Articles by Shashi Shekhar
Ganga needs joint efforts to regain its old strength
This river requires regular, phased dredging from Haridwar to Ganga Sagar.
![Kolkata: The setting Sun on an evening, seen from the bank of the River Ganga, in Kolkata, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)(PTI06_23_2024_000213B)(PTI) Kolkata: The setting Sun on an evening, seen from the bank of the River Ganga, in Kolkata, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)(PTI06_23_2024_000213B)(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/23/148x111/PTI06-23-2024-000213B-0_1719161177702_1719161254605.jpg)
Published on Jun 23, 2024 10:24 PM IST
State, UT polls hold the key to stability at Centre
The BJP needs to address local issues in these states, but without leaders with statewide clout, it has to rely on Prime Minister Modi’s appeal
![Security personnel stand guard as voters wait in long queues at a polling booth , in Baramulla district of north Kashmir on May 20, (PTI) Security personnel stand guard as voters wait in long queues at a polling booth , in Baramulla district of north Kashmir on May 20, (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/16/150x84/Security-personnel-stand-guard-as-voters-wait-in-l_1718549505338.jpg)
Published on Jun 16, 2024 08:22 PM IST
Balancing needs of the coalition and the party
Prime Minister Modi has the political experience to navigate the complexities of running a coalition government
![Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, center, with council of ministers during a swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, June 9, 2024. Modi was sworn in as India's prime minister for a third straight term on Sunday, extending his leadership for another five years after a bruising electoral setback that forced him to share power for the first time. Photographer: Prakash Singh/Bloomberg(Bloomberg) Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, center, with council of ministers during a swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, June 9, 2024. Modi was sworn in as India's prime minister for a third straight term on Sunday, extending his leadership for another five years after a bruising electoral setback that forced him to share power for the first time. Photographer: Prakash Singh/Bloomberg(Bloomberg)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/09/148x111/INDIA-MODI-2_1717962471785_1717963131933.jpg)
Published on Jun 10, 2024 01:33 AM IST
Robust electoral process, pressing need of the hour
One hopes that the Commission will evaluate both its shortcomings and successes. Improving the electoral process is the most pressing need of the hour.
![Polling officials gather to submit electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other polling materials at a collection centre in Varanasi on June 1, 2024, at the end of the seventh and final phase of voting in India's general election. India's Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi looked set to win a third straight landslide election victory on June 1, at the close of a six-week general election bedevilled by searing heatwaves. (Photo by Niharika KULKARNI / AFP)(AFP) Polling officials gather to submit electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other polling materials at a collection centre in Varanasi on June 1, 2024, at the end of the seventh and final phase of voting in India's general election. India's Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi looked set to win a third straight landslide election victory on June 1, at the close of a six-week general election bedevilled by searing heatwaves. (Photo by Niharika KULKARNI / AFP)(AFP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/02/148x111/INDIA-POLITICS-VOTE-8_1717351273870_1717351330056.jpg)
Published on Jun 02, 2024 11:40 PM IST
HT interview: Oppn is openly trying to divide society, says Modi
PM Modi, ahead of final phase of 2024 elections, discusses Kashi's significance, development, and 'one nation, one election' with Hindustan.
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/31/150x84/Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi_1717115930779.jpg)
Updated on May 31, 2024 06:09 AM IST
Opposition stuck in 20th century; voters want politics of 21st: PM Modi
In an interview to Hindustan that came on a day when campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls closed, Modi also endorsed the idea of simultaneous polls
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to offer prayers at Bhagwati Amman Temple, in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday. (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to offer prayers at Bhagwati Amman Temple, in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/30/150x84/Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi-arrives-to-offer-pray_1717094323662.jpg)
Updated on May 31, 2024 02:32 AM IST
Shashi Shekhar, New Delhi
Mandate 2024: The view from Varanasi
The presence of the Prime Minister as a candidate enlivens the contest in Uttar Pradesh’s Purvanchal region
![**EDS: IMAGE VIA @BJP4INDIA** Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Nari Shakti Sammelan in Varanasi, Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI05_21_2024_000317B)(PTI) **EDS: IMAGE VIA @BJP4INDIA** Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Nari Shakti Sammelan in Varanasi, Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI05_21_2024_000317B)(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/26/148x111/PTI05-21-2024-000317B-0_1716743473595_1716743902259.jpg)
Published on May 26, 2024 11:04 PM IST
Politicians need to stop vitiating the poll debate
Divisive and poisonous campaigning has long-term consequences. The Election Commission must step in
![Lucknow, India May 19, 2024:::Electronic voting Machines (EVM's) kept at the distribution center before they are distribution to polling officials on the eve of the fifth phase of the General Election at Smriti Upvan Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh India on Sunday, 19, 2024. (Photo by Deepak Gupta/ Hindustan Times) Lucknow, India May 19, 2024:::Electronic voting Machines (EVM's) kept at the distribution center before they are distribution to polling officials on the eve of the fifth phase of the General Election at Smriti Upvan Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh India on Sunday, 19, 2024. (Photo by Deepak Gupta/ Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/19/148x111/20240519-LKO-DGP-MN-Polling-Parties-054-0_1716140679618_1716141159743.jpg)
Published on May 19, 2024 11:27 PM IST
Voter turnout does not predict poll outcome
In the current election, is the low turnout an indication of a shift in voters’ trust?
