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It is an oddity of Indian politics that both the promising non-BJP chief ministers, Nitish Kumar and Akhilesh Yadav, who are perceived to have the capability to play a larger national role, come from what is derisively known outside the Hindi heartland as the cow belt.

Seventy years ago, India and Russia established diplomatic relations. Soviet Union helped India in many ways to become more self-reliant and was a true partner of India. But in recent years India started distancing itself from Russia though Vladimir Putin continued to show his friendly attitude. Nevertheless what is significant and interesting is the two countries are gearing up to celebrate the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia in 2017, and pledged to make 2017 a special year in the history of their relations.

India’s Silicon Valley in Bangalore and Hyderabad’s cyber city where major IT giants are located are shivering with uncertainty about their future if the US blocks the H1-B visas as a part of curbing outsourcing. India’s software services industry, already facing pressures on profitability is braving to face the Trump administration’s protectionist policies. The National Association for Software and Services Companies (Nasscom), which represents the Indian IT industry, has been keeping its fingers crossed.

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India has strongly condemned the latest racial attacks against Indians in the USA and urged the Government of India to take up the issue with the US authorities on a priority basis.

Narendra Modi was within his rights to take out a day long roadshow in Varanasi to reach out to the voters and urge them to ameliorate his personal prestige by voting for the BJP candidates from the region. More than any other leader of any other party it is the personal stature and reputation of Modi that has been at stake in Uttar Pradesh. Basically that has been the reason that Modi has been visiting the state every day and addressing the election rallies. His electoral itinerary provides clear impression that he does not trust himself. He has no confidence on his speeches.

Under the constitution of any free country, ‘right to life’ is considered to be the most important of all fundamental rights that a State is supposed to guarantee its citizens. The Indian Constitution guarantees the right under the Article 21 that clearly states that “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.” Unfortunately, even 66 years after the Constitution was adopted, the government of India has done little to protect the life of its citizens by way of a guaranteed healthcare and minimum living income. Lately, the important aspect of healthcare of citizens has been left largely with money-making private business establishments — hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, path labs, pharma companies, devices suppliers, etc.

The Deloitte survey, Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index (GMCI), 2016, forecasted India to outbid China in low cost manufacturing competitiveness in the next five years. According to the survey, while China will lose the powerhouse of low cost manufacturing competitiveness, the Mighty Five – the five Asia Pacific nations, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam – will emerge the choice for low cost manufacturing in place of China. India will be the frontrunner with four countries chasing behind, the survey said.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The death threat issued by an RSS leader in Madhya Pradesh against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to escalate the ongoing tension between the RSS-BJP and the CPI(M) in Kerala.

The Dalit vote has been assiduously cultivated by the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. In the ongoing assembly election UP’s 21 per cent Dalits are generally expected to stay with Mayawati although BJP hopes to gain among non-Jatav (Mayawti being a Jatav) to whom it has given 65 tickets. The Dalit leadership from Ram Vilas Paswan to Udit Raj is already with the BJP. Is Dalit aspiration and desire to escape caste shackles taking the community towards Modi? Or, will Ambedkarite legacy of fight against Hindutva keep Dalits out of Sangh Pariwar’s net? Has Mayawati sacrificed the movement for Dalit cultural liberation by allying with BJP in the past and is she losing the loyalty of angry Dalits?

PATNA: The claim of Nitish Kumar to provide transparent and honest governance lies shattered. Ever since Kumar became chief minister his thrust has been to improve the quality of education and enhance the functioning of the education department. But unfortunately this education ministry has proved to be the fountain head of all the major scams that took place during his tenure.