A New Saffron Dawn in Indian Politics

‘The world’s largest democracy’ cast more than 500 million votes over five weeks to decide who would win and take India roaring into the future and Narendra Modi came out on top with a huge majority.  India has spoken. Decisively.

For the first time in 30 years Indian voters helped create a majority government blasting the incumbents to an insignificant minority.  Right wing and Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) had long been tipped to win the election but most Delhiites I spoke to last month were sure that they wouldn’t have an outright majority and would inevitably have to form a coalition of sorts.  My goodness was everyone shocked, it was time for a new generation.  Even former MPs that had held on to their safe seats for 15 years or more were ousted for the first time. 

Loyalty

I went to see a play last night at Hampstead Theatre called Loyalty and it was very enjoyable.  It’s only on until 13 August so if you can squeeze it in to your diary, do!

Loyalty is a fictionalised account of the lead up to the war in Iraq and subsequent events from the perspective of the wife of Tony Blair’s Chief of Staff but it is drawn from her very real experience.  Who cares/ I hate Tony Blair/ we know he lied you think,  but actually it’s amazing how many secrets there aren’t in a relationship