goonda

It is poor, deeply patriarchal and criticized for its thuggish political culture, the “Goonda Raj.”

The cover story in Tehelka magazine, entitled “Jailhouse Rock,” uncovers the continuing “goonda raj” — or thugs’ reign — in the state of Uttar Pradesh despite assurances from the newly elected chief minister, Akhilesh Yadav, of stringent action against criminals in the state.

The lawlessness of the ‘goonda raj’ overseen by his father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, remains a not-to-distant memory for many people in the state.

Indian mentality was 'Goonda Raj', which meant 'rule by thuggery'.