Prasanna Mohanty

The Centre is apparently not only opposed to transparency in political funding, it is also opposed to bringing political parties under the RTI Act. In the latter, all major political parties are united.

Delayed or mild action in some alleged violations of the code of conduct, and no action at all in others, are allowing space for misuse of official machinery and vitiation of fair play.

Global thinking has changed with increasing acceptance of income transfer initiatives like NYAY and PM-KISAN to fight poverty and inequality. This part of the series focuses on the UN and India’s fight against hunger and inequality.

Economists' ideas on growth are changing, with the IMF finding trickle-down economics doesn't work. Schemes that improve income of the poor, like Congress' NYAY, are thus a good step.

New series of QES, inexplicably discontinued post-October 2017, showed structural changes in the economy. Education and health sectors had emerged as the new flag bearers of jobs in place of construction and IT/BPO.

India is home to the highest number of poor people (364 million) – more than the population of the US (328 million) and the greatest income inequality in the world. It is definitely time to discuss welfare interventions like NYAY.

Recent amendments in various statutes bringing in electoral bonds and allowing funding from foreign sources jeopardise transparency and expose our political parties to undesirable influences and unaccounted money.

Recent amendments in various statutes bringing in electoral bonds and allowing funding from foreign sources jeopardise transparency and expose our political parties to undesirable influences and unaccounted money.

The fact that BJP governments of Maharashtra and Haryana have not opted for simultaneous elections indicates a lack of confidence in the Modi magic. That's despite the muscular policy adopted towards Pakistan.

Despite hard factors influencing choices, the Indian electorate has surprised poll analysts multiple times. This time too, we should be prepared.