Interview with prominent Coochbehar citizen of Raj Gharana - Kumar Jitendra Narayan ::: "North Bengal has had mediocre, bad and very bad system of Development"

"North Bengal has had a mediocre, bad and very bad system of Welfare schemes and Development roadmap" 

Question : 

We have assembly elections 2026 approaching fast. As a concerned citizen in Cooachbehar and someone connected to erstwhile Kingly-dynasty; what is your assessment of the region? Earlier, there was a demand for a separate administration but we do not find much happening on ground this time?  

Kumar Jitendra Narayan: 

That's not true. People still want it. On the contrary, the people's anxiety for the region has grown manifold. This is a neglected region in West Bengal. This is a general complain either in hilly region or in the foothill areas like ours. The frustration level is increasing by the day. I am a teacher by profession and that makes me worry more about the younger generation. 

Question:

Can you elaborate more on these?  

Kumar Jitendra Narayan:  

Ki aar bolbo.... what more should I say?  North Bengal and our Coochbehar region have had a mediocre, bad and very bad system of social welfare system and Development graph. For long we were neglected, ignored and discriminated. Whatever the history ... people of our region are also being very practical.  

There is an overwhelming support for a separate State demand. But to be realistic, people would settle down for a Union Territory. I am including entire North Bengal... because I say any demand only for Coochbehar people because we had a legacy; the efforts will be futile. We keep interacting with people...

There are individual leaders who irrespective of social background and political affiliations will say that a new separate Administrative unit demand should not be ‘communalised’.

Even I admit... let us go for a broader North Bengal landscape.  Like Rajbongshis have distinct and separate cultures, there are many other social groups and communities in our region. Language and even life styles are different than the ‘mainstream’ Bengali or South Bengal culture. 

Blogger and Kumarji in premises of Coochbehar palace

# Question:  

This is an interesting area you have touched... why and how your culture is different from those in South Bengal or Kolkata region? 

Kumar Jitendra Narayan:  

These may appear as minor things. But they are important politically and to understand from a social perspective. People in mainstream South Bengal do not take dry fish... in fact they would hate it. But Rajbongshis are crazy about it.  

Sidal is a type of dry fish delicacy which is very popular among Hindus and Bengali Muslims in Bangladesh like Sylhet and Mymensingh and also in Assam.

If you have interacted with Christian Rajbongsis you will find them practice prayer sessions sitting on floors and not chairs and tables as Christians normally do in northeast or in Kerala. Christians call their prayer session in Coochbehar -- the Upasana. This is a Bengali Hindu word. 

Question : 

To tell you frankly I was a bit surprised when Rajbongshi people in Coochbehar and other locations like Jalpaiguri and Siliguri were very happy after BJP decided to make Samik Bhattacharya as the West Bengal unit chief. After he assumed charge, he has rather surprised people by his remarks on Muslims. Do you think he should have said something special for North Bengal and Rajbongshi population?

Kumar Jitendra Narayan: 

This is an important aspect of public discourse in West Bengal these days and our region is no exception. Maybe Samik Bhattacharya is trying to bring in a new political dialogue. Good luck to him. 

But yes, in our Coochbehar region and entire North Bengal; people have certain expectations. Rajbongshis have these expectations all the more. Personally I agree Muslims are important political stakeholders in our state.... 

It is also true Bangladeshi influx is a matter of concern. Equally we all are worried the manner Muslims are becoming tools as well as victims of political violence. There was political violence in our region in 2021 too. 

Kumar Jitendra Narayan in Museum premise

Question: 

Recently I interviewed a senior Forward Bloc leader in Sitai Shri Nripendra Nath Roy. He says after Kamal Guha, the North Bengal has not produced any leader. That means there is a social as well as political leadership vacuum? 

Kumar Jitendra Narayan: 

How can I deny about the leadership crisis? The conditions our region is in.... and the manner people are suffering even lack of  good education and sound health care; the failures of all past masters and governments stand exposed. The law of the strongest .... created a faulty system. It made those with good number of MPs and MLAs will decide things. This deprived Coochbehar, Doars, Darjeeling hills and other parts of North Bengal. 

