Narendra Modi’s magic will work once again in Gujarat; the BJP is set to return to power in the state. It is evident that many in Gujarat are fed up with state leaders of the BJP. But, as long as Modi remains the prime minister they would not want to take that risk and bring back the Congress to power (‘Face, saver’, December 4).
Gujarat is Modi’s home turf, and the results will be a referendum for him ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The bridge collapse in Morbi has had its impact, but the BJP was successful in diverting attention from it.
Gaurav Malhotra,
On email.
Your cover headline—‘Spinning a win’—with the photograph of Modi spinning the charkha at the Khadi Utsav in Gujarat was superb. Elections in Gujarat are a prestige issue for Modi and Amit Shah, and a victory is a must for the BJP.
With the entry of new political parties, opposition votes [in Gujarat] will split, and this is bound to improve the chances of the BJP.
With a thought-provoking headline, THE WEEK seems to have predicted the result early.
M. Gopal Rao,
Hyderabad.
I thought THE WEEK would go all out and criticise the BJP government in Gujarat. More so, after the tragedy in Morbi. I thought you will say that Modi’s charisma will have no impact in the state. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see Modi’s image on your cover, with a smart headline, that said it all.
It is a pity that the Congress and the AAP in Gujarat did not utilise the chances that they got.
Tanushri Nagori,
On email.
The BJP will get elected one final time in Gujarat. From 2027, it will be the AAP that will rule the state. It has made significant inroads in the state. The AAP will fill the ideological gap in Gujarat’s politics.
Also, the AAP will replace the Congress across the country from 2034.
Devender Tokas,
On email.
Impulsive action is dangerous
The ‘head I win, tails you lose’ policy advocated for daughters by Swara Bhasker (‘Bitter chocolate’, December 4) was not fair. Every adult is responsible for the outcome of their decisions. Hoping for a safety net in case the decisions turn counterproductive is to curb informed decision making. Impulsive action is dangerous.
There is a proverb in Malayalam, which roughly means, “You can jump in a well in a moment of anger, but can you climb out of it if you get angry seven times.”
Sreekumar R.,
Delhi.
Future at stake
The article on COP27 (‘Finally, together!’, December 4) was a stark reminder of the need for real action if we need to save the world from catastrophic effects of climatic change. Rich nations assembled in Egypt last month to devise a plan to reduce harmful emissions and carbon footprint. However, the need of the hour is for the common man to realise that he is the prime contributor of air pollution, with the “I don’t care” attitude. As responsible citizens we need to understand that the future of the next generation is at stake if we do not stop indiscriminate use of climate pollutants. Each and every step towards climate justice can save the earth from the devastating effects of climate change.
P.S. Mehta,
On email.
Many people, few resources
R. Prasannan has hit the nail on the head with his column ‘People, people everywhere’, (December 4).
Having lived and worked in a dozen countries across three continents during the past couple of decades, I experience a bit of population-culture shock every time I travel back to India.
It hits you the moment you step out of any international airport—too many vehicles trying to get in and out of airports…the feeling just exacerbates as one watches with amazement the vast sea of people trying to navigate narrow roads.
Almost every malaise in the country—starting from traffic, large queues for public services to corruption—have roots in basic demand and supply economics: too many people chasing too few resources.
Mohan K.,
On email.
Unfortunate
The gruesome murder of Shraddha Walkar by her live-in partner Aftab Poonawala has made every Indian, irrespective of caste, creed or religion, hang their head in shame (‘When Bumble meets Dexter’, November 27). It is unfortunate that such atrocities are happening in India now.
A.L. Naik,
Panaji, Goa.
What happened to Walkar was sad, but we should bypass the communal trap angle. To say that all monsters around are Muslims is not correct. Poonawala should get the strictest punishment. Nobody should dare to do what he did.
Kuldeep Tyagi,
On email.
All the best
The group matches in the World Cup are over. Everything, by and large, has gone well and as planned. Contrary to the fears and unfounded predictions of naysayers, there are no reports of ditches, glitches, hitches or any other major problems or controversies (‘Clowns vs rascals’, November 20).
The organisers, the security personnel, providers of logistics, catering and other services deserve a big round of applause.
All the best to players and support staff, as well as the spectators, for the rest of the tournament. A special word of praise for the Japanese fans who cleaned stadiums after matches.
Deepak Bhatia,
Chennai.