Columnists

Abdul Khaliq

The writer, a former civil servant, is secretary general of the Lok Janshakti Party.

An Indian Muslim’s lament for his homeland

Sat, Sep 11, 2021

Abdul Khaliq writes: The idea of India as homogenous, exclusive and Hindu, where minorities live on sufferance as second-class citizens, is here.

Will Congress deal with its Muslim question?

Wed, Jul 28, 2021

Abdul Khaliq writes: Muslims, brought centre stage during elections to become the plaything for political power games, would be better off seeking answers within and in civil society

What is the revolt against Chirag Paswan really about?

Wed, Jul 07, 2021

Abdul Khaliq writes: The implosion in the Lok Janshakti Party is connected to the age-old tradition in our caste-ridden society of showing the Dalit his place.

LJP’s Bihar showing was disappointing, but Chirag Paswan emerged a leader

Tue, Nov 17, 2020

Nitish Kumar, who was so dismissive of the LJP and its president Chirag Paswan, was given a bloody nose, if not a knock-out blow.

Ram Vilas Paswan used his political capital to speak for the most vulnerable

Sat, Oct 10, 2020

Paswanji was the quintessential minister, dignified, soft-spoken and completely devoid of administrative self-importance. Government officials who had the privilege of working with him will vouch for his razor-sharp mind and affable style.

The republic’s defenders: The ruling elite is smug, the young are standing up for India’s soul

Tue, Jan 21, 2020

It would be an exaggeration to call the current upheaval India’s “Tahrir moment”, but the unrest is an encouraging sign of growing resistance to injustice.

Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict has not upheld the law, nor delivered justice

Sat, Nov 23, 2019

Muslims are aware that those in favour of the Mandir occupy the commanding posts in the social, political and legal structure. They know that their only hope of living in peace, albeit temporary, was to cede their rights to the disputed site, justice be damned.

Indian Muslim’s fate is tied to that of the country. Destroying one will severely affect other

Mon, Sep 23, 2019

Aware of the sheer magnitude of their powerlessness, most Muslims live in dread of the future.

In this overheated, protracted election season, Muslims are the ‘unpeople’ of India

Mon, May 20, 2019

Election rhetoric has only exacerbated Muslim fears. The new government’s first task would be to combat the overpowering atmosphere of distrust and hate bedevilling society which constitutes the foremost threat to the nation, more so than terrorism.

National security is best served when diverse voices are heard

Wed, Mar 06, 2019

We politicians are the archetypal opportunists, scouting for possibilities to advance our interests even when we confront a national tragedy.

Panacea that isn’t

Fri, Dec 14, 2018

CBI imbroglio has spurred the Supreme Court to fast-track the setting up of the Lokpal. But an unaccountable ombudsman is no solution.

Glass ceiling, caste wall

Mon, Oct 29, 2018

Supreme Court order on reservation in promotions sanctifies unequal representation of Dalits in higher bureaucracy.

A matter of untruth

Mon, Jul 23, 2018

Indifference to facts has become a cultural phenomenon. Media, politicians must take the blame.

Archbishop’s Message

Sat, May 26, 2018

The real issue is not whether or not he is entitled to make a political statement.

The fire next time

Wed, May 02, 2018

Recent debate on the Atrocities Act should factor in the milieu that marginalises Dalits at every step.

A false dilemma

Sat, Mar 31, 2018

For Ramachandra Guha empathy for Muslims is a liberal predicament. He makes a deeply unfair argument

The other, the enemy

Wed, Dec 27, 2017

Message from Gujarat elections: The Muslim is more alone than ever before.

Tryst With Inequality

Thu, Aug 10, 2017

India has failed the Constitution’s commitment to social justice

Anniversary appeal

Sat, May 27, 2017

Muslim community is on the edge. Only the PM can address its concerns

Adieu, Lokpal?

Sat, Apr 29, 2017

The governing elites are in no mood to see a functioning ombudsman that will curb the power of the political executive.

We, the other

Thu, Jan 26, 2017

The inexorable march of Hindutva to the centre of our national life deeply disturbs Muslims.

How babus play ball

Sat, Dec 17, 2016

Irrespective of the Opposition’s strident demand for a rollback, it is clear that demonetisation is irrevocable.

A whole new ball game

Mon, Jun 06, 2016

Cricketers and fans are compelled to wear an ugly nationalism on their sleeve

The AMU Test

Wed, Mar 16, 2016

At stake in the minority status row is a larger principle.

Express Blogs

Honoring Mufti’s legacy: Will Mehbooba’s government go back to a policy of drift and knee-jerk reactions?

Fri, Jan 15, 2016

Would the PDP now want to switch to a tie-up with a party whose sole political doctrine today is to blindly oppose everything that the present central government does?