Articles by Badri Narayan
The discreet charm of the subaltern godmen
The stampede at the Hathras satsang (prayer meeting) raises many questions about all that went wrong that day — more due to negligence and thoughtlessness among key actors than any freak occurrence
![Hathras India - July 04 2024: People looking towards the pandal at the spot after the incident at Hathras Sikandra Rao Satya Sangh. in Hathras , India on Thursday, July 04 2024. (Photo by Sakib Ali/Hindustan Times) Hathras India - July 04 2024: People looking towards the pandal at the spot after the incident at Hathras Sikandra Rao Satya Sangh. in Hathras , India on Thursday, July 04 2024. (Photo by Sakib Ali/Hindustan Times)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/08/150x84/Hathras-India---July-04-2024--People-looking-towar_1720453526948.jpg)
Published on Jul 08, 2024 09:16 PM IST
The Dalit vote is not a monolith despite the BSP
Dalits, accounting for 16.6% of the country’s population, can play an important role in determining the shape of India’s democracy and electoral outcomes
![Noida, India- April 14, 2024: People seen on the occasion of the 133th birth anniversary of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar at Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal, sector 95, in Noida, India, on Sunday, April 14, 2024. (Photo by Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times) Noida, India- April 14, 2024: People seen on the occasion of the 133th birth anniversary of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar at Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal, sector 95, in Noida, India, on Sunday, April 14, 2024. (Photo by Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/17/148x111/20240414-DNO-SGH-MN-AmbedkarJayanti-026-0_1715959694246_1715960067440.jpg)
Published on May 17, 2024 11:14 PM IST
The emerging election mosaic in Uttar Pradesh
The full electoral picture in UP, of course, is still to emerge. But the pointers to the future are very much there.
![Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav during Congress’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Agra. (Sourced) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav during Congress’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Agra. (Sourced)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/17/148x111/Congress-leader-Rahul-Gandhi-and-SP-chief-Akhilesh_1708880780294_1713366769308.jpg)
Published on Apr 17, 2024 10:10 PM IST
Political message in Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur
The decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on Thakur may turn out to be a game-changer for the BJP in Bihar.
![Former CM Karpoori Thakur (HT Archive) Former CM Karpoori Thakur (HT Archive)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/26/148x111/Former-CM-Karpoori-Thakur--HT-Archive-_1706033963829_1706286978766.jpg)
Published on Jan 26, 2024 10:09 PM IST
Lessons for Congress in political diction of BJP
How will these results influence the 2024 elections? It will compel the Congress to rethink its strategies and diction of politics, especially in the Hindi Belt
![Congress workers celebrate early leads for their party in Telangana state elections in Hyderabad.(AP) Congress workers celebrate early leads for their party in Telangana state elections in Hyderabad.(AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/12/03/148x111/India-State-Elections-18_1701611637339_1701616056292.jpg)
Published on Dec 04, 2023 03:18 AM IST
Bihar survey exposes disparities among OBCs
The Bihar socio-economic data will sharpen the existing contestation for political power and material resources within the OBC and EBC communities.
![Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Vijay Kumar Sinha and other leaders during all parties’ meeting on Bihar Caste Census at the CM Secretariat. (PTI) Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Vijay Kumar Sinha and other leaders during all parties’ meeting on Bihar Caste Census at the CM Secretariat. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/11/08/148x111/Bihar-chief-minister-Nitish-Kumar--deputy-chief-mi_1696359884370_1699461652595.jpg)
Published on Nov 09, 2023 03:23 AM IST
Caring for the elders: From family to State
It’s crucial for society to recognise the contributions of senior citizens and work collectively to ensure their well-being and dignity in their golden years.
![Affordable and accessible technologies can help in enhancing the quality of life, safety, independence, and social engagement of senior citizens.(Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash) Affordable and accessible technologies can help in enhancing the quality of life, safety, independence, and social engagement of senior citizens.(Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/11/08/148x111/micheile-henderson-PpZasS086os-unsplash_1692256542547_1699460744900.jpg)
Published on Nov 08, 2023 10:37 PM IST
Many narratives of social justice politics
Bihar caste survey shows OBCs make up 63% of the population, impacting politics and governance. OBC mobilisation is expected to increase.
