreds of lives. Then, as tensions seemed to be easing, on 10 August a Pakistani navy plane was shot down, leading to further retaliatory action.…
International Women’s day – India
Capitalist India – the land of a million festivals – has a unique trick up its sleeve to turn the most radical of events into a ritual to perpetuate its feudal status-quo. International Women’s Day symbolises women’s ongoing fight for…