It's Only Saturday And...(More) Khatakhat Is Coming!

It's just what we're calling this weekend's issue focusing on a cycle of competitive freebies that we're entering.

From free electricity and bus rides to direct cash transfers, these "Khatakat" politics are becoming more common. Should we be worried? We believe, any responsible citizen should be.

Our cover stories this weekend highlight the seriousness of this financial recklessness.

The Mahayuti-led Maharashtra government is introducing its own version of MP's 'Laadli Behna' scheme. After their loss in the Lok Sabha polls, they don't want to risk losing the upcoming state assembly elections.

But at what cost?

In Karnataka, the government is struggling to fulfill its 'Five Guarantees'. They're resorting to fuel price hikes, selling government land worth Rs 25,000 crores, and hiring consultants to find ways to meet these promises.

This could be called the 'Khatakhat Tax'.

Even the BJP, known for being fiscally responsible, is getting caught in this cycle, as Venu Gopal Narayanan points out. He argues that the BJP reached the limits of "Labharthi" votes in the 2024 elections.

This cycle seems endless.

However, we've sorted your weekend! We’ve curated the best news, analysis, and reports for you, freeing you from the digital clutter.

This issue also covers:

• The internal crisis in Shiromani Akali Dal,

• Why the BJP might win the Palakkad by-poll in Kerala,

• How a seemingly good Current Account surplus may hide worrying signs, and much more.

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