Badri Narayan

Article 370 scrapped and its repercussions in Kashmir, as well as tensions with Pakistan, are like a fairy tale to many marginal sections of society. It means nothing in their everyday lives.

The party's ideological parent has identified the areas where the party made astounding electoral gains in the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

The RSS the two leaders are swearing to take on existed 30-40 years ago.

SP and BSP cadres often clashed on the ground even as BJP went on wooing the OBC voters with a new promise, and new delivery.

Both are reaching out to the same group of voters. But there are strong differences in the political language and emotive styles of both these leaders.

The SP, BSP and Congress are rallying behind the government. The BJP is organising marches. The people want punishment for Pakistan. For now, UP speaks in one voice.

From being a facilitator, this time, the state administration is visibly 'hosting' the Kumbh. The RSS and Yogi Adityanath have their imprint firmly on the event, while Congress et al are missing from the scene.

The Congress should not become complacent thinking UP is in safe hands now. The challenges ahead are just too hard to be dismissed.

Could this forever alter the way quotas are granted? And while this will help the BJP get upper caste votes, how will it impact Dalit feelings?

Could Congress not joining the SP-BSP front in fact help the BJP?