Manas 

After the recent Hafta email on less coverage of vote chori, I feel the need to write this. The SIR by the EC is utterly discredited, but the outrage over Rahul Gandhi’s press conference mirrors the blind fury of Modi supporters. Questions remain unanswered – did these 1 lakh voters actually help the BJP win those seats? By RaGa’s logic, Modi won Varanasi by 1.5 lakh votes through vote chori, while Afzal Ansari in the neighbouring constituency won fair and square. Instead of reacting emotionally, people should think critically. RaGa’s alliance with the RJD in Bihar raises doubts about the credibility of his moral posturing, which he projects so highly in his yatras. INC’s poor strategies, evident in Haryana despite immense anti-incumbency against the BJP, and now in Bihar, highlight political laziness. This outrage thus seems less about principle and more like a cover for Congress’s recurring strategic failures.

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Aurisha Sengupta  

Hi Abhinandan, you mentioned interviewing Manu Joseph soon. I have a bone to pick. Anand Vardhan once recommended Joseph’s weekly blogs, saying they would stand the test of time. I got excited, but honestly, his blogs are forced analogies from an obnoxious man trying to appear the better liberal. They often reek of elitism and elite misogyny - the very liberal flaws he often aims to counter. Take, for instance, his pieces on the show Adolescence or the Kamra–Habitat episode.

I wondered, am I just the liberal he mocks, denying my own hypocrisy? But Newslaundry’s article by Asim Ali reassured me.

So, why so many interviews with this Manu? There’s a better Manu in the market: Manu Pillai - with better books and far better world views. Choose the right Manu, Abhinandan! (And Anand - if Joseph’s blogs stand the test of time, I hope my time ends today!) 

Best, Aurisha

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Anonymous 

Sorry, but some feedback. Recently, I’ve felt that when it comes to global issues, there’s a lack of depth in the discussions. Even last week, the conversation on Dream11 and its ilk (not fully global, but part of it) felt very surface-level. These apps have been around since before I had grey in my beard; why are they considered problematic only now? What impact do they have on our economy? On a job market already reeling? At its core, this is betting. Shouldn’t we debate the moral dilemma around betting and whether legalisation is an option? How does the West approach this? For instance, Sagar from Breaking Points (a recommendation I had shared earlier) did a report showing how betting agencies ran unscrupulous operations. There’s so much more that could have been explored, but I felt these important aspects were left untouched.

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Manan Shah 

The youth protests happening in Nepal, and last year in Bangladesh, reflect how two South Asian societies are essentially fighting inequality, though framed as battles against “corruption and nepotism.” In India too, inequality – basically, a new term for “the caste system” – remains stark, perhaps even worse. When will Indian Gen Z rise? Do we have any reason for hope?

In truth, violent protest often appears to be the only model that can shake a deeply unequal society. History shows this – from the French Revolution to the Arab Spring – and now it feels closer home. The non-violent path tends to let the rich escape, carrying away their loot. What does the NL team think? I find myself increasingly convinced that the choice is stark: either violence, or a sustained inequality that never really goes away.

Best,

Manan 

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Surya Phatak

Hi Newslaundry, I am a subscriber living in Bangalore, excited for the TMR event. How does one register to attend the same if they are already a subscriber, as the link online simply redirects you to subscribe? Looking forward to attending the event. 

Thank you,

Surya Phatak

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N747 

Why are you so against the IT crowd that can only hope for long weekends? ;) Media rumble is on the day after Dasshera, when we plan to travel. I can take a holiday to go on a trip after the media rumble, but I can't ask the family to.  Anyways, all the best. And do reach out over the phone if you need some help in Bangalore East.

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Mohsin AK 

Please help! How can I be a subscribing member and listen to Hafta on spotify? The app buffers a good minute before it starts. Or help with an easier way, please. I miss out on my hafta because of this.

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