You must be knowing about insurgency Kamtapur insurgency in North Bengal. This has happened with people who are least violent in this country. You should not forget discontent creates a fertile ground for violent narratives. Please handle it at the earliest. 

ends 

“Show me even one photo of Indian damage .... ," NSA Ajit Doval dares foreign media to show evidence of any loss and damage suffered by India in Operation Sindoor

“Show me even one photo of Indian damage — even a glass being broken,” National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said on Friday in Chennai questioning claims that the Operation Sindoor caused any unintended destruction beyond the planned targets. 

"We hit 13 Pakistani air bases"

The National Security Advisor - also PM Narendra Modi's trusted aide - hailed Operation Sindoor as a proud moment for India.

He outright rejected foreign media reports of collateral damage in India. He challenged critics to produce even a single image of destruction of Indian property.

NSA Doval and his boss Namo

“Foreign press said that Pakistan did that and this...You tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian (structure), even a glass pane having been broken…,” Doval said. 

Speaking at the 62nd Convocation of IIT Madras, he said that the 23-minute operation struck exactly nine designated targets deep inside Pakistan, away from the border, in a criss-cross pattern.  

“We missed none, and hit nowhere else,” he added, stressing the precision of the mission.

“They wrote these things, New York Times... and put out things..The images only showed 13 air bases in Pakistan before and after 10th May, whether it was in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala...I am only telling you what the foreign media put out on the basis of images...

We are capable of doing that (damage to Pakistani air bases)," he said.  

“We are proud of how much indigenous technology we used. The operation was precise to the point and nowhere near the border areas, contrary to what foreign media said,” he noted.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was India’s retaliatory strike following a Pakistan-backed terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 people.

The Indian Air Force hit nine key terror hubs deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad headquarters in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s key base in Muridke.

In response, Pakistan attempted a counter with drone and missile attacks, all of which were intercepted by India’s air defence systems. The escalation culminated in an Indian strike on 11 Pakistani air bases, marking one of the most significant cross-border operations in recent times.  

“We have to develop our indigenous technology. Mention of Sindoor was made here. We are really proud of how much of indigenous content was there...

We decided to have 9 terrorist targets in the criss-cross of Pakistan, it was not in the border areas. We missed none. We hit nowhere else except that,” Doval said. 

Politics of 75 years retirement bar !! But the debate may soon lead to discussion -- should Modi shift to Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2027 !!! Who will be next PM ?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have to stomach the 'digs' of retirement at 75 as he himself suitably used the same criterion to ease-out giants L K Advani, M M Joshi and Jaswant Singh from key positions in the party and also the government. 

In essence, Vanaprastha (retirement stage) is a period of transition and introspection, preparing individuals for the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha) in the Hindu culture. 

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement has rightly triggered speculation and social media postings including from Opposition trying to take potshots at Modi.

The fact of the matter is health-wise the Prime Minister looks superb and he is the principal vote catcher for BJP and the NDA. So no one can impose any such rule on Narendra Modi.  

Modi loves 'making and remaking rules' 

A unique systhesis of Hindutva, nationalism and Development

However, Mohan Bhagwat's remarks : “When you turn 75, it means you should stop aside now and make way for others" - is not stated without any purpose.

Both Bhagwat and Modi will turn 75 this September -- the Prime Minister on Sept 17th and the RSS chief six-day before on September 11th. But there is also another statement - attributed to RSS chief himself. “An exception proves the rule." Bhagwat had said around 2020 when he met some pro-right wing writers and columnists on the same pertinent question that whether PM Modi would retire when he turns 75. 

As of today's polity and sound physical conditions of both Modi and Bhagwat, neither will hang up boots in September 2025. 

But the debate may soon lead to another vital discussion -- should Modi shift to Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2027 !!!  The Prime Minister will turn 77 when India has to elect its next President. 

So perhaps that debate has been kicked off by Bhagwat indirectly. In 2022, one idea was circulated briefly to have RSS chief as India's President; but bringing up first tribal-woman President was seen as a smarter card. 

Ayodhya's Ram temple - a milestone 

But Bhagwat’s statement should also be seen as an attempt by the RSS to tighten its hold over the BJP.

