THE widespread agitation for reservation for the Patel community is a clear indication of the failure of the so-called Gujarat model of development. The stir was the outcome of lack of employment opportunities, agrarian crisis and low social development indicators in the state. As the Modi government’s promise of “acchhe din” turned out to be an illusion, frustrated and ambitious youths of the community turned their focus on ‘anamat’ (reservation) as the only solution to their problems of joblessness and lack of education opportunities.

THE 125th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar is being celebrated throughout this year. The Modi-led NDA government, even as it garlands the statues of Ambedkar, is fully engaged in negating the ideals of Babasaheb. The conditions of SC, ST and BCs have worsened with the onset of no-liberal economic policies. They lag far behind in terms of human development indicators when compared with national averages. Problems faced by dalits are kept pending for many years. Dwelling places of dalits and tribals are still undeveloped.

THE CAG draft report on Delhi's Discoms describing the Rs 8,000 crore loot of consumers, follows on the heels of the Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission's (OERC) order, cancelling the licenses of the three Anil Ambani Reliance distribution companies. OERC cancelled Reliance licenses in March, 2015 for failing to deliver on any count, and repeatedly violating its orders. With this, we have come a full circle on the electricity reforms introduced by the Electricity Act 2003, whose primary goal was to privatise the sector.

THE BJP chief minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis is trying to show that he is more loyal than his king, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His was the first BJP state regime to impose the beef ban and the third after Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to pass legislation making reactionary changes in labour laws.Now the home ministry, which is under his direct charge, has released a most obnoxious circular on August 27, 2015, as regards Section 124A of the IPC (which deals with sedition).

THE historic 2nd September General Strike was participated by crores of workers, and established many milestones. Support extended by other class and mass organisations was worth noting. For the first time even unfriendly quarters had no escape but to admit the unprecedented impact of the strike all over the country – across all the regions and economic sectors. However, above all, the success of the strike in the strategic sectors like road transport, coal mines, petroleum, power, telecommunication, etc.