Javed M Ansari

Arun Jaitley has been a key political support for Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Although poor health made him step out of govt formation, speculation is rife over the informal role he could play.

The CWC has rejected the Congress President's resignation. But will he be convinced to stay?

If the 2014 polls was a verdict against Congress, verdict 2019 is all for Modi. The opposition realised this gap much too late.

The SP-BSP-RLD Mahagathbandhan in UP is giving the BJP a tough battle on each Lok Sabha seat. The cooperation between all three is also seamless. None of this is music to BJP's ears.

The politicisation of the armed forces and attacks on Pakistan continues unabated in the final leg of Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

Sadhvi Pragya and Digvijay Singh are all set for battle. This is probably the first time ever that a terror accused has been given a Parliamentary ticket by a mainstream party. That itself speaks volumes.

Why does the switching of a spokesperson from Congress to Shiv Sena get more attention than the implications of the BJP fielding Sadhvi Pragya from Bhopal? The answer to this should disturb us all.

It's been facing charges of acting slowly against some offenders, and not acting against others at all. The EC must assert itself strongly now, to provide a level field to all candidates and regain the trust of voters.

The Congress leadership seems boosted by a new confidence, reflecting in its manifesto and key political moves. Criticism from friends and foes isn't shaking the party so far.

The template is set — and so is the stage for Lok Sabha 2019 elections.