Articles by Barkha Dutt
In Jammu attacks, a clear imprint of the Pakistan army
There is, by all accounts, enough intelligence that points to a direct participation of the Pakistan army, and not just in the conventional sense of the Pakistan Deep State patronising security assets against India
![Doda, Jun 13 (ANI): The Indian Army conducts a search operation in the dense forests of different districts to track down and neutralise terrorists after a Special Police officer was injured in exchange of fire with terrorists in the Gandoh area, in Doda on Thursday. (ANI Photo) (ANI) Doda, Jun 13 (ANI): The Indian Army conducts a search operation in the dense forests of different districts to track down and neutralise terrorists after a Special Police officer was injured in exchange of fire with terrorists in the Gandoh area, in Doda on Thursday. (ANI Photo) (ANI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/19/150x84/Doda--Jun-13--ANI---The-Indian-Army-conducts-a-sea_1721403118624.jpg)
Published on Jul 19, 2024 09:02 PM IST
Review Agnipath. Roll it back or change it
The problems with the scheme, from ethical challenges to implications for unit cohesiveness, make it clear that status quo is not an option
![Kargil, Jun 03 (ANI): Army personnel perform combat sports during the Summer Carnival 2024 organised by Forever In Operations, The 8 Mountain Division of Indian Army as part of Kargil Vijay Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav, at Dras in Kargil on Monday. (ANI Photo) (Gourav) Kargil, Jun 03 (ANI): Army personnel perform combat sports during the Summer Carnival 2024 organised by Forever In Operations, The 8 Mountain Division of Indian Army as part of Kargil Vijay Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav, at Dras in Kargil on Monday. (ANI Photo) (Gourav)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/05/150x84/Kargil--Jun-03--ANI---Army-personnel-perform-comba_1720193797396.jpg)
Published on Jul 05, 2024 09:07 PM IST
NEET fiasco is a test of the govt’s outreach skills
Government mishandles student protests over NEET exam, exposing broken examination system and political nexus. PM Modi's communication strategy needs a revamp.
![New Delhi, India - June 20, 2024: Students from various student organizations protest outside the Ministry of Education over the issues of NEET exam at Central Secretariat in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Photo by Sanchit Khanna/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) New Delhi, India - June 20, 2024: Students from various student organizations protest outside the Ministry of Education over the issues of NEET exam at Central Secretariat in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Photo by Sanchit Khanna/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/21/150x84/New-Delhi--India---June-20--2024--Students-from-va_1718982428416.jpg)
Updated on Jun 21, 2024 08:38 PM IST
What the verdict holds for the BJP, its mascot, Modi
PM Modi may need to turn into a consensus builder to manage NDA allies and also to negotiate the changing power dynamics within his own party
![BJP supporters during a campaign rally. (ANI Photo)(HT_PRINT) BJP supporters during a campaign rally. (ANI Photo)(HT_PRINT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/07/148x111/BJP-supporters-during-a-campaign-rally---ANI-Photo_1717774439526_1717774512704.jpg)
Published on Jun 07, 2024 10:00 PM IST
States hold the key to unlocking Mandate 2024
The BJP banks on Brand Modi whereas Opposition hopes to gain from confusion among BJP voters restive about new alliances, import of leaders
![Solapur: Supporters of BJP candidates from Solapur constituency Ram Satpute and Madha constituency Ranjeetsingh H. Naik Nimbalkar during their campaign rally before they file nomination for Lok Sabha elections, in Solapur, Maharashtra, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (PTI Photo)(PTI04_16_2024_000123A)(PTI) Solapur: Supporters of BJP candidates from Solapur constituency Ram Satpute and Madha constituency Ranjeetsingh H. Naik Nimbalkar during their campaign rally before they file nomination for Lok Sabha elections, in Solapur, Maharashtra, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (PTI Photo)(PTI04_16_2024_000123A)(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/10/148x111/PTI04-16-2024-000123A-0_1715363988682_1715364075621.jpg)
Published on May 10, 2024 11:34 PM IST
What the South thinks — lessons from a road trip
Narendra Modi is, by miles, the dominant political persona of this election. But faith-centric issues are not the motivation for BJP supporters in South India
![People queue up to vote during the second round of voting in the six-week long national election outside a polling booth in Bengaluru, India, Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo)(AP) People queue up to vote during the second round of voting in the six-week long national election outside a polling booth in Bengaluru, India, Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo)(AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/26/148x111/India-Election-102_1714144174825_1714144273011.jpg)
Published on Apr 26, 2024 10:00 PM IST
A Vadra twist in Congress’s Amethi story
Could Robert Vadra be pitching for a nomination in the party’s prestige seat with the sanction of the Congress leadership?
