1. Domestic Situation
First reports on elections in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Uttaranchal indicate that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is doing better than expected. Polls in UP pose a major test for the ruling BJP and, according to a report in the Far Eastern Economic Review, a loss by BJP would "undermine the central government's long-term viability." Writing for the daily News, Pakistan, columnist Praful Bidwai suggests that "if the BJP is decisively defeated in UP, the situation in India will become conducive to greater internal democratization."
"BJP ahead in U.P.: exit polls"
"Big State, High Stakes"
"Why Indian Muslims will vote secular"
The daily Hindu, India, published a two-part report on the "Bhopal Document" - issued under the auspices of the Madhya Pradesh governments. The document examines the present condition and future prospects of Dalits (former Untouchables) in India.
"New agenda for Dalits - I"
"New agenda for Dalits - II"
In an essay for Frontline, an Indian magazine, Sukumar Muralidharan argues that the push by militant Hindu parties like Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to build a temple in Ayodhya could threaten the survival of Vajpayee government.
"Ayodhya Offensive"