Letters to the Editor

Published : May 09, 2019 12:30 IST

Lok Sabha election 2019

With the early phases of polling over, gloom has descended on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) camp, and it is likely to be more aggressive in its campaign (Cover Story, May 10). The BJP was hopeful that the Balakot air strikes would help it win the election. Since these national security issues were not well received on the ground, it has started to focus on corruption charges against the opposition parties. Even members of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh have acknowledged that GST and demonetisation were failures.

In Uttar Pradesh, the grand alliance of the Samajwadi Party (S.P.), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal has made the BJP jittery. That the party has been unable to make any headway in the southern States, barring Karnataka, should make it ponder over its electoral strategy. On the other hand, the Congress party has not capitalised on the BJP’s weaknesses and its organisational structure is in the doldrums.

S. Murali

Vellore, Tamil Nadu

The BJP h as realised that the 2019 Lok Sabha election will not be a cake walk for it and that it cannot bank on the “Modi magic” (“Polarised positions”, May 10). Its election pitch initially focussed on the development plank, and its leaders reeled out examples to prove that it had brought about a transformation in the country.

Since there were not many takers for this line, it has fallen back on Hindutva, communal polarisation and nationalism. It is highlighting the achievements of Modi in fighting terrorism, citing Balakot. On the other hand, the opposition parties are focussing on the failures of the government to address issues such as farmers’ distress and unemployment and the ill effects of demonetisation. Even in the Hindi belt, a tough fight is expected despite the extensive electioneering of Modi and Amit Shah.

D.B.N. Murthy

Bengaluru

Narendra Modi used the words “Latkana, atkana and bhatkana” (delay, block and mislead) about the United Progressive Alliance government during his speech at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Navi Mumbai airport about two years ago. A true statesman never uses such a solemn occasion to criticise anyone for the sake of scoring a few brownie points.

The development of Navi Mumbai as a satellite city of Mumbai was the result of a Congress government’s foresight several decades ago.

Modi and the BJP never had any role in the long struggle for the freedom of the country. One cannot expect any sane talk from a person who obstinately refuses to acknowledge and appreciate the good work done by leaders who fought for and won India’s freedom from alien rule and managed to unify people who followed various religions and spoke a multitude of languages.

N. Jagannathan

Thane West, Maharashtra

Election manif estos have lost their relevance because of the impossible promises made by political parties which, by and large, remain unfulfilled (“A study in contrast”, May 10). In fact, the parties themselves trade barbs against one another during their campaigns, ignoring real issues such as inflation, unemployment and health care. The BJP dragging the Army into political campaigns was not only a grave mistake but a rude shock to voters. All the parties aim to win the election by hook or by crook.

K.R. Srinivasan

Secunderabad, Telangana

The Congres s’ NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) scheme, which promises Rs.6,000 a month for the poorest 20 per cent households, may just be old wine in a new bottle (“No bridge between two Indias”, April 26). But it is important to bring poor people’s problems back into the agenda because that holds the key to society’s progress.

A.J. Rangarajan

Chennai

Christchurch attack

By calling a spade a spade and by showing extreme determination and grit in the face of adversity, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has shown the way for the world to deal with terrorism (“Racist terror”, April 12). Her statement that ”we are one” and her wearing the hijab as a sign of respect to the victims show that there still exist leaders who do not use religion for their politics. She is rightly called the “peace ambassador”. She truly deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for her kind and commendable leadership.

B. Vidhya

Thanjavur, TAMIL NADU

Electoral reforms

Ever since the defeat of K. Kamaraj in 1967, Tamil Nadu has not seen either development or industrialisation (“Marriage of convenience”, March 15). Health care is dearer today. No regional political party has the guts to go it alone in the Lok Sabha election for fear of defeat. Politicians justify this by saying that there are no permanent friends or foes in politics.

Alliances are formed to share power among themselves and take the people for a ride. Pre- and post-election alliances have become the order of the day. It is really a marriage of convenience. The BJP-Peoples Democratic Party alliance in Kashmir was another example. The BSP-S.P. alliance in Uttar Pradesh is another one. The fault lies with our system.

Forming unholy alliances should be stopped and lawmakers should be made accountable. The situation cries out for urgent electoral reforms.

Sravana Ramachandran

Chennai

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