The BJP’s historic win in Gujarat did not surprise me, but I did not expect the Congress to win in Himachal Pradesh (‘Win-win situation’, December 18).
The BJP faces multiple challenges in Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, which go to polls next year. But, nationally, I feel Narendra Modi is the most popular leader and he will continue to rule the roost for some more years. If Modi is out of the picture, the BJP will not even win 100 seats.
The Congress should control its downward slide, and make sure it does not lose the opposition space to parties like the AAP.
Yash Kothari,
On email.
Brand Modi is intact and the BJP is the overwhelming favourite to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Even though the Congress won Himachal Pradesh, the difference in vote share was only 0.9 per cent. The Congress and other opposition parties should constantly bring up issues that strike a chord with the people of the country. I fail to understand why that is not happening.
I agree that Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra is making a difference and he is getting repackaged, but there is still a long way to go. The Congress has to pull up its socks and do exceedingly well in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka if it needs to be taken seriously in 2024.
Radhika Gupta,
On email.
AAP leaders should redefine their party’s policies and bring welfare measures to economically poor people irrespective of caste, creed and religion to have a good presence nationally. The AAP’s anti-corruption moves in Punjab were appreciated, and they should focus on such issues elsewhere.
Surinder Sharma,
On email.
One cannot write off the Congress yet. It can spring a surprise or two. The AAP, with no ideology and only freebies to offer, can cover a short distance.
The BJP has the enthusiasm and a well-oiled machinery to fight any election. This, combined with Modi’s charisma, will be hard to beat for any other political party. I feel only the BJP can defeat the BJP in 2024.
Dilip Gurjar,
On email.
Why just China?
China’s fixation with zero-Covid policy has caused a lot of uproar. I feel China will disintegrate like the erstwhile USSR in some years. When the entire world is enjoying, only people in China are being tortured in the name of Covid-19 (‘Shaken and stirred’, December 18). Xi Jinping is getting increasingly unpopular in China, and it is quite evident.
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.
China is not doing enough to arouse its economy; foreign investors are not keen to invest in China, because it is not as open for business as it used to be. As Xi strengthens his grip on China, its growth will falter. In such circumstances, change in leadership is the only way out.
Vidya Nandan,
On email.
Lotus not in Tamil Nadu
The inauguration of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi appeared to be more like a Hindu religious extravaganza than one to cherish the rich heritage of Tamils (‘Party snacks’, December 18).
The BJP, having miserably failed to succeed in its attempts to find footing in Tamil Nadu, has camouflaged itself as promoters of the Tamil language.
A close look at those present on the dais with the prime minister, and the conspicuous absence of Tamil scholars, exposes the hypocrisy of the organisers and the hidden agenda behind the Sangamam.
The people of Tamil Nadu will never fall prey to the gimmicks of the BJP, and allow them to annihilate the lofty ideals of Dravidianism embedded in their blood. The peace-loving people of Tamil Nadu will never allow the lotus to bloom in the state.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
On email.
For and against
The collegium system should continue (‘Who picks whom’, December 18). If the government of the day starts appointing judges, the judiciary will be heavily compromised. The three pillars of our Constitution—legislature, executive and judiciary—have to work hand-in-hand, without interfering in each other’s affairs.
Most bureaucrats are pawns of the government. So, the government should at least fear the judiciary.
K.G. Krishnan,
On email.
I side with the government on the issue. The collegium system is not Constitutional, and lacks transparency. An Indian Judicial Service, like the Indian Administrative Service, is the need of the hour. The best brains will join the judiciary if this happens. Judges picking judges is a waste of talent and is a weird practice. And there is bound to be bias.
Nandagopal G.,
On email.
Increase rubber plantation
I enjoyed reading the report on rubber planation and how it is growing in India (‘The tree that travels’, December 18). We still have not realised the importance of rubber. If rubber cultivation continues to spread to other states, there is no need for India to import rubber from other countries. The demand for rubber is increasing with each passing year, with thousands of rubber products being made in the country.
Nagesh Rao,
On email.
Yes, rubber industry in India is at a crossroads, and we should not rely on imports. India should occupy an important place in the global rubber pricing system. Many farmers in Kerala have started looking at other crops after rubber prices crashed. This should not have happened. Now, the Central government should increase import duty on rubber and help our rubber farmers.
Devika Chandran,
On email.