I support BJP simply because I don't see it as anti-India. It might have corrupt, power-hungry members, it might have arrogant, stupid, members but I still don't see any of them going to terrorist-sponsor Pakistan and asking it to help in dislodging an elected PM (1) I don't see BJP running down ancient Indian traditions or sacrifices of the Indian Army. Away from media glare, there is a great deal of good happening in government-run institutions ever since a Modi-led BJP government came to power. (2)

In #Dhar, MP is a Sarasvati Temple built by Raja Bhoja in the 11th century which was converted to a mosque by Muslim rulers. Called #Bhojshala, it's one of the few temples devoted exclusively to Sarasvati. After Independence the temple could easily hv been handed to Hindus (1) Instead, in a weird arrangement Muslims take over the temple on Fridays to offer namaz while Hindus bring a framed picture of Sarasvati to worship on Tuesdays. The Muslims hold other festivals too. Hindus have been prevented from holding Vasant Panchami congregations here. (2)

My thread on the blackbuck poaching case. It was October 1998. My baby was a 10-month old toddler. I read with anger the news about actor Salman Khan leading his colleagues Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam on a hunting spree in the dead of the night. (1) The stars were in the area to shoot their latest forgettable film. They all knew perfectly well they were breaking the law which protected endangered species. But hey what is strength if not breaking laws and shooting down unarmed animals? What is shooting if no blood flows? (2)

A thread on the current Dalit riots. Years ago in Delhi, my father had arranged to send a contract worker to do some repair work in our home. The man who came had an arrogant air about him but we did not pay much attention to that. (1) As is my mother's habit, at lunchtime, she served lunch to the man which he ate nonchalantly without gratitude. After eating he went to the kitchen to keep his plate. To my mother's horror he began to rinse and gargle his mouth in the kitchen sink over all the dishes stacked (2)

If there's one place where the lure of India got solidified into a science (navigation), into an art (naval icons everywhere), into engineering (captivating buildings funded by Indian wealth), into a pathological longing, it has to be Portugal. (1) Even the point from where the voyages began (Torre de Belem) is located in a place called Avenida da India (translatable to Avenue to India). (2)