The election of new BJP president is pending and it has not been finalised essentially because a cold war is on between Nagpur and PM Modi-Amit Shah duo. Incumbent BJP national president J P Nadda had snubbed Arvind Kejriwal in 2024 when the then Delhi CM said Modi will have to retire by September 2025. 

This was also seen in the media as an "insider" work from Uttar Pradesh. No wonder, BJP did poorly in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. 

As for RSS swayamsevaks, no 'sarsanghchalak (RSS chief)' has stepped down at 75.

Key RSS chiefs Balasaheb Deoras, Rajju Bhaiyya and K S Sudarshan, all relinquished the post only due to  health concerns. 

Rajju Bhaiyya and Sudarshan announced their retirements because of their frail health when they were 78 years old.

Balasaheb Deoras remained chief of the RSS until 1994 till the age of 79. He also stepped aside on health grounds. 

In Hindu culture there is a clear tradition of retirement - Vanaprastha.

It is a key and the third of the four stages of life traditionally associated with a gradual retirement from worldly life and a focus on spiritual pursuits. 

It literally means "retiring to the forest". 

In this stage, individuals including Kings begin to detach from material possessions and responsibilities, sharing their wisdom and experience while preparing for the final stage of renunciation. 

Pandavas were glaring examples.  After leading entire life of struggles and warfare, Pandavas did not stay in power for long. It is said that King Yudhisthir ruled only for 36 years (considered a brief spell according to those era) and along with wife Droupadi left for Vanaprastha leaving the throne of Hastinapur Parikshit, Arjuna's grandson.

The real debate should be who will be Modi's Parikshit !!

Speculation is rife about Amit Shah, who turned 60 in April. Another key player will be Yogi Aditynath. He was the most underestimated protagonist in power in 2017 when the chief ministership in Uttar Pradesh was blessed upon him. 

But he has ended up being one of the most performing chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and a highly successful one at the national level.  Like Modi, Yogi is also extremely popular among core BJP supporters but he does not have RSS background.

But Nagpur could easily back him.

So in 2027 - an easy formula could  be Modi becoming President and Shah may become Prime Minister. At least the present trends suggest Amit Shah is the most trusted compatriot of Modi.

And Yogi may join the Union cabinet. 

But both the BJP and the RSS have never handled any succession stories so cool. 

The grand success of Operation Sindoor has rekindled a debate on whether Defence Minister Rajnath Singh deserves an elevation to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

ends 

In 'New Hard Times' era .... UN may face further funds crunch :::: Trump has ordered review of US contribution .... 'UN owes' substantial money to India

This is a new era of 'the hard times' visited again at the global stage. This is an era wherein the only respected world body, the United Nations is losing clout. 

About 40 countries including the US and China are behind in paying obligatory yearly dues. 

The concept of collective responsibility for maintaining global peace and security is itself under threat.

The popular argument goes that the UN’s greatest achievement since 1945 is preventing a third world war. 

Yet we believe the world s no longer safe. The World War-3 has already begun. 

Russia and Israel are behaving like rogue states dismantling the world’s best defence against global anarchy.

The needless suffering cannot be kept away if a terror-sponsor Pakistan is not discouraged and checked from what it is doing. We have been doing the dirty job of the west - Pakistani Ministers kept stating during Operation Sindoor.

India, UK and other democracies face some pressing questions. Will they give in?

A world body without India at the UNSC is more of a mockery in this century. 

The adverse fallout is potentially dangerous, pity and world-changing. 

The UNICEF for  infants and children and the World Food Programme (WFP) have been hit already. 

Funding shortfalls for the world body is becoming an acute crisis in the shadow of Donald Trump’s review orders. 

The fast 'collapsing' global body building  

It may be a small matter of satisfaction that India consistently pays its dues to the UN regular budget on time.

In contrast to 'delay' payments from countries like the United States, UK and China; with India -- the UN has at times been in arrears regarding payments to New Delhi for peacekeeping operations. 

In 2019, the UN owed India $38 million for peacekeeping operations, which was the highest amount owed to any country according to a report by the UN Secretary-General. 

India had expressed concerns about these delays in reimbursement. 

For his part, Trump continues to issue threats vis-a-vis the world body funding. 

