Yogi: the problem solver
In 2017, the BJP surprised many by announcing Yogi Adityanath as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Many seasoned politicians opined this to be the biggest mistake of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah (‘The big battle of perception’, April 11).
In the last four years, Yogi proved everyone wrong with his unwavering approach to solve chronic problems of the state. He has shown his ability to analyse problems and provide direction in all spheres of governance. Under Yogi, Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable progress, and this is quite visible.
S.P. Ashta,
Delhi.
Yogi is a forceful orator and has successfully forged ahead in his political career.
As a taskmaster, Yogi personally supervised implementation of welfare schemes introduced by the Centre and took effective measures in checking the spread of Covid-19. His devotion to administration was prominent when he stayed away from his father’s funeral.
B. Gurumurthy,
On email.
Need combatant DGs and generals
We need to have a combatant, who as director general (of paramilitary) will plan fights in jungles. Let us leave all war games in cyber space to paper tigers (‘Party snacks’, April 11).
P.S. Muthanna,
On email.
Sushila, yes; Mamata, no
I liked the story of Sushila didi by Swara Bhasker (‘Bitter chocolate’, April 11). It was nice knowing more about Sushila didi. I appreciate her frankness and dedication towards work. I am sure Sushila didi will win the election that she is contesting. But I doubt whether the other didi [Mamata Banerjee] will win.
Ramanathan,
On email.
Waiting for 2026
I agree with you that Kamal Haasan is unlikely to become kingmaker in the assembly polls; even he knows that well, I suppose (‘Picture imperfect’, April 11). Kamal used the elections as a testing ground for the assembly elections in 2026, where he could emerge as a formidable player.
This time, at best, Kamal’s party may win seven to eight seats.
Suresh Narayan,
On email.
Don’t forget R.D. Burman
I was astonished to read your report on 50 years of Dum Maro Dum (April 11). You do not give enough credit to the creator of the song, R.D. Burman. Dev Anand’s story is well told, but he only approved the song.
Without Burman, there would have been no Dum Maro Dum. It was his desire to experiment, his genius at fusing diverse music forms, and his daring in bringing in new instruments that led to such songs.
No doubt, Asha Bhonsle and Zeenat Aman deserve some credit for the song. But why this injustice to Burman?
Sudarshan Shidore,
Mumbai.
Need common rule
It was painful to read about Shubham Gupta (‘Last word’, April 11). Had Gupta suffered same injuries in a road accident, he would have got all help under the Motor Vehicles Act. Unfortunately, we do not have any such provision for other accidents. It is time we have a common rule for all types of accidents and negligent acts of tortfeasors, so that victims get their rights legally.
Pravin Bihari Sharan,
On email.
Hope it helps
Shashi Tharoor’s column (‘Updating the Kerala model’, April 4) has come as a great relief in the din of electioneering.
Whatever may be the final outcome, we, the common citizens, earnestly look forward to a dispensation, who will take sufficient initiatives to weed out the malice that affects the state.
I feel Tharoor’s column will serve as a foundation for the industrial and financial development of Kerala, which will ensure steady rise in employment.
Narendran R. Vettiyattil,
On email.
Stalin next CM?
Many people in Tamil Nadu want M.K. Stalin to be the next chief minister (‘Rising son’, April 4). This is the closest that Stalin can get to the chief minister’s chair, as the AIADMK is battling 10 years of anti-incumbency.
Whenever there is a talk of the possibility of the DMK coming back to power, people mention about the lawlessness that prevailed in the state when the DMK was in power in the state. I think a government led by Stalin will be different, as he will try for an image makeover.
R. Sairam,
On email.
Sindhu is on a roll
P.V. Sindhu, with her never-say-die attitude and fighting spirit, is India’s biggest hope for a medal in the Tokyo Olympics, due later this year (‘Pushing for the podium’, April 4). Sindhu has always displayed a positive attitude on court and is fully equipped to take the competition head-on. Having notched up wins against all top players in the world, Sindhu’s morale should definitely be high and she should be in a position to gain the world number one ranking soon.
Vijayalakshmi Aravind,
On email.
Sindhu started her career at the age of 16 and is an epitome of perfection for many young girls.
Sindhu’s determination, confidence and hard work has paid off. She will enter into the Olympics as a most exhilarating woman, who is willing to learn from her mistakes.
Barani Priya L.,
On email.
Fearless journalism
What India needs is fearless journalism that sustains the core of democracy by highlighting dissent as the bedrock of the constitution. THE WEEK has always tried its best to uphold the supremacy of truth over falsehood, and you have vigorously upheld the values of the fourth estate.
Karanam Rao,
Hyderabad.