Letters to the editor

The agitation of Gurjjars in Rajasthan for inclusion in ST category is not surprising. In fact this could be a preview of many more agitations to follow...

Elite aam aadmi

• The agitation of Gurjjars in Rajasthan for inclusion in ST category is not surprising. In fact this could be a preview of many more agitations to follow from all those communities who can organise themselves. To understand this you have only to visit an academic institution. Students feel discriminated when they find some of their fellow students who are from similar social backgrounds but mediocre find more lucrative careers because of the benefits of reservations. The heartburn is severe when they observe some of these have the best of schooling and live in comfort and style. It is encouraging to hear that the UPA focus is on the aam aadmi. But it seems its aam aadmi belongs to the elitist group amongst the SC/STs and OBCs.

— S.C. Bhargava, New Delhi

Truer of India!

• THIS refers to Michiko Kakutani’s piece, ‘All things dark and American’ (IE, May 24). She refers to Al Gore’s book, which moves beyond its criticisms of the Bush administration to diagnose the ailing condition of America as a participatory democracy — low voter turnout, rampant voter cynicism, an often ill-informed electorate, political campaigns dominated by 30-second

TV ads and increasingly conglomerate controlled media landscape.

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Reading it, I am tempted to draw a parallel between the ailing condition of America as a participatory democracy and the ailing condition of India as the world’s largest democracy. Sadly, in a relatively immature democracy like ours — where divisive politics is seen as an important stepping stone to power — religion becomes an important instrument in the hands of degenerate politicians. This is exactly what’s happening in Punjab today. In a democratic set up, politics and religion should not be allowed to mix. The other two pre-requisites for a successful democracy are also missing. One, voters are not educated and responsible. Two, we do not have a stable two-party system.

— Onkar Chopra, New Delhi

Ego above party

• Corruption, nepotism, misrule, opportunism, etc are common to the CPM and non-CPM-ruled states. But the big question is how many parties take such a bold step against a chief minister or the party top brass as the CPM does? The suspension of Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, and the state secretary, Pinarayi Vijayan, from the Polit Bureau is an unprecedented step (IE, May 29). It has proved that no individual is above the party. However, the move is unlikely to provide an enduring solution to the factional feud in the party, because the row is fuelled by personal ego.

— B.K. Chatterjee, Faridabad

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India2 hr ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

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