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Political consultants are taking over Indian parties but critics say democracy pays the price

Political consultants are taking over Indian parties but critics say democracy pays the price

Political consultants have moved from behind-the-scenes support to shaping Indian election campaigns end to end, including strategy, candidate selection, and outreach. Their rise is now provoking resentment within parties, with recent election defeats sharpening accusations that consultants are “hijacking” party structures and weakening grassroots ties—leaving leaders to question who truly controls democracy.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 12 May 2026
West Bengal Muslim voters weigh BJP rule as first chief minister takes oath in new political era

West Bengal Muslim voters weigh BJP rule as first chief minister takes oath in new political era

West Bengal ushered in a new political era as Suvendu Adhikari became the state’s first BJP chief minister. With Muslims making up about 30% of the population, reactions are cautiously pragmatic: representation fears remain, but many hope for democratic governance for all. The election also marked a shift in minority voting patterns, fragmenting long-standing alliances.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 10 May 2026

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Hungary swears in Peter Magyar ending Viktor Orban 16 year rule and promising EU reset

Hungary swears in Peter Magyar ending Viktor Orban 16 year rule and promising EU reset

Hungary has sworn in Peter Magyar as prime minister, ending Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule after Tisza’s decisive election victory. Magyar’s government vows to restore democratic institutions, tackle corruption, and rebuild strong ties with the European Union. The inauguration signals a major shift in Hungary’s domestic governance and its relationship with Brussels.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 10 May 2026
NC MP Ruhullah warns BJP aims for China style one party rule using institutions

NC MP Ruhullah warns BJP aims for China style one party rule using institutions

National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi alleged that the BJP is pushing India toward a China-style one nation one party system. He said democratic institutions, elections, and federal principles are being reworked to serve partisan interests, raising fears over how opposition voices will be treated. His comments come amid ongoing political speculation within the party and broader national debate.

Summarised by Beize from a story on Republic on 9 May 2026
One year ban on party switching could reshape Indian elections overnight

One year ban on party switching could reshape Indian elections overnight

A new proposal seeks a one-year ban on politicians switching parties right after election results. The idea is to curb opportunistic moves by those who lose and quickly align with the winning side. Supporters argue the pause would force lawmakers to stick to their original platforms, strengthening accountability and voters ability to judge commitments.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 7 May 2026
Mamata accuses Election Commission of BJP collusion and says 100 seats were stolen

Mamata accuses Election Commission of BJP collusion and says 100 seats were stolen

Mamata Banerjee rejected West Bengal election results, alleging widespread rigging, voter manipulation, and violence. She accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP and claimed that 100 seats were stolen, calling it the “murder of democracy.” The Trinamool Congress faced its worst defeat in over a decade, but Banerjee vowed to keep up the political fight.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 5 May 2026

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Kejriwal warns Punjab will stop BJP vijay rath as democracy faces hijack claims

Kejriwal warns Punjab will stop BJP vijay rath as democracy faces hijack claims

Arvind Kejriwal claims the BJP has “hijacked” democracy and says Punjab will stop the party’s “vijay rath.” He alleges election manipulation and warns that a BJP win in Punjab would harm the state. Kejriwal also forecasts the upcoming Punjab election could be Prime Minister Modi’s last.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 5 May 2026
Millions vanished from voter rolls after West Bengal election shocks what happens next

Millions vanished from voter rolls after West Bengal election shocks what happens next

State election surprises in India are being met with alarm as concerns grow over voter-roll deletions. Electoral roll issues and a special revision process have led to reports that millions were removed from voter lists, particularly in West Bengal. The uncertainty threatens confidence in the credibility of outcomes and puts the integrity of democratic institutions under sharper scrutiny.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 4 May 2026
Press freedom hits a 25 year low with half the world under pressure

Press freedom hits a 25 year low with half the world under pressure

Press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years, with more than half of the world’s countries now in difficult or very serious situations. The proportion of people living under good press freedom has dropped sharply. The United States and Russia are singled out for major declines, while Niger recorded the steepest fall in 2026.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 30 Apr 2026
Modi urges record turnout as West Bengal votes in phase two across 142 seats

Modi urges record turnout as West Bengal votes in phase two across 142 seats

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to turn out in large numbers as West Bengal began phase two polling for the 2026 Assembly elections. Voting is underway in 142 constituencies, with election authorities deploying extensive arrangements to maintain smooth, peaceful polling across regions. The phase is seen as critical to determining the state’s electoral trajectory.

Summarised by Beize from a story on Republic on 29 Apr 2026

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Obama slams White House Correspondents Dinner shooting saying violence has no place in democracy

Obama slams White House Correspondents Dinner shooting saying violence has no place in democracy

Former President Barack Obama condemned the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, saying violence has no place in a democratic society. The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was taken into custody after allegedly breaching a security checkpoint, triggering a rapid evacuation and venue lockdown. Obama also praised the courage of security personnel responding to the incident.

Summarised by Beize from a story on Republic on 27 Apr 2026
Amit Shah and Bhupendra Patel cast votes as Gujarat local body election begins April 28 counting

Amit Shah and Bhupendra Patel cast votes as Gujarat local body election begins April 28 counting

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel voted as Gujarat’s local body elections began across municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats. Party leaders urged voters to exercise their democratic right, saying the polls will shape local governance and development. Vote counting is scheduled for April 28.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 26 Apr 2026
Naravane warns keep armed forces apolitical as politics encroaches leadership roles

Naravane warns keep armed forces apolitical as politics encroaches leadership roles

Former Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane urged that the Army, Navy and Air Force remain insulated from political narratives. He argued that the military, like the judiciary and press, is integral to democracy, but should not be pulled into partisan politics. At the same time, he stressed that individual service members retain democratic rights, including voting.

Summarised by Beize from a story on Republic on 25 Apr 2026
India marks June 25 as Constitution Murder Day recalling 1975 Emergency jails and media bans

India marks June 25 as Constitution Murder Day recalling 1975 Emergency jails and media bans

The Indian government has designated June 25 as “Constitution Murder Day” to mark the 1975 Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Home Minister Amit Shah announced the move, recalling how civil liberties were curtailed, media freedoms were suppressed, and opposition leaders were jailed. Officials say the day honors resistance and reinforces commitment to democratic values over authoritarian tendencies.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 24 Apr 2026

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EC orders West Bengal candidates to stay put during polling from April 23

EC orders West Bengal candidates to stay put during polling from April 23

The Election Commission has directed West Bengal candidates to remain within their respective constituencies from April 23 through the polling period to protect a free and fair vote. The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, with results expected on May 4. The rule aims to reduce intimidation and ensure voters can cast ballots without fear.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 24 Apr 2026
Supreme Court rejects West Bengal voter appeal deadline leaving 20 lakh voters in election limbo

Supreme Court rejects West Bengal voter appeal deadline leaving 20 lakh voters in election limbo

The Supreme Court has rejected setting a deadline for appeals over the exclusion of about 20 lakh voters in West Bengal ahead of state elections. The names were left out because they were not eligible for the Special Intensive Revision roster. With appeals potentially dragging on, critics warn the situation could erode trust in electoral fairness and democratic participation.

Summarised by Beize from a story on The Economic Times on 24 Apr 2026
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