Your analysis of Andhra Pradesh’s development story—seen through the emergence of Nara Lokesh—is reassuring for all those who wish to see a healthy race among Indian states (‘Need for speed’, January 18).
The story also raises new expectations among readers like me, who would rather see Indian states make news for their growth stories than for cut-throat and divisive politics.
Vijay Kranti,
On email.
I read your cover story on Lokesh, and it was truly fascinating to learn about a highly educated leader playing a key role in government. It is encouraging to see that his focus extends beyond the IT sector to include MSMEs and food processing as well.
Young and dynamic leadership is the need of the hour, and one hopes that under the TDP, the Andhra Pradesh government will achieve strong and sustained growth in the coming years.
Anil Deshpande,
On email.
Lokesh appears to be a capable leader who can take Andhra Pradesh and its people to greater heights.
The notion that fathers merely “cultivate” their sons for succession is misplaced; any parent, naturally, hopes that their children—sons or daughters—will succeed in life and carry forward their legacy.
If the TDP returns to power once again, it would not be unreasonable for N. Chandrababu Naidu to hand over the reins to Lokesh.
Mayank Manuaj,
On email.
At first glance, Lokesh appears earnest, eager to learn and deeply interested in technology. Such sincerity, combined with a willingness to learn, can be a powerful combination in leadership.
Andhra Pradesh deserves far greater investment, and its cities should grow on the lines of Hyderabad. Wishing Lokesh the very best.
P.K. Tripathy,
On email.
Bond will only grow stronger
The Supreme Court can continue to be strict with animal lovers when stray dogs attack human beings in certain places (‘Point blank’, January 18). Love for dogs is not going to diminish because of such interventions. Dogs are deeply attached to human beings, and this bond will only grow stronger, no matter what critics say.
Tigin Thomas,
On email.
Not easy for Mamata
Mamata Banerjee will not find the going easy (‘Revision before the exam’, January 18). Unlike in 2021, there is now a real possibility of the BJP coming to power in West Bengal, and the party is approaching the battle with a sense of urgency—if not desperation.
If the TMC were to rule for another five years, it would mean continued attacks on the BJP, something its leaders would be keen to avoid.
The BJP would prefer to see both Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in significantly weaker positions, for it is not the Congress but these two leaders who have been consistently raising the ante against the BJP.
Vikas Asthana,
On email.
It was hardly civilised behaviour for a sitting chief minister to rush to the residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain in the middle of an ED raid. Such conduct only suggests that all is not well. If Mamata, or her team, have done nothing wrong, there is little reason for such panic or theatrics.
Nobody can be indefinitely framed on false charges. If an innocent person is targeted, he or she is ultimately protected by the courts of the land. To then suggest that even courts cannot be trusted is to take the argument a step too far.
Nikhil Sharma,
On email.
Govt on the backfoot
Kerala government machinery is in deep disarray (‘Gold’s wrath’, January 18). Despite everything that has unfolded, Pinarayi Vijayan and his closest continue to be arrogant.
Many argue that the UDF—especially the Congress—is weighed down by too many leaders, constant infighting and factionalism. Yet, most people I know are willing to put up with that, because they cannot accept a leader like Vijayan returning to power for a third term. In 2016, it was on the strength of V.S. Achuthanandan’s name that Vijayan came to power. In 2021, Covid and the narrative built around the government’s handling of the pandemic worked in their favour. That moment has passed.
P.M. Balakeshavan,
On email.
By all indications, a UDF government is likely to come to power in Kerala in 2026. However, even for a strong leader like V.D. Satheesan, occupying the chief minister’s chair will not be easy.
K.C. Venugopal, now aligned with the Congress’s first family, will ensure that all complaints to the high command are routed through him. Ramesh Chennithala continues to nurse chief ministerial ambitions. And, leaders like K. Sudhakaran and Mullappally Ramachandran could enter the fray at the last minute, potentially complicating the prospects of both Satheesan and Chennithala.
Vinu Chacko,
On email.
Balance tradition with transformation
The younger generation is revamping family legacies, infusing them with fresh ideas and modern leadership styles (‘Legacy reloaded’, January 18). Yet, the real challenge lies in balancing tradition with transformation, as they navigate global competition and rapidly shifting consumer preferences.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
Avantika Saraogi, executive director, Balrampur Chini Mills, said her mill’s focus is to do away with conventional plastics—an interesting development at a time when it has become a major nuisance. Such projects deserve special attention from the government.
Rajiv Magal,
On email.