![JD(U) supporters celebrate after the Bihar government released the caste survey report, in Patna on Monday. (ANI) JD(U) supporters celebrate after the Bihar government released the caste survey report, in Patna on Monday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/03/148x111/JD-U--supporters-celebrate-after-the-Bihar-governm_1696274771371_1696324417970.jpg)
Published on Oct 03, 2023 03:13 PM IST
NCERT textbook controversy: Much ado about nothing
India is not alone when it comes to controversies over revisions of textbooks; such things happen all over the world
![India is not alone when it comes to controversies over revisions of textbooks; such things happens all over the world (Getty Images/iStockphoto) India is not alone when it comes to controversies over revisions of textbooks; such things happens all over the world (Getty Images/iStockphoto)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/04/13/150x84/India-is-not-alone-when-it-comes-to-controversies-_1681393694815.jpg)
Updated on Apr 13, 2023 07:21 PM IST
Only quality education can empower the people and ensure social justice
We hope the NCF will ensure equal educational opportunities for all, the basis of an equitable, democratic and exclusive society. It will also fulfil the demands of the Dalit ladies of Phulpur and dream of BR Ambedkar and Swami Vivekanand, who said that only education can empower the people.
![The NCF is evolving an education system for the children that ensure all-around development as competent, sensitive, and spiritual human beings. (Hindustan Times) The NCF is evolving an education system for the children that ensure all-around development as competent, sensitive, and spiritual human beings. (Hindustan Times)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/11/16/150x84/8613427c-5b80-11ed-9a94-6cdab0551c2a_1668604781127.jpg)
Updated on Nov 16, 2022 06:49 PM IST
Dynasties could be the key narrative in 2024
The BJP is hoping to recast itself as an anti-dynastic force, blaming the old bloodline guard for the ills plaguing India. It not only helps in shifting blame but also in weakening political outfits that continue to resist the party in several states
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, Delhi (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, Delhi (ANI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/08/18/150x84/b4c88340-1cbd-11ed-8c4d-fc6273086eb8_1660842755849.jpg)
Updated on Aug 18, 2022 10:45 PM IST
Politics of development is set for a new phase with Murmu
To understand the motivation and rationale behind this decision to nominate Droupadi Murmu, we have to look back.
![Beyond the electoral realm, there is also the symbolic – and that is, for the first time in independent India, a tribal woman is set to ascend to the highest office in the land and be the country’s first citizen. (Santosh Kumar/Hindustan Times) Beyond the electoral realm, there is also the symbolic – and that is, for the first time in independent India, a tribal woman is set to ascend to the highest office in the land and be the country’s first citizen. (Santosh Kumar/Hindustan Times)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/07/07/148x111/878b9324-fc95-11ec-992f-3abe3804f2f5_1657048077426_1657209771710.jpg)
Updated on Jul 07, 2022 09:36 PM IST
How the BJP retained its large social coalition in UP
From campaigning and narrative setting to social engineering and caste management, the BJP functioned as one unit, from the grassroots cadre and the candidate right to the top leadership
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, March 10, 2022 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, March 10, 2022 (PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/03/25/150x84/2016e394-ac02-11ec-91a2-46f8d94c29f3_1648188799566.jpg)
Updated on Mar 25, 2022 11:43 AM IST
In UP, a realignment of not just parties, but also communities
In many ways, it’s not only a political phenomenon but also a social one — this is why every party organises a Dalit meeting, a prabudh warg conference or a samajik samvad
![Assembly elections matter in a democracy because they determine the future trajectory of a state, the fate of its people, and, therefore, the nation (PTI) Assembly elections matter in a democracy because they determine the future trajectory of a state, the fate of its people, and, therefore, the nation (PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/02/08/150x84/a0377ca6-88e3-11ec-8ba1-508084a9585c_1644332710766.jpg)
Updated on Feb 08, 2022 08:42 PM IST
Based on alliances, it is advantage BJP
