LETTERS

Find More

14

This will pass

Most Indians could relate to Mumbai, directly or vicariously. Hence, the city’s excruciating plight is of grave concern to all of us (‘The city of perils’, June 14). It is the homeless and the poor in the city who have to bear the brunt of the pandemic more.

Mumbai has weathered many ups and downs—man-made and otherwise. Hopefully, this would also pass soon, from a pandemic to an epidemic and then to an endemic.

Raveendranath A.,

On email.

 

 

Containing the spread of Covid-19 in a city like Mumbai was always a challenge. I feel, the blame, to a large extent, goes to the opportunistic political alliance formed in Maharashtra, which is now ruling the state. Ideally, Sharad Pawar should have been the chief minister of Maharashtra in the present circumstance. Uddhav Thackeray has no experience, and it seems like he wants to finish his tenure come what may.

A strong BJP government or a strong Congress-NCP coalition in the state would have been far more effective in dealing with this crisis. Looks like most of the ministers in the cabinet do not see eye to eye on most matters concerning the state. What a pity!

Gaurav Mathur,

On email.

 

It is fair to presume that the governments, both at the Centre and in the states, have taken strict anti-Covid-19 measures keeping in view the interests of the people.

No government can claim that there were no flaws, and brush aside criticism, especially about the plight of migrant workers.

While services rendered by civic bodies have been commendable, some attempts by politicians to take advantage of the situation have been unethical and lamentable.

The spike in cases in Maharashtra and other states in the country will continue to be a matter of concern until an effective medicine or vaccine is developed.

K.K. Cherian,

On email

 

The problem with Mumbai is that it is heavily congested, and unlike Delhi, it does not have the scope to expand because of the sea. Mumbai, every year, suffers in some manner or the other. The government of India cannot afford to let Mumbai remain in such a condition. After all, it is the economic capital of the country. I fail to understand why adequate contact tracing is still not being done in Mumbai. The Centre needs to help the people in Mumbai in a sincere manner.

Tapesh Nagpal,

On email.

 

Private hospitals that do not cooperate with the government should be taken to task. Mumbai, I am sure, will bounce back. But the recovery is likely to be slow. Dharavi, which was once the epicentre of the virus, has flattened the curve. This is a positive sign and an indication that things are working well at the ground level.

Tigin Thomas,

On email.

 

If Mumbai is facing a crisis, Bollywood is sure to face problems. All leading actors, directors and producers have enough money to survive this period. But, my heart goes out to the daily-wage workers like the spot-boys, light-men and technicians associated with film shooting who are suffering. Some actors and filmmakers have been generous enough to help them, which is good. But, I am sure, there are many who are still suffering. Reach out to us, please.

T.K. Nandagopal,

On email.

 

Save lives

The Tamil Nadu government has failed miserably in handling the pandemic. It needs to accept at least now that there is community transmission in the state (‘Enough is not enough’, June 14).

The government was harping on the fact that the death rate in the state is low compared with other states. Edappadi Palaniswamy and team should realise there is no point drawing a comparison with other states, and seeing which state scores what in handling the crisis. The government should do its job and save as many lives as possible.

R. Sairam,

On email.

 

Acting to politics?

Sonu Sood is the real superstar of Bollywood (‘Superstar of the season’, June 14). I agree with Shobhaa De that Sonu has catapulted himself to another league with all the help that he has been providing to migrants across the country. Like her, I feel he could join politics. He has already proven himself in Bollywood and there is nothing more he has to do. Politics needs more of people like him.

Vismay Mathur,

On email.

 

Disparity and suffering

Swara Bhasker’s column (‘Put yourself in their shoes’, June 7) delved deep into my conscience.

The predicament, agony and pain of migrants cannot easily be understood, sitting in the comforts of home. Imagine people having matching slippers, shoes and sandals for different occasions and the plight of those deprived of it. Disparity alone is the sole cause of suffering of the poor.

Surinder Pal,

On email.