Defending incivility

A campaign without restrictions on expression is an important and integral component of the electoral process A  cantankerous chief minister who has people arrested for making comedic memes declares that she will deliver a “slap of democracy” to the prime minister. A sitting MLA refers to the colour of his opponents’ underwear as a metaphor […]

All aflutter

An analysis of tweets by the BJP and the Congress shows a pattern of targeting a common enemy: Kejriwal. Whereas AAP has been publicising its achievements This time around, the elections have provoked more than the usual share of slugfests between political foes. And the one platform which has helped them continue it – without […]

Tale of two constituencies

In Old Delhi, business owners are angry about notebandi and GST; in New Delhi, voters insist these elections are about India—but some of them aren’t convinced Jama Masjid At 7 am on Sunday (May 12) morning, Ahmad Miyan was hurrying towards the polling booth near Jama Masjid, with his wife, Salma, in tow. It was […]

Delhi’s Little Tibet

From food and clothes to gift items, the Tibetan colony in Majnu ka Tilla offers visitors a peek into the culture of Tibet, as this place seems like a world of its own About three kilometers away from one of the busiest spots in the city, the Kashmere Gate Metro station, lies a place that […]

Prim, proper, paws

If you thought options for luxe relaxation were available for only two-legged mammals, you were mistaken. People are spending big bucks on their furry friends The sound of water pouring in slowly. Lavender freshening up the room. Scrubs are ready, gloves are ready, arranged nicely on the table, adjacent to the bathing station. No, it’s […]

The paper trail

The practice of defacing walls with posters and graffiti is on the decline in Delhi, but there have still been over a lakh violations in this election season Only white strips of paper with a few letters in blue remain on the wall. On some, the names and faces who promise to serve the people […]

Cuppa chai for Rs. 333?

FROM SITTING ON THE FOOTPATH NEAR A TEA VENDOR’S STALL AND SIPPING TEA TO RELISHING ON THE SPICY JUICY MOMOS OF THE ROADSIDE MOMO SELLER. FROM GOBBLING UP AS MANY PIECES OF GOL GAPPAS AS POSSIBLE TO THE CHAAT STALLS, AND GORGING ON THE DELECTABLE SOYA CHAAP THAT HAS BECOME A RAGE AMONG DELHIITES. OUR […]

Irrational exuberance

Though the vote is secret, adherents of different parties have typical attitudes when asked direct questions about whom they support The voters of BJP can be distinctly sniffed out. They exude confidence, sometimes bordering on smugness, and the party they support is the cookie they believe will never crumble. They beam with joy; chant “Modi, […]