Trump’s abolition of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and scrapping of most aid programmes, has already badly damaged UN-led and UN-backed humanitarian operations.

The much talked about international rules-based order and multilateralism are under threat. Several countries say why they should pay.

It's worth noting that under Article 19 of the UN rules, a member state can lose its vote in the General Assembly if it owes dues exceeding the amount of two prior years' contributions, though exceptions can be made. 

The US is the biggest contributor, at 22%, to the UN’s core budget. 

In February 2025, the White House announced a six-month review of US membership of all international organisations, conventions and treaties, including the UN.

The deadline for decapitation falls next month, that is August 2025.  

"The UN system has many failings, some self-inflicted. But a world without the UN would, for most people in most places, be more dangerous, hungrier, poorer, unhealthier and less sustainable," says Simon Tisdall in an article to 'The Guardian', London.   

China and others, including the UK, ignore international law when it suits. 

The number and longevity of conflicts worldwide is rising; UN envoys are sidelined; UN peacekeeping missions are disparaged. The security council is often paralysed by vetoes; the general assembly is largely powerless. By many measures, the UN isn’t working.

The UN is now almost allowed to fail or is so diminished that its agencies cannot fully function, there is nothing to take its place. 

In the process, we have Gaza. An alleged 'law of the jungle' is at work and UN agencies are excluded, aid workers murdered and legal norms flouted.

Blogger 

Donald Trump is already boycotting the World Health Organization, the Palestinian relief agency (Unrwa) and the UN Human Rights Council, and has rescinded $4bn allocated to the UN climate fund.

He also claimed that all act contrary to US interests.  

The impact is potentially world-changing. Key UN agencies in the firing line include the children’s fund, Unicef – at a time when the risks facing infants and children are daunting; the World Food Programme (WFP), which could lose 30% of its staff.  

After the failure of the League of Nations, the UN was founded in 1945 to prevent further wars and help nations cooperate in tackling some of the major problems facing the world after World War II. When the UN was formed, it had 51 member states, which has since increased to 193. 

Former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the term 'United Nations'. Since then, the UN has remained the primary global organisation addressing issues that cross national borders and cannot be solved by one nation alone. 

But some of the problems of the UN and its entire system are creation of the world body and the powerful lobby culture. 

The UN is unable to represent the world today. UNSC has been woefully weak in confronting the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and other conflicts around the globe. 

Harping on the need to ‘synchronize’ in order to propel the idea of ‘One Earth, One Family’, PM Narendra Modi has hit out at United Nations and its relevance. 

“Organizations like the United Nations came into being after the First World War, but they failed to evolve with the times, and this inability to adapt has sparked a global debate on their relevance”, PM Modi said in an interview to Lex Fridman. 

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Dangerous game of 'mass conversion' to Islam exposed ::: ED probes UP's Chhangur Baba .... "Manipulated Hindus, threat to national security"

 The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) on July 9, after a detailed complaint by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has described Chhangur Baba's activities as anti-national. The state government has already demolished his Balrampur residence using bulldozers.

Chhangur Baba allegedly amassed assets worth over Rs 100 crore in a few years, using foreign funding and fraudulent means to promote mass religious conversions.

The scheme particularly targeted Scheduled Castes and economically weaker sections. 

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) are expected to join the investigation to trace the foreign fund routes.

He maintained 40 bank accounts containing Rs 106 crore, with most of the funds traced to Gulf nations.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money laundering investigation against Chhangur Baba, also known as Karimulla Shah, following revelations of an extensive illegal religious conversion network and massive accumulation of illicit wealth.

Chhangur Baba, also called Karimulla Shah arrested

Chhangur Baba, also known as Karimulla Shah, and his aide have been arrested. 

The agency has been begun probing money laundering offences linked to the alleged conversion racket, which officials say was orchestrated from the premises of the Chand Auliya Dargah.

According to the case file, Chhangur Baba used religious discourses, psychological manipulation, and the publication of a book titled Shijra-e-Tayyaba to influence people and promote Islam, especially among Hindus and underprivileged communities.

ED found that Chhangur Baba built an extensive network involving Indian and foreign nationals. He reportedly organised large gatherings at the Dargah and used foreign contributions - primarily from the Middle East - to expand his operations.

