It is disgusting to see a reputable agency like the Enforcement Directorate being used by the Union government to muzzle opposition leaders (‘Blows and blowbacks’, June 19). The ED will not get clearance to go after even a local BJP leader. If this is how it goes, the respect for Central agencies will come down.
Having said that, the allegations against some of the leaders you have featured are serious in nature. The ED, in some cases, is functioning well within its jurisdiction. So, these leaders need not cry foul.
Vishnu Gopal,
On email.
The cover story on the ED hounding the Congress is rife with sinister portents. The Narendra Modi government has started unleashing terror on opposition leaders to cover up its multiple failures like unemployment, skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and oil and gas, and the mounting deficit in the revenue receipts, which may put the government on the mat.
Karanam Rao,
On email.
The concerted drive by the ED in different states has raised a furore and aggrieved parties are accusing the BJP of political vendetta. While devious transactions, if any, should be exposed, it is the lethargy of investigating agencies that gives room to needless controversies.
B. Gurumurthy,
On email.
Political parties justify wrongdoings when there are allegations or cases filed against their partymen. The leaders that the ED has targeted had a free run when the UPA government was in power for 10 years; even after so many scams surfaced. It is only natural justice that they are brought to book, taking into account the way our judicial system works. The ruling dispensation is being accused of political vendetta whenever cases are filed or raids are conducted on politicians from opposition parties. The fact remains that there has been no corruption case against any minister in the Union government. So why should someone target it?
C.M. Umanath,
On email.
Way to go, Aiyar
I skip Mani-festo by Mani Shankar Aiyar when I get the feeling that he is ranting against the Union government. But his last column (‘Lesson for us from Ukraine impasse’, June 19) was really good. I read the last paragraph over and over again. Aiyar said majoritarianism that is revanchist and xenophobic cannot survive for long by pitting community against community; language against language; caste against caste; race against race; and region against region. Nobody could have put it better. May your tribe increase, Mr Aiyar.
V.R. Sashidhar,
On email.
Why caste-based census?
A caste-based census should not be encouraged in today’s India. Certain political parties are aiming to build their vote banks through caste-based census (‘Status update’, June 19). Caste census will not help remove the social inequalities in Hinduism. I feel caste-based political outfits should be banned.
Reservation should be based only on the economic status of a person, and not caste. The Union government should restrict states from holding caste-based census.
Gokul Gangadharan,
On email.
Smart play
Counterpunch diplomacy is effective only if a country is held in high esteem and displays strategic clarity (‘Counterpunch diplomacy’, June 19).
India’s diplomatic maturity has given us recognition like never before; the world is taking us seriously. A strong base at home, along with clear vision and support given by the leadership, provide space for diplomats to manoeuvre their way.
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is a mature and experienced diplomat, and as India’s foreign minister he is making a mark.
S.P. Ashta,
On email.