![A voter's finger is marked with indelible ink after casting a ballot at a polling station during the third phase of voting for national elections in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Voting kicks off in Prime Minister Narendra Modi�s home state of Gujarat in the third phase of India�s election Tuesday, with campaigning becoming increasingly acrimonious between the two main parties. (Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg) A voter's finger is marked with indelible ink after casting a ballot at a polling station during the third phase of voting for national elections in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Voting kicks off in Prime Minister Narendra Modi�s home state of Gujarat in the third phase of India�s election Tuesday, with campaigning becoming increasingly acrimonious between the two main parties. (Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/12/148x111/INDIA-ELECTION-11_1715251085799_1715541414234.jpg)
Published on May 13, 2024 12:48 AM IST
Gandhis and the battle for Rae Bareli, Amethi
In the realm of politics, the voter’s choice reigns supreme. If the Congress secures power through its alliance, all these conjectures will cease.
![**EDS: IMAGE VIA @KLSharmaAmethi POSTED ON MAY 3, 2024** Amethi: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra upon their arrival before the nomination filing of Rahul ahead of the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, in Amethi district. (PTI Photo) (PTI05_03_2024_000100B)(PTI) **EDS: IMAGE VIA @KLSharmaAmethi POSTED ON MAY 3, 2024** Amethi: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra upon their arrival before the nomination filing of Rahul ahead of the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, in Amethi district. (PTI Photo) (PTI05_03_2024_000100B)(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/05/148x111/PTI05-03-2024-000100B-0_1714930835667_1714930924902.jpg)
Published on May 05, 2024 11:15 PM IST
Bihar poll question: Will caste trump other factors?
The land of Chanakya and Chandragupta appears to be filled with apathetic silence, but the same questions are resonating in the minds of every Bihari.
![Munger, Apr 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a light moment with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public meeting for the Lok Sabha polls, as Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh and State Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary look on, in Munger on Friday. (ANI Photo)(BJP) Munger, Apr 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a light moment with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public meeting for the Lok Sabha polls, as Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh and State Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary look on, in Munger on Friday. (ANI Photo)(BJP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/28/148x111/ANI-20240426626-0_1714323632357_1714323655720.jpg)
Published on Apr 28, 2024 10:35 PM IST
BJP functioning on borrowed leaders: Kharge
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes BJP for relying on leaders who left other parties, causing loss of faith among party workers. He defends party's election plan and contributions.
![Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at Aland, in Kalaburagi district. (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at Aland, in Kalaburagi district. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/26/150x84/Congress-president-Mallikarjun-Kharge-at-Aland--in_1714156365362.jpg)
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:08 AM IST
Shashi Shekhar, New Delhi
The missing election plank: Climate action
The elections present an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, yet our politicians and political parties seem to have overlooked the importance of this issue
![The current elections present an ideal opportunity for meaningful dialogue, yet our politicians and political parties seem to have overlooked the importance of focusing on the issue (Representative file image) The current elections present an ideal opportunity for meaningful dialogue, yet our politicians and political parties seem to have overlooked the importance of focusing on the issue (Representative file image)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/22/148x111/Human-caused-climate-change-is-already-affecting-m_1679317542227_1713805876186.jpg)
Published on Apr 22, 2024 10:43 PM IST
Has ECI taken the colour off election campaigns?
