Trust Deficit: Electoral Reforms Now Imperative

The recent allegations by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about "vote theft" in Karnataka and Bihar, alongside similar complaints from political parties in Delhi, West Bengal, and Maharashtra, highlight a deepening crisis of confidence in India’s electoral process. The controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar, where 52 lakh voters were found absent and 18 lakh declared dead, has further fuelled suspicions. While the ruling BJP and allies like Chirag Paswan defend the exercise as necessary to purge bogus entries, the opposition sees it as a targetted disenfranchisement of marginalised communities. This polarization underscores an urgent need for systemic reforms to restore trust in democracy’s cornerstone—free and fair elections.

The grievances are not limited to voter lists alone. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), despite their widespread use, remain a lightning rod for controversy. Opposition parties routinely question their reliability, alleging tampering or manipulation, though conclusive evidence is scarce. The Election Commission’s (EC) insistence on EVM integrity has done little to assuage doubts, as the opacity surrounding their operation persists. Combined with discrepancies in voter rolls, these concerns create a perfect storm of mistrust, eroding public faith in electoral outcomes.

The way forward demands a multi-pronged approach. First, the EC must prioritize transparency in voter list revisions. While weeding out duplicates and ineligible voters is essential, the process should be collaborative, with political parties granted real-time access to data and allowed to raise objections at every stage. The current adversarial climate, where revisions are viewed as partisan tools, only deepens divisions. Second, EVM-related apprehensions can be mitigated by enhancing verifiability. Expanding the Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system to mandate full cross-verification of slips in a statistically significant sample of booths, as suggested by experts, would bolster confidence without compromising efficiency.

Moreover, the EC should institutionalize pre-election audits of voter lists in sensitive constituencies, involving neutral observers and civil society representatives. The Bihar SIR, though contentious, sets a precedent for proactive cleanup; replicating it nationwide with bipartisan oversight could preempt disputes. Simultaneously, leveraging technology for real-time voter registration updates and grievance redressal would minimize errors and curb malpractices.

Critics argue that electoral malfeasance is an inevitable byproduct of India’s complex democracy, but resignation is not an option. The EC’s credibility hinges on its ability to act as an impartial referee, not just in letter but in perception. Political parties, too, must move beyond opportunistic rhetoric and commit to constructive engagement. The alternative—a perpetual cycle of allegations and counter-allegations—risks reducing elections to a battleground of distrust rather than a celebration of popular will. India’s democracy deserves better. The time for electoral reforms is not tomorrow; it is today. 

 Wings of Change: India’s Aerospace Evolution

The retirement of the MiG-21, India’s legendary fighter aircraft, marks the end of an era in the nation’s military aviation history. For over six decades, the MiG-21 served as the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF), defending the skies with its agility and speed. Yet, its high accident rate (“flying coffin”)  and outdated technology made its phase-out inevitable. As the last squadron, the No. 4 “Oorials,” prepares to bid farewell, the IAF ushers in a new chapter with advanced fighter jets that promise to redefine India’s aerial dominance.

The MiG-21’s legacy is bittersweet. Introduced in the 1960s, it was a marvel of its time, playing a pivotal role in the 1971 war. However, its ageing design and frequent crashes—over 400 pilots lost in five decades—underscored the urgent need for modernisation. The IAF’s current focus is on inducting cutting-edge aircraft to replace the MiG-21 and bolster India’s combat readiness. Leading this transformation are the Rafale, Tejas, and the upcoming indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The Rafale, a French-origin multirole fighter, is already a game-changer. With superior avionics, stealth features, and the deadly Meteor air-to-air missile, it outclasses the MiG-21 in every aspect. Its combat performance in the Balakot airstrike demonstrated its precision and lethality. Meanwhile, the indigenously developed Tejas Mk-1A, though lighter, offers modern electronics and lower maintenance costs, making it a viable replacement for the MiG-21 in ground-attack roles. The upcoming Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA will further bridge the gap between fourth and fifth-generation fighters, ensuring self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Beyond these, India is also investing in the Sukhoi-30MKI upgrades and the potential procurement of additional squadrons of fifth-generation fighters like the Russian Su-57 or collaboration on futuristic programs. The focus remains on achieving a balanced fleet—combining heavy, medium, and light fighters—to address diverse threats, from dogfights along the borders to long-range strikes. However, budget constraints and bureaucratic delays in procurement remain hurdles in this transition.

Comparatively, the MiG-21’s limitations—limited payload, outdated radar, and lack of stealth—pale against these modern jets. Yet, its retirement symbolises more than just technological progress; it reflects India’s strategic shift from reliance on Soviet-era hardware to a diversified, future-ready fleet. Challenges remain, including delays in indigenous projects and the need for higher squadron strength, but the MiG-21’s exit is a necessary step toward a more advanced and safer IAF.

As the MiG-21 flies into history, its lessons endure. The IAF’s future lies in a mix of imported prowess and homegrown innovation, ensuring that the skies remain secure. The next generation of fighters must not only replace the old guard but also elevate India’s position as a formidable air power in an increasingly contested region.

 Identity Politics: Mamata’s Battle for Bengal

With less than a year to go for the West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sharpened her rhetoric, shifting from “Bengal under threat” to “Bengalis under threat.” Her recent stance ahead of the Martyrs’ Day Rally of Monday made it clear that identity politics will be her central plank in 2026. By framing the contest as a battle for Bengali culture, language, and cuisine, she aims to consolidate her core vote bank while countering the BJP’s aggressive push into the state.

Mamata Banerjee is no stranger to political theatrics, and her ability to reinvent narratives is unmatched. Her earlier campaigns painted the BJP as an outsider force threatening Bengal’s secular fabric. Now, she has tweaked that narrative to position herself
as the sole defender of Bengali identity. This pivot is strategic—it allows her to counter the BJP’s Hindutva appeal with a regionalist, sub-nationalist pitch. However, critics argue that her rhetoric risks polarizing the state further, especially given her overt reliance on Muslim vote banks, which has, over the years, led to accusations of fostering “mini Muslim regions” within Bengal.

Mamata’s rise was itself a revolt against Bengal’s entrenched Marxist regime, which ruled for over three decades. She broke the Left’s stranglehold by positioning herself as the voice of the oppressed, channeling public fatigue with communist stagnation. Yet, some argue she has adopted the same autocratic tendencies she once opposed—using state machinery to crush dissent, much like the Left did in its heyday.

Yet, Mamata’s resilience cannot be underestimated. She remains one of the few opposition leaders who has consistently opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, refusing to align with him even as others have softened their stance. Her victory in the 2021 elections, despite the BJP’s massive campaign, proved her ability to mobilize voters against a national wave. Her street-fighter image, combined with welfare schemes and a fiercely regionalist stance, makes her a formidable opponent.

However, the 2026 elections will test her like never before. The BJP has deepened its organizational roots in Bengal, and Mamata’s anti-CAA, anti-NRC stance may not resonate as strongly as before. Moreover, her governance record—marked by allegations of corruption, political violence, and sluggish industrial growth—could undermine her cultural nationalism pitch.

Mamata’s strength lies in her ability to make every election a referendum on Bengali pride versus “outsider influence.” But whether identity politics alone can override anti-incumbency and BJP’s growing clout remains uncertain. As Bengal braces for another high-stakes battle, Mamata’s survival hinges on convincing voters that she—and not the BJP—is the true guardian of Bengal’s soul. The coming months will reveal if her narrative holds, or if the electorate seeks change beyond symbolism.