Elections in Kerala promise to be exciting (‘Left, right, and the rhetoric of change’, March 22). There is a growing perception that the UDF could secure a comfortable victory, thanks to strong anti-incumbency against the LDF government which has been in power for a decade.
Across the state, voters seem to be dissatisfied with governance and development. The LDF’s return to power in 2021 was, to a large extent, shaped by the pandemic—when uncertainty prevailed and the government’s handling of the crisis worked in its favour. This time, however, the political landscape appears more open.
G. Sahadevan,
On email.
You seem to have read the pulse of Kerala’s political landscape. By placing V.D. Satheesan on the cover, you seem to suggest that he could be a strong contender for the post of the chief minister should the UDF come to power.
A credible publication like THE WEEK is unlikely to take such a call without a reasonably clear assessment of the ground reality.
Renu Sebastian,
On email.
There are some indications of a silent support base emerging for the BJP in Kerala, raising the possibility of the party winning a few seats.
Pinarayi Vijayan appears confident of retaining power, possibly factoring in a split in anti-incumbency votes—particularly if the BJP manages to draw a share of the anti-LDF votes. But, I believe the extent of public dissatisfaction with the LDF government is deep enough that even a division of anti-Vijayan votes may not significantly alter the larger outcome.
Anjana G.,
On email.
There is an urgent need to end the persistent infighting in the Congress, which continues to damage both the party’s prospects and its public image. Even in the event of a UDF victory, the familiar tussle for the chief minister’s post could resurface—something voters in Kerala have seen play out repeatedly. Multiple power centres within the party only add to the uncertainty.
In this context, Shashi Tharoor stands out as a compelling alternative. Tharoor should be the chief minister of Kerala. He brings a distinct vision for Kerala, coupled with a global outlook and an emphasis on development-oriented politics.
Shekhar Naik,
On email.
Kerala continues to outperform many other states in key human development indicators such as education, health care and housing. The LDF government’s welfare-driven schemes for the poor and the marginalised could still translate into political mileage.
C. Chandrasekaran Bharathi,
On email.
Objection to the title ‘Ram’
I read the article by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (‘Rural turnaround’, March 22). I feel the VB-G Ram G Act, 2025, is more targeted and efficient than the earlier MGNREGA. However, my objection lies in the choice of name. The use of ‘Ram’ in the title feels unnecessary and could have been avoided.
Pankaj Mohin,
On email.
Lesson for both Iran and Israel
The war in the Middle East needs to end soon (‘Victory in sight’, March 22). What we are witnessing today is, to a large extent, a dangerous escalation driven by hardened positions and inflated egos on both sides. There is a lesson here for both Iran and Israel.
Iran must recognise that it cannot position itself as the voice of all Muslim nations, nor can it continue rhetoric or actions that openly threaten another sovereign state. Such posturing only deepens instability in an already fragile region.
At the same time, Israel must also exercise restraint. Not every development in its neighbourhood constitutes an existential threat. A measured response is essential to prevent further escalation.
Israel’s security is, and will remain, a matter of global concern. But lasting security cannot be achieved through constant confrontation.
Debesh Tyagi,
On email.
Focus on Test and ODI
In T20 cricket today, no team can match India, which operates at a different level (‘Power and glory’, March 22). The new benchmark that India has set in T20 cricket should continue for many years. At the same time, there is a need to take this dominance into Test and ODI formats as well, ensuring consistency across all forms of the game.
Vismay Mathur,
On email.
Deeply relevant
The column by Dr Preetha Reddy (‘Growing up anxious’, March 22) was thought-provoking and deeply relevant in today’s context. It effectively highlights how the influence of social media, academic pressure and rising expectations are contributing to anxiety among younger people.
How Reddy underscores the importance of open conversation around mental health is impressive. However, she could have placed greater emphasis on the need to reduce unrealistic expectations, encourage hobbies and strengthen counselling systems in schools.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
Painful to see it
Killing children is a sin, and the US and Israel committed a grave sin by bombing a school in Minab, Iran (‘Last word’, March 22). This should haunt Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as long as they live.
Aparajitha Basu,
On email.