The ATS arrested him and his associate, Neetu alias Nasreen, from a hotel in Lucknow on July 5. Both are currently in custody until July 16.  

The ED has requested detailed information from the ATS and the District Magistrate of Balrampur, seeking certified FIR copies, a list of associated entities, bank account data, and records of movable and immovable assets. Emails have also been sent to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) cells of concerned banks to collect account statements.

The district administration has begun demolition proceedings against illegally constructed properties linked to Chhangur Baba and his aides, including parts of his residence in Madhupur and other assets.

Investigations revealed that he purchased land and built residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in the Bahraich-Balrampur region without the required land-use conversion approvals.   

The ED has requested detailed information from the ATS and the District Magistrate of Balrampur, seeking certified FIR copies, a list of associated entities, bank account data, and records of movable and immovable assets. Emails have also been sent to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) cells of concerned banks to collect account statements.

The district administration has begun demolition proceedings against illegally constructed properties linked to Chhangur Baba and his aides, including parts of his residence in Madhupur and other assets.

Investigations revealed that he purchased land and built residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in the Bahraich-Balrampur region without the required land-use conversion approvals.

The Uttar Pradesh ATS had earlier uncovered what it called a large-scale unlawful conversion racket. Police sources told India Today TV that Chhangur Baba is accused of converting over 1,500 Hindu women and thousands of other non-Muslims to Islam through coercion and inducement.

Originally from Madhpur village in Balrampur district, he allegedly targeted poor, widowed, and vulnerable individuals, using a combination of threats and allurements.

The ATS investigation was triggered by credible intelligence about his operations. Many alleged victims remain hesitant to come forward. Officials said his network expanded across Indian states and reached international locations, including Dubai.  

He also reportedly ran conversion-linked activities from Dargahs in Maharashtra, particularly around Mumbai, using ring sales as a front for outreach.

During annual Urs gatherings at Chand Auliya Dargah, he allegedly hosted foreign guests and lured attendees into conversion programmes.

Investigators said he aimed to establish Islamic Dawah centres and madrasas in Balrampur and surrounding areas to change the region's demographic profile. Authorities further claimed he bribed local police and intelligence officers to avoid scrutiny and used false cases to silence dissenters.

Chhangur Baba's son, Naveen alias Jamaluddin, and another associate, Mehboob, had already been arrested and remain in Lucknow District Jail. Naveen allegedly used funds from Dubai to purchase land and held an account in a Swiss bank.

ends 

Indian Army creates a "platform" for soldiers to demonstrate precision & control while operating DRONES

Spear Corps of Indian Army in North East showcases Cutting-Edge Drone Proficiency in High-Stakes Competition

Spear Corps has taken a significant stride in advancing drone operations by organising an intensive seven-day competition, drawing participation from over 1,000 troops. 

The event provided a platform for soldiers to demonstrate remarkable precision and control while operating advanced drones in a simulated battlefield environment, underscoring their expertise and composure under demanding conditions.

Spear Corps GoC Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar gracing the occasion

The competition rigorously assessed the efficiency, surveillance, logistics and flying skills of drone pilots who have undergone exhaustive training in drone handling. More than 300 drones, including several indigenously manufactured models, were put through their paces, reflecting the commitment of the Corps  to integrate homegrown technology into operational drills.

The event stood as a testament to the operational capabilities and readiness of Spear Corps. 

The Corps Commander Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, who attended the occasion, praised the participants for their competence and highlighted their preparedness to counter any adversarial challenge. 

He emphasised the critical role of next-generation technology and encouraged all personnel to incorporate technological advancements into their tactical routines.

The Indian Army is significantly increasing its use of drones for various operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and even as offensive weapons. They are actively developing and inducting both indigenous and foreign-made drones to enhance their capabilities in different terrains and operational scenarios. 

The Indian Army utilizes a variety of drones for intelligence gathering, including the Israeli-made Heron and Searcher II, as well as the Indian-made Nishant and Netra. 

ends 

“India is more self-confident.... a stronger democracy. Yet, lessons of Emergency remain relevant" - Shashi Tharoor

“We are a more self-confident, more developed, and in many ways a stronger democracy. Yet, the lessons of the Emergency remain relevant in troubling ways," writes Congress leader and a seasoned lawmaker Shashi Tharoor. 

