Mukul Kesavan – Author, NDTV.com

Opinion: The Vaghela Doctrine Or How Not To Mobilise Against The BJP

Mukul Kesavan | Saturday October 14, 2017

The Vaghela Doctrine is a political strategy that assumes that the Indian electorate is inertly majoritarian. It assumes that the default setting of the electorate favours the BJP's hostility towards religious minorities, particularly Muslims.

Opinion: Does Kohli Need An Adult In The Dressing Room?

Mukul Kesavan | Monday June 05, 2017

It's hard to be outraged at Virat Kohli's bid to be rid off Anil Kumble if the rumours of a rift between the coach and the national team are true. It's the business of the coach to get on with his team.

Opinion: Why The <i>Baahubali</i> Films Have Enthralled India

Opinion: Why The Baahubali Films Have Enthralled India

Mukul Kesavan | Saturday May 20, 2017

The Baahubali story sets out a code made up of cod-feudal virtues and makes its characters live by it. Central to this code is the inviolability of sworn oaths, the sacred udder bond between mothers and sons, the unswerving fealty of slaves, and above all, the ideal of the absolute yet benevolent king.

Opinion: Was 'Brain Fade' Just One Part Of It? India Presses Charges

Mukul Kesavan | Thursday March 09, 2017

Kohli's allegation was merely his opinion. The Indians, he said, had one opinion, the Australians had another.

Opinion: Kohli Goes Nuclear With 'Brain Fade' Response

Mukul Kesavan | Tuesday March 07, 2017

Virat Kohli's post-match press conference after India won the Bangalore Test was a cricketing Krakatoa.

Opinion: Nothing More Important Than Rohit Sharma Batting At No 5

Mukul Kesavan | Thursday August 11, 2016

Rohit Sharma isn't just a player, he's an immanent Idea, whose time has come.

Opinion: How Congress Is Botching Up Even Its Defeat

Mukul Kesavan | Thursday May 26, 2016

Through the last set of assembly elections, the Congress was on a hiding to nothing.

Opinion: Why Uber's Champions Miss The Elephant In The Room

Mukul Kesavan | Wednesday April 20, 2016

If surge pricing is bad, why didn't Kejriwal's government stop it during the first round of restrictions?

Opinion: Lessons From The De-Commissioning Of Harsha Bhogle

Mukul Kesavan | Tuesday April 12, 2016

The removal of Sunil Gavaskar and Harsha Bhogle as commentators for the 9th edition of the IPL is unimportant in itself but useful as a window into the workings of the BCCI and the curious relationship between public sport and patriotism.

Opinion: Why Congress is Untrustworthy Ally for Liberals

Mukul Kesavan | Sunday November 08, 2015

The Congress's record in the matter of defending civil liberties is dismal.

Opinion: Why Modi Is Still Silent On Dadri

Mukul Kesavan | Friday October 09, 2015

Contrary to the headlines, then, the prime minister didn't break his silence on the Dadri lynching in Nawada; he used his speech (and, more culpably, the President's) to finesse a human tragedy.

Opinion: The BJP's Alibis For the Lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq

Mukul Kesavan | Sunday October 04, 2015

Mohammad Akhlaq's widow, remembered filling the tiffin boxes of Hindu neighbours with the mutton she cooked every Id. These neighbours, young men she recognised and named to the police afterwards, broke down her door, dragged out her husband and bludgeoned him to death with bricks.

Opinion: Five Types of Right-Wing Commentary in Contemporary India

OPINION