![Robert Vadra. (ANI) Robert Vadra. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/12/148x111/Robert-Vadra---ANI-_1671742984862_1712935467905.jpg)
Published on Apr 12, 2024 10:00 PM IST
AAP story: Leader in prison, party on the backfoot
Whether the AAP can stay intact and fight with its senior leadership in prison is the existential question before the party
![Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal leaves Rouse Avenue Court after appearing in a liquor case, in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, March 28, 2024. (Photo by Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal leaves Rouse Avenue Court after appearing in a liquor case, in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, March 28, 2024. (Photo by Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/29/148x111/Kejriwal-Arvind--4_1711682095020_1711735530108.jpg)
Published on Mar 29, 2024 11:38 PM IST
Conflict of interest is built into the idea of electoral bonds
It is a cause of worry that some of the firms raided by central agencies are among funders of India’s political parties
![New Delhi: A replica of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at the Election Commission of India (ECI) head office, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore)(PTI02_28_2024_000219A)(PTI) New Delhi: A replica of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at the Election Commission of India (ECI) head office, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore)(PTI02_28_2024_000219A)(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/15/148x111/PTI02-28-2024-000219A-0_1709133075081_1710518404854.jpg)
Published on Mar 15, 2024 09:55 PM IST
Tips for Rahul Gandhi from the world of media
Rather than turn bitter about the state of the world, stay agile and be adaptive to change to remain in the game. The alternative is retirement
![Targeting the media, as Rahul Gandhi has begun to consistently do in his speeches, won’t change the Congress party’s political fortunes much (ANI FILE PHOTO) Targeting the media, as Rahul Gandhi has begun to consistently do in his speeches, won’t change the Congress party’s political fortunes much (ANI FILE PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/01/148x111/Rahul-Gandhi-s-yatras-are-a-good-exercise-in-re-bu_1708614205464_1709308118717.jpg)
Published on Mar 01, 2024 10:00 PM IST
Constitutional idealism gets a boost from SC
The verdict on electoral bonds suggests that the healthy and necessary tensions between the executive, judiciary and legislature are alive and well
![Electoral bonds are unconstitutional, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday. (AP) Electoral bonds are unconstitutional, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday. (AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/16/148x111/The-Supreme-Court-building-is-seen-in-New-Delhi--I_1708022524559_1708099800617.jpg)
Published on Feb 16, 2024 10:00 PM IST
Congress’s position on mandir ceremony points to confusion
Hindutva will be a key factor in the general elections and the Opposition has itself to blame
![Ayodhya, Jan 19 (ANI): A glimpse of the beautification work at the Ram Temple ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, in Ayodhya on Friday. (ANI Photo)(Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshet) Ayodhya, Jan 19 (ANI): A glimpse of the beautification work at the Ram Temple ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, in Ayodhya on Friday. (ANI Photo)(Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshet)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/19/148x111/ANI-20240119498-0_1705686552740_1705700501317.jpg)
Published on Jan 20, 2024 03:15 AM IST
Like Labour in the ’90s, Congress needs a third way
Politics in India has changed. The Opposition needs a new template that is more than anti-Modism to stay relevant
![Leaders of the INDIA bloc at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Friday. (Vipin Kumart/HT Photo) Leaders of the INDIA bloc at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Friday. (Vipin Kumart/HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/05/148x111/Leaders-of-the-INDIA-bloc-at-Jantar-Mantar-in-New-_1703269807004_1704471124746.jpg)
Published on Jan 05, 2024 10:15 PM IST
In Sakshi Malik’s tears, a message for Indian women
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s continuing hold over Indian wrestling raises questions
![Wrestler Sakshi Malik hangs up boots during a press conference as she announces her retirement from the sport, protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh winning the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election for its presidential post, in New Delhi, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023.(PTI) Wrestler Sakshi Malik hangs up boots during a press conference as she announces her retirement from the sport, protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh winning the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election for its presidential post, in New Delhi, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023.(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/12/22/148x111/PTI12-21-2023-000388B-0_1703171559722_1703262466697.jpg)