We are currently headed for the elections, but there is no visible excitement. Is this dullness the result of actions by the ECI to prevent the buying of votes?
![Can the ECI contain money power? (For Representation) Can the ECI contain money power? (For Representation)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/14/148x111/The-ECI-also-submitted-before-the-court-that-its-m_1678817206525_1713120027700.jpg)
Published on Apr 15, 2024 12:11 AM IST
Interview: PM Modi reaches out to the masses with ‘BJP model vs Congress model’
PM Modi hailed the achievements of his government on the economic and foreign policy fronts and drew a contrast between the BJP model and the Congress model
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting on Thursday ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. (ANI Photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting on Thursday ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. (ANI Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/12/150x84/Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi-addresses-a-public-me_1712897669407.jpg)
Updated on Apr 12, 2024 12:37 PM IST
INTERVIEW: Corruption hits all, action by agencies will not stop, says PM Modi
PM Modi emphasized the government's commitment to fighting corruption and expressed confidence in winning a historic third term.
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Raj K Raj/HT Photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/12/148x111/Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi--Raj-K-Raj-HT-Photo-_1712860276724_1712884129639.jpg)
Updated on Apr 12, 2024 08:56 AM IST
Shashi Shekhar, New Delhi
Season of appearances and political deceptions
The gravest issue with Indian politics is that it operates in a murky realm of half-truths
![Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh with his wife Anita Singh, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj and party supporters during his visit to Raj Ghat.(ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh with his wife Anita Singh, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj and party supporters during his visit to Raj Ghat.(ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/07/148x111/aap_collective_fast_kejriwal_arrest__1712451854978_1712507769827.jpg)
Published on Apr 07, 2024 11:48 PM IST
Seeking validation for a fresh set of values
The 2024 general election will deliver a mandate to elevate the country as the third superpower while introducing fresh values that will shape policy directions
![A man rides past an election awareness poster displayed along a street ahead of India�s upcoming general elections, in Hyderabad on March 26, 2024. (Photo by NOAH SEELAM / AFP)(AFP) A man rides past an election awareness poster displayed along a street ahead of India�s upcoming general elections, in Hyderabad on March 26, 2024. (Photo by NOAH SEELAM / AFP)(AFP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/31/148x111/INDIA-POLITICS-VOYE-0_1711906853087_1711906951747.jpg)
Published on Apr 01, 2024 08:11 AM IST
Who stands to gain from anti-corruption politics?
With the general elections looming, both the BJP and Congress are hoping to see these movement-based parties become embroiled in scandals.
![AAP leaders take out a march in protest against the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in Govindpuri in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI) AAP leaders take out a march in protest against the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in Govindpuri in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/25/148x111/AAP-leaders-take-out-a-march-in-protest-against-th_1711306286859_1711389361810.jpg)
Published on Mar 25, 2024 11:28 PM IST
The political message in electoral bonds findings
On March 14, the ECI made public the data on electoral bonds it received from State Bank of India. Can this cause a political storm?
![The electoral bonds data was released on Thursday The electoral bonds data was released on Thursday](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/17/148x111/sbi_1710562024985_1710701797191.jpg)
Published on Mar 18, 2024 02:41 AM IST
High standards for people in high office
Pakistan SC’s rethink on its ZA Bhutto verdict raises questions about the integrity of those holding public office
![Zulfikar Ali Bhutto speaking at London airport on July 23, 1973. (Getty Images) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto speaking at London airport on July 23, 1973. (Getty Images)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/10/148x111/president-bhutto_2c4616f0-9e31-11e7-9c3b-8e901839ece0_1710092902719.jpg)
Published on Mar 11, 2024 01:34 AM IST
Congress must mend ways to stay in the fray
If the Congress corrects its current flaws, it may have better days in the future. However, now it is too late for the Lok Sabha elections.
![Congress candidate from Himachal Pradesh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi addresses the press conference after losing the Rajya Sabha elections, in Shimla on Tuesday.(ANI) Congress candidate from Himachal Pradesh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi addresses the press conference after losing the Rajya Sabha elections, in Shimla on Tuesday.(ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/03/148x111/Himachal_Pradesh_1709094101813_1709494044351.jpg)
Published on Mar 04, 2024 07:42 AM IST
Congress to BJP, the art of making poll slogans
From Indira Gandhi to Narendra Modi, the art of turning issues into slogans for electoral success continues in Sandeshkhali, Bengal.
