The South Asia Politics, News, and Analysis Thread

Modi himself isn't bad as PM, but he hasn't really done enough to fix some of the social issues coming about beyond showing remorse. He's going to subvert himself if he keeps taking concerns not directly related to his vision lightly.

That said, Nitish Kumar is possibly the only politician in India right now who has any sort of chance against Modi, so it could just be that. I'd also note that Kumar had to make an alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav (one of the most corrupt politicians in the country) to achieve victory, so we'll see how that plays out. I trust Kumar to keep dude in line, but one never knows.

Ignoring Abuse of Afghan Children Is a Strategic Failure More than morality is at stake.

The strangest thing about the whole Bihar campaign was that there was no Chief Ministerial candidate projected by the BJP. Combined with the fact that Modi was making speech after speech and rally after rally in Bihar, the fight turned into Nitish vs Modi - and obviously, Modi is not going to become Chief Minister of Bihar. A lot of it was utter and complete damage control after the disaster that was Delhi, plus, Modi and Amit Shah were not helped by:

• Shoving cows into the forefront as an election issue
• The massively rising price of 'dal' (lentils) to about Rs 200 per kilo
• Lalu having the shrewdness to know not to open his mouth and simply nod at what Nitish Kumar said.
• The award returning campaign, including the BJP's and their supporters' reactions to it.

Honestly, it was always going to be the lesser of two evils in Bihar.

Nitish Kumar isn't what I'd call evil. Or Modi either, really. But agreed, Modi screwed up. He's a bit tone deaf to things beyond his Grand Plan.

I see nothing but tears for the new alliance though. Lalu might have been smart enough to shut up during the election, but how long can he keep it going before he puts a knife in Kumar's back?

Tejaswi, son of Lalu, has been appointed deputy Chief Minister. Both Nitish Kumar and Tejaswi will be sworn in today.

So it begins.

Also, Rahul Gandhi seems to have started to grow a pair. Eh, had to happen.

Also, longtime BJP member and former actor Shatrughan 'Shotgun' Sinha has gone from loyalty to complete revolt. Sometimes I think that there should be a TV series. It'll be fun. (Like it'd be for people watching this on the outside).

edited 19th Nov '15 10:44:09 PM by arcanephoenix

And I am surprised not at all. -_-

Pakistan’s First Female Fighter Pilot Killed in Crash.

A Turning Point in Afghanistan-India Relations?:

Chennai has been battered by heavy, non-stop rains for two days straight, and the Army and Navy has now been called to help with the rescue operations, along with city police, fire brigade and other personnel. This is Chennai's worst rain in a century, and the worst may not be over. Power supplies have been lost, and cars have been stuck on the streets till being abandoned. Hopefully everything will be alright soon.

Shinra, I'm guessing you have family in Chennai, and I hope everyone is okay.

Not many actually...my family is Malayali. But that isn't to say none live there. Once it became clear this was more than a one day deal, we called to make sure they were okay.

The Taliban has yet to confirm it, but a spokesman for the Afghan government has announced that Mullah Akhtar Mansour, recently "appointed" leader of the Taliban after the announcement of Mullah Omar's death, has died of his injuries following a firefight some days back.

The implications of the Taliban shootout Maybe this will finally blow up in the ISI's face?

They seem concerned about that possibility. They wouldn't have otherwise been okay with an impromptu meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers this week, a first in three years.

I may vomit. Man sucked into Air India turbofan at Mumbai airport.

Modi and the limits of a political rockstar. The BJP no longer seems that invincible.

Ugh, what a dreadful way to die. Poor guy.

Modi makes surprise visit to Pakistan.

A case of "Only Nixon can go to China"?

O_O

Same reaction here.

Waiting for the other shoe to drop, now that the shock of the event has worn off. The military can't be too happy about this.

Actually, they seem to have helped set it up.

Mmm. I've read that article earlier today. I don't doubt the military let Modi come in when he did (not like it could happen unless they gave consent) for a nice photo op, but until there is some kind of practical agreement on the issues, I'll continue to wait for the boys in khaki to take the rug out from under Sharif. Especially since they did this before with the last BJP PM just months before Kargil.

EDIT- Article from Cyril Almeida of Dawn on the Modi visit. Basically the point of view of the Pakistani intelligencia on all this. His analyses on the issues are usually on the money.

edited 26th Dec '15 5:44:36 PM by FFShinra

Militants have attacked the Pathankot air base in India. Interesting timing there...

An earthquake has hit northeast India and Bangladesh.

So glad I don't have family there.