Published on Dec 22, 2023 10:19 PM IST
Congress’s anger against voters and EVMs is pointless
On leadership, narrative and organisation, the party has yet to find an effective counter to Moditiva. It is fighting – and losing – on Modi’s terms
![Congress leaders Rahul gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge (ANI) Congress leaders Rahul gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/12/08/148x111/Congress-leaders-Rahul-gandhi--Sonia-Gandhi-and-Ma_1701801198584_1702046650243.jpg)
Updated on Dec 08, 2023 10:30 PM IST
The curious case of Pannun and the US response
There’s something about Pannun’s story that leaves more questions than answers. And India is entitled to express anger over those who threaten its people
![Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, co-founder and legal adviser of the banned US-based Khalistani organisation Sikhs for Justice, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, co-founder and legal adviser of the banned US-based Khalistani organisation Sikhs for Justice,](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/11/24/148x111/9c6130d6-f0ad-11ec-bb9b-b9389131acd3_1655739040327_1700841127074.jpg)
Published on Nov 24, 2023 10:54 PM IST
What I saw from the frontline of Israel-Hamas war
The Indian view, an unequivocal calling out of terrorism but a firm underscoring of the rights of the Palestinian people, is a nuanced response
![Palestinians inspect the damage of destroyed buildings following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City. (AP Photo) Palestinians inspect the damage of destroyed buildings following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City. (AP Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/27/148x111/Israel-Palestinians-97_1698420812571_1698421143580.jpg)
Published on Oct 27, 2023 10:40 PM IST
Status quo in Manipur is no more an option
Civilians are angry and security personnel are exhausted. As teenagers are pulled into the conflict, a political solution has to emerge in the state
![Manipur has been in the throes of clashes since May 3, killing at least 168 people. (REUTERS) Manipur has been in the throes of clashes since May 3, killing at least 168 people. (REUTERS)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/09/29/148x111/Manipur-has-been-in-the-throes-of-clashes-since-Ma_1694544474378_1695998761315.jpg)
Published on Sep 30, 2023 12:43 AM IST
Media as the fall guy is not a new story
Boycott of select journalists, as announced by INDIA, has always existed. Just that it may never have been declared officially via a press statement
![Has INDIA, the opposition alliance, made a mistake by releasing the names of 14 television anchors that it will no longer fraternise with? (PTI) Has INDIA, the opposition alliance, made a mistake by releasing the names of 14 television anchors that it will no longer fraternise with? (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/09/15/148x111/Opposition-leaders-during-the-INDIA-meet--in-Mumba_1693599777362_1694785281144.jpg)
Published on Sep 15, 2023 10:05 PM IST
Is India headed for simultaneous polls?
The mystery special session of Parliament sparks speculation about the possibility of simultaneous elections. But we need three more weeks to conclusively know
![INDIA bloc leaders during joint press brief in Mumbai on Friday.(HT Photo) INDIA bloc leaders during joint press brief in Mumbai on Friday.(HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/09/01/148x111/india_mumbai_1693571870747_1693589784499.jpeg)
Published on Sep 01, 2023 11:11 PM IST
Imran Khan is in jail. Why does no one seem to care?
Despite being a popular leader, Imran Khan now appears to retain very little sympathy. The former PM has been devoured by all that he stood and advocated for
Published on Aug 18, 2023 10:02 PM IST
Inside Manipur’s battle zones, the State is missing
Either the Biren Singh government and the State apparatus is entirely absent or it is without the slightest modicum of compassion.
![Paramilitary personnel stand guard as people stage a protest against the mass burial of Kuki-Zomi people killed in Manipur's ethnic violence, in Imphal on Thursday. (ANI Photo)
Paramilitary personnel stand guard as people stage a protest against the mass burial of Kuki-Zomi people killed in Manipur's ethnic violence, in Imphal on Thursday. (ANI Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/04/148x111/ANI-20230803306-0_1691101734528_1691162368184.jpg)
Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:50 PM IST
Manipur horror shows why Biren Singh must go
A video has sparked outrage across India, highlighting why Biren Singh must be removed and the need for better protection of women in cases of sexual assault.
