Your article on the abilities and the real role of Himanta Biswa Sarma covered only a minuscule of the actual ground-level realities (‘BJP will be the only national party after 2024’, January 28). Sarma is not only the star of the northeast, but also the Modi of the northeast, who, one day, has a good chance of becoming the prime minister. Sarma has great leadership qualities. He also has clear vision, and understands the role of federalism in nation-building.
No other state is as heterogeneous as Assam. As the chief minister, Sarma is transforming Assam from a state besieged with law and order problems to a progressive state where investments can flow, and this is remarkable. The confidence and the exuberance that Sarma exhibits in leading his state are the most noticeable aspects that could make him the real star of the future.
K.B. Narayana,
On email.
Sarma is an asset to the BJP. He has sharp political acumen and is going to conquer greater heights. The BJP should use his services in states where it is weak, like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Come what may, he will get the BJP the solid opening it needs in these states.
Gaurav Pandey,
On email.
Sarma is a shrewd politician who knows how to play the game. I think he is an opportunist. He was never inclined towards the BJP’s philosophy. Sarma was a Congress leader who knew when to jump ship. Seems like he will make the most of it now.
Surabhi Gupta,
On email.
Mallikarjun Kharge put it aptly. “Narendra Modi will unfurl the tricolour at his home next year.” I pray and hope that Kharge’s words come true. The communally polarising autocratic dispensation at the Centre should be dislodged and a secular social democracy should be re-established.
N. Jagannathan,
Thane, Maharashtra.
Address issues
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep recently, it created a lot of political turmoil in the Maldives. The cascading effects led to the suspension of its ministers, cancellation of hotel bookings; the relationship between the two countries became strained. Soon, lakhs of tourists googled Lakshadweep as an alternate spot for their vacation (‘Worry lines in the sand’, January 26).
The island is plagued by several issues. Unless these are sorted out on priority basis, putting it on top of the tourism map will be a mistake.
It was through your report that I came to know about pandaram land. Let me thank THE WEEK on unearthing the issues faced by the islanders, which no other publication has so far mentioned.
R.V. Baskaran,
On email.
Inventive Indians
R. Prasannan said English purists are acting snooty, by not accepting ‘prepone’ (‘Powerdrive’, January 28).
While English is probably one of the easiest acceptors of words from other languages, it seems to accept words as a whole while reserving the right to coin new words exclusively to itself.
All the same I believe that prepone is a sole word created by Indians that reflects the ingenuity of our people.
I await such new words with great enthusiasm.
Goutam Sen,
Jaipur.
Help us, please
Your article ‘Who let the dogs out?’ (January 7) discussed pertinent points regarding the stray dog menace in our country.
But no concrete solution to the problem is emerging. The menace is omnipresent in all cities and towns of our country.
I stay in Ponda, Goa. In our vicinity, the problem of stray dogs is rampant. A group of stray dogs chases two-wheeler riders, causing accidents. In fact, scavengers bear the brunt of stray-dog attacks. Can the state and Central governments do something about it and help us?
Rajendra Parakhi,
Ponda, Goa.
In bad taste
The ‘Statement on Taiwan coverage’ (‘Letters’, January 28) by Xiaojian Wang, counsellor and spokesperson, embassy of the People’s Republic of China, was in bad taste, besides being an uncivilised attack on the wisdom and honour of Indian media. It was a shameless and arrogant attack on the sovereignty of India.
Being a keen watcher of the conduct of communist rulers of China—towards their own masses, colonised people, neighbours and the rest of the world—for more than five decades, I find this spewing of venom by Wang as yet another example of lone wolf howling. Wang referred to the “one-China” principle, as “the political foundation of China-India relations”. The truth is that the “principle” is more a result of deception and lack of true understanding of China’s history by some ignorant world leaders, or coercion of vulnerable governments by Beijing, rather than an honest representation of China’s own history.
Many readers of THE WEEK must be aware that China coerced and occupied independent regions to build up what China’s colonialist rulers claim as the present day “People’s Republic of China”. These colonised regions account for more than half of PRC’s land mass and over two-thirds of its natural resources.
Wang’s “request” to THE WEEK to “remove the article from the website”, and “cancel it from the printed version” calls for the contempt it deserves.
Regarding his offer to THE WEEK to publish “accurate and objective” reports on China-related issues, I suggest you to take it seriously and publish prevailing unfortunate, inhuman and despicable state of affairs in China’s colonies like Tibet, Xinjiang, South Mongolia, Manchuria, Hong Kong and Macau.
Vijay Kranti,
Delhi.