Stay with the Congress
The situation today in India demands the Congress to be a ruthless political party that fights elections only to win them (‘High on command’, October 3). It is the principal opposition party in the country and there is no other party that is as capable as the Congress to take on the BJP. Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi have to take crucial decisions henceforth; only that can save the Congress.
The Congress can never be cornered in India’s political map. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are not going to rule the country forever. Parties like the Trinamool Congress, the AAP and the CPI(M) should stay with the Congress if they want to end the BJP’s rule in the country.
Nandakumar Menon,
On email.
The resignation of Navjot Singh Sidhu as the president of Punjab Congress, and the induction of a dark horse (Charanjit Singh Channi) as chief minister of Punjab has intensified the political crisis in the sensitive border state.
A radical change in the outlook of the Congress high command—by heeding to views of all members at all levels—can alone retrieve the Congress from the present political morass.
B. Gurumurthy,
On email.
After going through your cover story one thing is sure—the rise of the AAP as a secular and rational alternative. It is rapidly replacing the Congress. I think people are desperate for real change, and the Congress seems incapable of bringing change.
Arun Bhagoliwal,
On email.
The best gift that the leaders of the Congress can give to the people of the country on the platinum jubilee of the country’s independence is to usher out the Nehru-Gandhi family, and ascertain a new vision devoid of family control.
Duggaraju Srinivasa Rao,
On email.
The Congress, unfortunately, has lost credibility. The regional parties, with more vocal leaders and organisational abilities, are scoring over the Congress.
Most people in major states are not prepared to accept Rahul or Priyanka as their leader.
Losing a veteran like Amarinder Singh is a big setback for the grand old party of Indian politics. The earlier they recoup, the better it is for the Congress and for the country.
A.S. Nagesh,
On email.
An old warhorse like Amarinder had to be shown the door, but the “surgical strike” delivered by the high command seemed to be humiliating for Amarinder. Politics is a strange experiment, with no well-defined rules or laws. Everything depends on the outcome.
The Congress has to strive hard, forgetting petty infighting, to achieve its long-lost glory.
Krishnakumar G.,
On email.
Thank you
I was deeply moved by the words of Bhumi Pednekar (‘Point blank’, October 3). It made me understand myself better, and do small things extraordinarily well. Thank you for publishing her valuable quote.
Pilli Rayappa S.J.,
On email.
Wonderful information
The article ‘Sky-high potential’ (Oct 3) was really mesmerising. I was happy to read about the new technology, which will help a lot of people who are facing problems. Through your article I gained knowledge about civilian drones and countries that are using it. Thank you for this wonderful information.
Frewin D’Souza,
Bengaluru.
Dalrymple is wrong
William Dalrymple’s assessment that “Not one benefit, political or military, has been acquired with this war” [in Afghanistan] is not correct (‘Invade. Retreat. Repeat’, September 12). This should be decided by the ordinary Afghans and not by any outsider. Historically, Afghans have seen only wars and destruction. Neither the west nor India will invest in a war-torn country without the protection offered by the US forces. Dalrymple should first speak to refugees from Afghanistan who have now come to his country [Great Britain] and get a better understanding of things.
Rajshekhar Inglay,
On email.
Interesting section
Your Aperitif section not only gives information on present activities but also contains humour, with cartoons and vibrant words. I find it a very interesting section, which has increased my eagerness to know more about politics.
Noel Prabhu A.B.,
On email.
Imbibe the new normal
Social distancing, wearing masks, using sanitisers and getting vaccinated have become the new normal these days. But so many people are violating rules (‘Simple pleasures of tomorrow’, September 19).
Also, I have noticed that in the reel world Covid-19 never exists. In films or serials that are shot outdoors, the characters should ideally wear masks. This may encourage others to adhere to Covid rules. Reel world, after all, has a huge impact on the real world.
Pramod Narayanan,
On email.
Last year, when the pandemic turned the world upside down, many PhD scholars like me, who were in their final year, were left doomed given the uniqueness and uncertainty of the situation. However, my research supervisor stepped in to provide us with a positive virtual environment and strong support system, which helped me complete my PhD. I am grateful for the support, faith, and trust bestowed upon me during such extraordinary times.
Aditi Jain,
On email.