![Biren Singh should resign or be removed. Not because of the horror of this incident alone, but because of his spectacular failure over the last two months. (ANI) Biren Singh should resign or be removed. Not because of the horror of this incident alone, but because of his spectacular failure over the last two months. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/07/21/148x111/All-eyes-are-on-how-Manipur-chief-minister-Biren-S_1683397481961_1689954157062.jpg)
Updated on Jul 22, 2023 06:36 AM IST
A sense of deja vu pervades the Maha muddle
Sharad Pawar appeared to have been felled by his own games; but by inducting a party it has constantly targeted for graft, is BJP risking its own prospects?
![Sharad Pawar may have been consumed by his own games.( (File Photo)) Sharad Pawar may have been consumed by his own games.( (File Photo))](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/07/07/148x111/NCP-chief-Sharad-Pawar--File-Photo-_1688628214586_1688743745521.jpg)
Published on Jul 07, 2023 09:55 PM IST
The democracy debate has lessons for all sides
Tracking Prime Minister Modi’s big visit to the US can leave with you the sense of two parallel conversations taking place in two different universes.
![PM Modi raised a toast to good health, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness, liberty, and equality and to the ever-lasting bonds of friendship between India and the United States. (PTI) PM Modi raised a toast to good health, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness, liberty, and equality and to the ever-lasting bonds of friendship between India and the United States. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/06/23/148x111/PTI06-23-2023-000103A-0_1687512090812_1687534778280.jpg)
Published on Jun 23, 2023 09:57 PM IST
Outcome of the wrestlers’ case is a signal to women
How the police handle this case will be a signal to all of India’s women, young and old, and especially to those girls who are just starting out
![Wrestlers have accused Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. (ANI)(ANI) Wrestlers have accused Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. (ANI)(ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/06/09/148x111/Wrestlers-have-accused-Wrestling-Federation-of-Ind_1686162228292_1686339118628.jpg)
Published on Jun 10, 2023 01:37 AM IST
As new House opens, spare a moment for wrestlers’ stir
The wrestlers plan to organise a women’s mahapanchayat on the same day the new Parliament is officially declared open. This might be a mistake.
![Protesting wrestlers Sangeeta Phogat, Sakshi Malik ,Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia pay a visit at Rajghat , New Delhi, May 18, 2023 (Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times) Protesting wrestlers Sangeeta Phogat, Sakshi Malik ,Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia pay a visit at Rajghat , New Delhi, May 18, 2023 (Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/05/26/150x84/Protesting-wrestlers-Sangeeta-Phogat--Sakshi-Malik_1685112368691.jpg)
Updated on May 26, 2023 08:20 PM IST
Pakistan crisis is a case of deja vu than real change
Despite Imran Khan’s rebellion, there is no proof yet that anything will change substantively. Expect the same script with new actors
![Several viral videos suggest that citizens could not have attacked venerable military fortresses without sections of the military helping or looking the other way. Many argue that all of this is the deft handiwork of the new army chief to contain and manage Khan’s rising popularity (AFP) Several viral videos suggest that citizens could not have attacked venerable military fortresses without sections of the military helping or looking the other way. Many argue that all of this is the deft handiwork of the new army chief to contain and manage Khan’s rising popularity (AFP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/05/12/150x84/Several-viral-videos-suggest-that-citizens-could-n_1683900876653.jpg)
Updated on May 12, 2023 08:37 PM IST
Silence over the wrestlers’ stir is a sheer travesty
An inquiry panel cannot fairly investigate allegations against a powerful politician if he still exerts control and influence
![Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat with Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia during a protest dharna against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Jantar Mantar, New Delhi , January 20, 2023 (Hindustan Times) Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat with Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia during a protest dharna against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Jantar Mantar, New Delhi , January 20, 2023 (Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/04/28/150x84/Wrestlers-Vinesh-Phogat-with-Sakshi-Malik-and-Bajr_1682692235384.jpg)
Updated on Apr 28, 2023 09:15 PM IST
Why we should all care about the textbook debate
Interpretations of history are often more normative than empirical. But changes made in NCERT textbooks without any public discussion are worrying
![A parliamentary debate where citizens have a right to see who stands where on how history should be taught, could have preceded these edits in the NCERT textbooks (Hindustan Times) A parliamentary debate where citizens have a right to see who stands where on how history should be taught, could have preceded these edits in the NCERT textbooks (Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/04/14/150x84/A-parliamentary-debate-where-citizens-have-a-right_1681479083815.jpg)
Updated on Apr 14, 2023 07:05 PM IST