Cows, bulls, jobs, caste

Caste is back and joblessness is the new nationalism and religion. This UP election is a more 'normal' and fiercely contested one after three walkovers

Writings on the wall is a metaphor that grew out of my travels, mostly through the poll-bound regions of India and the neighbourhood over the past 15 years. Because, even more than its big festivals, the subcontinent comes to life during its elections. And what’s on people’s minds, their aspirations, joys, concerns and fears, you can pretty much understand by reading these writings on the wall. These can be graffiti, advertising, skylines, fences, mere piles of rubble. 

Or even a solitary bull. In glorious patches of black and white. It has to say something for the way politics is playing