It is quite evident that the BJP is in no mood to shun B.S. Yediyurappa, and that he is indispensable to the party. But, why isn’t he being offered the chief minister’s post? (‘BJP is still BSY’, April 16). If the BJP comes to power in Karnataka, it will be because of Yediyurappa; he will continue to call the shots.
In Karnataka, the BJP should wean itself off the dependence on one leader. It should promote younger leaders who are capable enough to take the party forward.
I am pretty sure that the central leaders of the BJP will not allow B.Y. Vijayendra to become the chief minister of Karnataka, as that is going to send a wrong signal to the cadre. After all, the party that speaks against dynasty politics should not be seen promoting it.
Radhika Kappadi,
On email.
In southern states, the BJP has a strong presence only in Karnataka, and it is putting all possible efforts to retain power. This is also to keep intact its image of a national party, having an effective reach in all parts of the country. But failing confidence in Basavaraj Bommai means that holding on to an old war horse like Yediyurappa has become a compulsion for the BJP.
I feel the Congress has an edge over the BJP due to anti-incumbency. But the rivalry between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar will affect its chances.
Devendra Awasthi,
On email.
Yediyurappa is like a tree in the autumn season, which sheds its leaves and flowers to survive the harsh weather. Yediyurappa has shed his ‘old leaves’. Or so it seems.
As Jim Bishop said, “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all other seasons.” Yediyurappa is surely the BJP’s best bet.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
End discrimination
I felt very happy after reading Alex Ellis’s article on raising a child with autism (‘My son is autistic, creative and confident’, April 16). Autistic people should be treated well. Discrimination against autistic people cannot be tolerated.
Vichu Viswanathan,
On email.
Why should one be ashamed of being autistic? I have seen many autistic children move out of India with their parents because of the stigma associated with autism. There should be strict laws that help prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. I want to salute Ellis who did not make his child feel bad and let him be like a normal child. Said Ellis, “You have to get rid of social shame. That is just nonsense.” I completely agree.
Gaurav Malhotra,
On email.
Intellectual commentary
R. Prasannan’s column was an intellectual commentary on a mysteriously conjoined condition of England and Scotland moving ahead like Siamese twins (‘Powerdrive’, April 16). England commands over Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
There will be shadow-boxing between Rishi Sunak’s England and Humza Yousaf’s Scotland for obvious passions and reasons. And that is not going to benefit anyone because whether it is childbirth or festival, one has to eke out his own livelihood.
Rajasekaran B.,
On email.
Big loss
The interview with Ghulam Nabi Azad was crisp and sweet (‘I told Rahul, ‘you are on the wrong path’’, April 16). The seasoned leader who had been with the Congress for over five decades has opened up.
Despite Azad having told Rahul that he is on the wrong path, Rahul did not correct himself. Rahul’s adamant nature will harm him and the party. At least now Rahul should correct his stand.
R.V. Baskaran,
On email.
Azad was an asset to the Congress. It is wrong to say that he left the Congress for selfish reasons. If he was so close to the BJP leaders, as is being projected by the Congress leaders, why did he not join the BJP?
Ramachandran Pillai,
On email.
Rise above narrow politics
I read with interest Barkha Dutt’s column (April 16) where she said that Rahul Gandhi should apologise or choose jail.
I would like to remind the Congress leaders that in 2007 Sonia Gandhi called Narendra Modi maut ka saudagar (merchant of death), blaming him for the 2002 riots. In 2014, a Congress leader said that Modi can sell tea at their meetings, which backfired.
While constructive criticism of the functioning of the ruling dispensation and its leaders is the primary duty of the opposition, adequate care should be taken by elected representatives and their followers that decency and political propriety are not transgressed in public space.
In the world’s largest democracy, elections need to be fought by highlighting the track record of governance, and not through narrow, sectarian politics.
B. Suresh Kumar,
On email.
There is no denying that Rahul’s stature has risen, and he is getting popular. But even hardcore Congress fans would admit in private that Rahul cannot match Modi. In fact, the problem is with the kind of advisors Rahul has. These leaders have no calibre and know only to please the Gandhi family and remain in their good books. Rahul should hire someone like Prashant Kishor to advise him, and get rid of the useless coterie that only prefers to hang around him.
Tigin Thomas,
On email.
The Bharat Jodo Yatra has helped transform Rahul’s image—from a novice to an astute politician earnestly trying to understand the problems faced by the common people. However, he will be well advised not to criticise Modi every time; instead, Rahul should criticise the divisive policies of the BJP.
K. Vijayan,
Kochi, Kerala.