It is true that the Congress's move is a campaign gambit. But it is also part of a trend that has been observed across the country – and across parties – over the past few years.

The PM and his ministers have been campaigning for elections instead of addressing people's needs. If the administrative executive is barred from party activities, shouldn't there be some rules for the political side? After all, both are paid by the public.

The newly sworn-in deputy chief minister started at the bottom of party politics and climbed the ladder, a path that is usually only possible for male politicians.

Unlike in many democracies, only 13% of parliamentarians in India are women. This problem will not be resolved until parties decide to field more female candidates.

As a coalition of somewhat equal weights driving governance, each party is freer of electoral compulsions in the short term.