![Ahead of the general elections in 1971, Indira Gandhi gave the slogan “Ve kahete hain Indira hatao, main kahti hoon garibi hatao” (File) Ahead of the general elections in 1971, Indira Gandhi gave the slogan “Ve kahete hain Indira hatao, main kahti hoon garibi hatao” (File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/26/148x111/WhatsApp_Image_2023-08-02_at_102455_AM_1690952113991_1708930296969.jpeg)
Published on Feb 26, 2024 12:28 PM IST
Restive farmers, responsive State
Agriculture in India needs redress — but its problems are not exceptional
![Farmers Union members sitting on protest at Ladhowal Toll Plaza in Ludhiana on Saturday. (Manish/HT) Farmers Union members sitting on protest at Ladhowal Toll Plaza in Ludhiana on Saturday. (Manish/HT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/18/148x111/Farmers-Union-members-sitting-on-protest-at-Ladhow_1708193206725_1708279273631.jpg)
Published on Feb 19, 2024 08:00 AM IST
In democracy, consensus essential to push agendas
The question is whether the days of consensus in democracy have come to an end.
![The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024 was passed in the assembly on Wednesday. The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024 was passed in the assembly on Wednesday.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/11/148x111/The-Uttarakhand-Uniform-Civil-Code-Bill-2024-was-p_1707579925452_1707680925565.jpg)
Published on Feb 12, 2024 08:09 AM IST
Masks must be shed, and mutual respect for identities should stay
It is worth noting that no PM has yet greeted the nation with a Ram-Ram or a Sat Shri Akal outside of Parliament.
![PM Modi's statement outside Parliament on the opening day of the Budget session began and ended by saying, “Ram-Ram”. (ANI) PM Modi's statement outside Parliament on the opening day of the Budget session began and ended by saying, “Ram-Ram”. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/04/148x111/ANI-20240201100-0_1706778193948_1707071813348.jpg)
Published on Feb 05, 2024 08:09 AM IST
Nation on the cusp of a cultural renaissance
We gained Independence only 77 years ago. Civilisations cannot turn in such a short period, yet we are paving the way for a renaissance
![Workers give finishing touches to an Indian flag at a workshop ahead of the Republic Day, in Mumbai on Wednesday. (HT PHOTO) Workers give finishing touches to an Indian flag at a workshop ahead of the Republic Day, in Mumbai on Wednesday. (HT PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/28/148x111/Workers-give-finishing-touches-to-an-Indian-flag-a_1674058176127_1706482822887.jpg)
Published on Jan 29, 2024 08:08 AM IST
Can a new multi-faith Ayodhya be made?
Ayodhya is fundamentally different from the Vatican. In a few years, Ayodhya will see temples and mosques standing together.
![A general view of the audience during the opening of Ram Remple in Ayodhya.(AP) A general view of the audience during the opening of Ram Remple in Ayodhya.(AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/22/148x111/India-Hindu-Temple-1_1705908387777_1705920390849.jpg)
Published on Jan 22, 2024 04:21 PM IST
In the Ayodhya euphoria, politics comes full circle
The UP government had left no stone unturned in adorning Ayodhya. Is the Vatican for Hindus on the horizon?
![Underconstruction Ram temple in Ayodhya. (Sourced)(HT_PRINT) Underconstruction Ram temple in Ayodhya. (Sourced)(HT_PRINT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/15/148x111/Journey-through-Ayodhya--Sourced-_1705295338151_1705301559922.jpeg)
Published on Jan 15, 2024 12:27 PM IST
Opposition yet to discover means for a fightback
The Opposition’s biggest difficulty is that if they attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony, they would be seen as toeing the BJP line
![FILE - India's opposition leaders, from left, T.R.Baalu, M.K Stalin, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarajun Kharge, attend a meeting of opposition parties where they announced their alliance named INDIA in Bengaluru, India, July 18, 2023. (AP) FILE - India's opposition leaders, from left, T.R.Baalu, M.K Stalin, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarajun Kharge, attend a meeting of opposition parties where they announced their alliance named INDIA in Bengaluru, India, July 18, 2023. (AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/08/148x111/FILE---India-s-opposition-leaders--from-left--T-R-_1703354178123_1704718976278.jpg)
Published on Jan 08, 2024 06:35 PM IST