LETTERS

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20

The BJP is always in election mode, and the opposition parties—except the Trinamool Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party—are nowhere near it (‘Walk the talk, around the clock’, March 20).

 

There was no counter-narrative in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Goa; an effective communication platform was lacking. With the BJP in a combat mode 24/7, there is no time for laggards. In order to defeat the BJP, the opposition parties should have a fighting spirit, and be prepared beforehand.

 

The AAP’s victory in Punjab is a signal of the change that is going to come in the state. It was only because Bhagwant Mann was made the AAP’s chief ministerial candidate that the AAP could win so decisively. Mann, in the coming years, is going to emerge as one of the most efficient chief ministers in the country.

 

Rajasekharan Nair,

On email.

 

Congratulations to the victors in the assembly elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.

 

At this juncture, I am reminded of Robert Frost’s lines, “Woods are lovely, dark and deep but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.” Determination, discipline and dedication should be the key mantra for people’s representatives, so that a developed India becomes a reality. I wish the winners good luck, and hope they strive hard for the India of our dreams and fulfil electoral promises.

 

Ranju Gulati,

On email.

 

The lack of consistency and maturity on the part of the Congress’s leadership is there for all to see. As long as a strong, mature and visionary leadership is not in place, the fortunes of the Congress will only continue to suffer.

 

P. Sudhakaran,

On email.

 

One wonders what did the Gandhis see in Navjot Singh Sidhu to have made him the president of the Congress’s Punjab unit, thereby causing problems to Captain Amarinder Singh, who, till then, was a strong chief minister.

 

The Congress ought to have known that Sidhu, the former cricketer and a television clown, is just an ordinary crowd puller, and nothing beyond that. Sidhu brought turmoil in the Congress unit in Punjab; no senior leaders were seen campaigning in the state—the results are conspicuous.

 

Also, such a spoiler cannot be the work of a few. The Congress Working Committee should find out reasons behind the defeat in Punjab.

 

Ashok Nihalani,

On email.

 

It seems the BJP has no credible opponent in Uttar Pradesh ahead of 2024 parliamentary elections. But the resurgence of the Congress cannot be ruled out in toto, as anti-BJP forces might rally behind a national party, considering the national character of the elections. Moreover, the unpredictable result of Sirathu [assembly seat in Uttar Pradesh] has brought the internal bickering of the BJP to fore, which might open pandora’s box for the BJP’s future political prospects in UP.

 

Devendra Awasthi,

Lucknow.

 

Old excuse

It is sure that the Congress will never learn lessons from its defeats.

 

Jairam Ramesh said the BJP is an expert in four Rs: recycling, repackaging, rebranding and renaming (‘Point blank’, March 20). What’s wrong in that?

 

Politics and development go hand to hand. It is the Congress that is dependent on the Nehru Gandhi family, whose brand value is vanishing.

 

On the other hand, the BJP focuses on welfare and development.

 

Venkata Ramana Kotichinthala,

On email.

 

Warne the great

Shane Warne was more than just a cricketer who lived life sans regrets (‘The big picture’, March 20). He liked attracting attention every now and then. Like him or not, Warne was the one who revived the art of leg-spin. Though both Anil Kumble and Mushtaq Ahmed were great leg-spinners, Warne was a notch above.

 

Vyom Prakash,

On email.

 

Shed the ego

The scenes from every holocaust are harrowing (‘Neighbour’s crysis’, March 20). There are no winners, just a few survivors and so much destruction.

 

Vladimir Putin should be sane and shed his ego, which is a double-edged sword, with the outer edge destroying the popularity and the inner edge purity.

 

It is shameful that although the pandemic brought all countries on the same level in 2021, some still boast of their superiority.

 

Sunil Chopra,

On email.

 

Learn from Patil

In a world where selflessness is at its nadir, Girikumar Patil stands apart (‘Cats calling’, March 20). It is astonishing to know that he has opted to stay with his pets in war-ravaged Ukraine. Probably, Patil considers his love for mute creatures dearer than his own life.

 

Vladimir Putin and his contingent of fighters have to learn compassion and love for fellow citizens from Patil. All this speaks eloquently about the need for harmony in this world between animals and humans.

 

The detailed report by Rahul Devulapalli acts as a soothing balm on frayed nerves. Let God save the doctor and his pets.

 

Krishnakumar G.,

On email.

 

Women far ahead

The ‘Women’s Day Special’ of THE WEEK (March 13) was a tribute to all the great women of the past, the present and the future. Women today are no longer in the shadow of men; they follow the passion of their choice. We have the best of doctors, engineers, academicians, scientists, space researchers and artists among women. What is praiseworthy is that women have surpassed men in certain fields. Women must be trusted, praised and encouraged to perform better on the world stage.

 

Surinder Pal,

On email.