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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s regime portrays the elimination of gangsters, through extrajudicial killings, as the restoration of law and order.

Encounter killings and the strongman phenomenon

The legitimacy of extrajudicial police action grows when a “strongman” emerges as leader, promising to rid society of gangsters and gangs.
Peter Ronald deSouza
Supporters of BSP leader and former UP Chief Minister Mayawati waiting to listen to her speak at an anniversary function held for Kanshi Ram, in Lucknow in 2015. When representatives of marginalised communities become leaders, they become a beacon of hope for their people, releasing them from the mental bondage that had made them accept their inferior status.

Does the EWS verdict represent the revenge of the ruling classes?

Poverty can be tackled by simpler policy instruments such as MGNREGA, which the verdict misses.
Peter Ronald deSouza
Justice Albie Sachs.

What happens when judges listen to their inner voice?

A judge’s conscience is the last bulwark against the tyranny of the state.
Peter Ronald deSouza
NDA’s candidate Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda and other dignitaries, walks towards Parliament House to file her nomination papers for presidential election, in New Delhi on June 24.

Droupadi’s moment: Can the presidential candidate push the envelope?

Droupadi Murmu’s nomination has been audacious and imaginative. Will she grasp its possibilities?
Peter Ronald deSouza