The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 calls for development that is economically strong, environmentally resilient and socially inclusive. The experiences emerging from India’s coastline show how local communities can contribute to this vision
The Bharatiya Janata Party, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has gained strength beyond its traditional boundaries into states once considered politically inaccessible. The verdict resembles another 2014-like moment in Indian politics — not simply because of the BJP’s victories, but because of the psychological shift underneath them
A long-standing member of nearly six decades, its withdrawal also raises questions about the effectiveness and internal cohesion of the organisation, even as Abu Dhabi frames the move within its long-term economic strategy
For national parties, particularly the BJP, the challenge is one of translation. Strength at the national level does not automatically translate into state-level dominance. Each state demands its own strategy, leadership, and narrative. Where that translation is effective, as in Assam, the results follow. Where it is partial, as in Bengal, the ceiling becomes visible
While elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry have just concluded, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu—two politically and culturally distinct states—are yet to go to the polls, beginning April 23
In West Bengal, however, it’s the TMC vs. BJP vs. Congress-Left, where the contest is deeply personality-driven, shaped by regional identity and political legacy. The current political state of affairs in West Bengal – once the CPM-ruled state – imbibes much from its precedents of high polarization and minority vote consolidation
The Awami League’s electoral victory and the subsequent refusal of the West Pakistani leadership to transfer power triggered a military crackdown, launched as Operation Searchlight in March 1971. The operation involved widespread and systematic violence against civilians, political activists, intellectuals, and minority communities largely Hindu Bengalis.
The Draft Rules have identified occupations under each category: i.e., 116 in unskilled category, 134 in semi-skilled category, 323 in skilled category and 113 in highly skilled category
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) receive sustained policy attention, reflecting their central role in employment generation, value-chain depth, and regional development. The announcement of a dedicated ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund, alongside an additional ₹2,000 crore allocation to the Self-Reliant India Fund, addresses the chronic shortage of long-term and risk capital for small enterprises
Operationalising 20 new National Waterways, establishing a new Dedicated Freight Corridor and seven High-Speed Rail corridors may boost Prime Minister’s flagship infrastructure connectivity project, PM GatiShakti. This will also boost local businesses, mostly the MSMEs and help generate both entrepreneurship and jobs in Tier II and Tier III cities