The difference between the 2014 and the 2019 election is that the former was fought under when the Modi magic was in full swing. This time around, it is going to be based on the electoral strength of alliance partners. But the inherent contradictions between many parties and interests of certain political groups are creating problems in the formation of alliances
![The Congress may also keep its options open to form post-poll alliances with anti-BJP political forces in some states(Hindustan Times) The Congress may also keep its options open to form post-poll alliances with anti-BJP political forces in some states(Hindustan Times)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/rf/image_size_300x169/HT/p2/2019/03/19/Pictures/candidate-files-nomination-papers-for-delhi-elections_39d74934-4a0f-11e9-9111-3135b956f139.jpg)
Updated on Mar 23, 2019 05:55 PM IST
How Mayawati chooses her alliance partners
She prefers a political party which can transfer its votes to the BSP, supports her own political ambitions, and does not eat into her Dalit votes
![Mayawati has opted to enter into an alliance with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections due to political compulsion(PTI) Mayawati has opted to enter into an alliance with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections due to political compulsion(PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/rf/image_size_300x169/HT/p2/2019/01/15/Pictures/karnataka-swearing-in-ceremony_ddb3d6e0-189a-11e9-b6e9-9c4bb39de67f.jpg)
Updated on Jan 19, 2019 07:37 PM IST
It is back to the Hindutva card in Uttar Pradesh
To counter the BSP-SP alliance, the BJP is also trying to project icons, heroes, kings and warriors of the Dalit and OBC-MBC communities, by erecting statues and organising celebrations commemorating them
![The BJP is trying to create a strong Hindu identity which may help form a social alliance that goes beyond caste in Uttar Pradesh(Vipin Kumar/HT PHOTO) The BJP is trying to create a strong Hindu identity which may help form a social alliance that goes beyond caste in Uttar Pradesh(Vipin Kumar/HT PHOTO)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/rf/image_size_300x169/HT/p2/2018/11/19/Pictures/modi-amit-shah_4640945c-ec02-11e8-b312-d5ded9c11306.jpg)
Updated on Nov 19, 2018 07:23 PM IST
Why Mayawati is a pragmatic politician
She works towards electoral alliances that appear the most respectable for her party, her voter base and herself
![Mayawati may have gone against a BSP-Congress alliance in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, but she may take an altogether different stand in the Parliamentary elections(PTI) Mayawati may have gone against a BSP-Congress alliance in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, but she may take an altogether different stand in the Parliamentary elections(PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/rf/image_size_300x169/HT/p2/2018/10/15/Pictures/bahujan-samaj-party-supremo-mayawati_01103b82-d06c-11e8-9a37-2776cb441552.jpg)
Updated on Oct 17, 2018 07:18 PM IST
Assembly elections 2017: How BJP won and the SP, BSP lost the Dalit vote in UP
The grand success of the BJP in the 2017 elections of Uttar Pradesh can be owed to its social engineering strategy crafted by Amit Shah
![The grand success of the BJP in the 2017 elections of Uttar Pradesh can be owed to its social engineering strategy crafted by Amit Shah(Arun Sharma/HT PHOTO) The grand success of the BJP in the 2017 elections of Uttar Pradesh can be owed to its social engineering strategy crafted by Amit Shah(Arun Sharma/HT PHOTO)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/rf/image_size_300x169/HT/p2/2017/03/11/Pictures/ayodhya-election_453d57e4-0666-11e7-b1f1-d4c6cd13dfb1.jpg)
Updated on Mar 12, 2017 07:21 AM IST
Narendra Modi does not figure in the Dalit khichri
In villages near Varanasi inhabited by people belonging to the Musahar caste, there is no propaganda about Modi. They are only looking for some relief from their daily grind and rely on the BSP and the Congress.
![BJP-prime-ministerial-candidate-Narendra-Modi-greets-the-crowd-at-an-election-rally-in-Dhanbad-on-Tuesday-Bijay-HT-Photo BJP-prime-ministerial-candidate-Narendra-Modi-greets-the-crowd-at-an-election-rally-in-Dhanbad-on-Tuesday-Bijay-HT-Photo](https://images.hindustantimes.com/rf/image_size_640x362/HT/p1/2014/04/14/Incoming/Pictures/1208065_Wallpaper2.jpg)
Updated on Apr 16, 2014 11:24 PM IST
Caste-ing a shadow on polls
There are a thousand burning issues in the state but when it comes to assembly elections, it all boils down to the caste. And political parties know the game all too well. Badri Narayan writes.
![HT Image HT Image](https://images.hindustantimes.com/default/150x84.jpg)
Updated on Jun 28, 2011 03:54 PM IST
Hindustan Times | , Lucknow
Badri Narayan