THE BJP government is these days on an overdrive. Acting, it appears is rubbing on the entire party leaders. The difference between professional actors and professional politicians is more or less non-existent in the Party, with all of them showcasing their acting skills on the 'big stage'. Of course, for the prime minister, the world is a stage. He can perform anywhere. Remember, the dramatic entrance to the parliament? And the occasional choking of the voice and wiping of tears, particularly when he talks about the children of 'Bharat mata'.

THE issues thrown up by the BJP-RSS attack on JNU have acquired a national dimension. The JNU struggle has become the focus of a wider struggle in the country. The Modi government is aiding and abetting the BJP-RSS drive to impose the Hindutva ideology in all spheres of society. This drive is specially concentrated on the universities and institutions of higher education which are under the purview of the central government. It is here that the central government sponsored Hindutva experiment is sought to be undertaken.

THE 12th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) convened from January 21 to 28, 2016 in Hanoi, concluded successfully. The theme of the Congress was: 'Promoting the building of a spotless and strong Party, while putting into play the strength of the entire nation and socialist democracy, stepping up reform comprehensively and synchronously, firmly safeguarding the Fatherland and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, and striving to turn Vietnam into a modernity-oriented industrialised country'.

WALKING through the main gate, we used to marvel at the expanse. Quiet, beautiful, stoic solitude of our university, with nearly 2,600 acres all for itself. University, the ideal place to think, contemplate, debate, innovate and research upon your ideas! Wow, passing through the main gate, we always felt how the physical presence of the university matches these ideas, providing the right atmosphere to materialise them.

TWO BJP governments in Rajasthan and Haryana have amended their Panchayati Raj laws to expand the list of disqualifications with regard to who can stand for panchayat elections. These laws lay down the basic minimum educational criteria, two child norm and several other bizarre conditions for a candidate to be eligible for standing for elections. The changes within the Haryana law have been opposed by democratic women’s organisations and the AIDWA even challenged it in the Court.