Self-style 'empress' - Indira Gandhi 

In an Op-ed article titled 'Heeding the Lessons of India’s Emergency' for project-syndicate.org; Tharoor warned against the temptation to centralise power, silence dissent those may bypass constitutional safeguards. 

“Often, such tendencies may be justified in the name of national interest or stability. In this sense, the Emergency stands as a strong warning. The guardians of democracy must always remain vigilant," Tharoor said. 

The state of Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi 50 years ago showed how the erosion of freedom often happens – subtly at first, with the chipping away of seemingly minor liberties in the name of virtuous-sounding causes. It should thus serve as a potent warning: democratic stalwarts must be eternally vigilant.

Keen observer : Congressman Tharoor  

"On June 25, 1975, India awoke to a new reality. The airwaves crackled not with the usual government pronouncements, but with a chilling decree: a state of emergency had been declared. 

For 21 long months, fundamental rights were suspended; the press was muzzled; and political dissent was brutally suppressed. The world’s largest democracy held its breath, as the very essence of its constitutional promise – liberty, equality, fraternity – was severely tested. Fifty years on, the period remains etched in Indians’ collective memory as the “Emergency".  

The judiciary buckled under immense pressure to back the move, with the Supreme Court even upholding the suspension of habeas corpus and citizens’ fundamental right to liberty. Journalists, activists, and opposition leaders found themselves behind bars. The broad constitutional transgressions enabled a horrifying litany of human-rights abuses. Torture in detention and extrajudicial killings – though less publicized at the time – were dark realities for those who dared to defy the regime.

In fact, the quest for “discipline” and “order” often translated into unspeakable cruelty, exemplified by the forced vasectomy campaigns led by Gandhi’s son, Sanjay, and concentrated in poorer and rural areas, where coercion and violence were used to meet arbitrary targets. Slum demolitions, carried out with ruthless efficiency in urban centers like New Delhi, rendered thousands homeless, with little to no concern for their welfare.

Indira's grandson Rahul and Shashi Tharoor - who also applauds Modi 

The Kerala MP also says: 

"The silencing of dissent, the curtailment of fundamental rights to assemble, write, and speak freely, and the blatant contempt for constitutional norms left an indelible scar on India’s polity. Though the judiciary eventually found its spine, its initial faltering would not quickly be forgotten. 

And the period’s “excesses” caused deep and lasting harm to countless lives, leaving a legacy of trauma and mistrust in affected communities – which they demonstrated by overwhelmingly voting Gandhi and her party out of power in the first free elections after the Emergency was lifted, in March 1977".  

He further notes: "The 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Emergency – which comes at a time of deep polarization and challenges to democratic norms in many countries – is an occasion for historical reflection and introspection. 

The Emergency offered a vivid demonstration of how fragile democratic institutions can be, even in a country where they are ostensibly robust. It reminded us that a government can lose its moral compass and sense of accountability to the people it purports to serve. 

And it showed how the erosion of freedom often happens: subtly at first, with the chipping away of seemingly minor liberties in the name of virtuous-sounding causes, until “family planning” and “urban renewal” become forced sterilizations and arbitrary home demolitions.

The lessons of this experience are manifold and enduring, he remarked. 

Marked a gory chapter in India's politics 

Link  

"The lessons of this experience are manifold and enduring". 

"First, freedom of information and an independent press are of paramount importance. When the fourth estate is besieged, the public is deprived of the information it needs to hold political leaders accountable. That said, the cravenness of many media outlets in the face of intimidation remains inexcusable," he diagnosed. 

Second, democracies depend on an independent judiciary able and willing to serve as a bulwark against executive overreach. Judicial capitulation – even when temporary – can have severe and far-reaching consequences.

"The third lesson – perhaps the most pertinent in our current political climate – is that an overweening executive, backed by a legislative majority, can pose a grave danger to democracy, especially when that executive is convinced of its own infallibility and impatient with the checks and balances that are essential to democratic systems."

ends