Pakistan paradox

What they don8217;t understand is that it is Pakistan8217;s non-democratic forces which are responsible for the situation in their country. These rulers see the judiciary as a hindrance and won8217;t hear of democracy. Only an incorrigible optimist could entertain the hope that Pakistan will some day become a vibrant democracy.

8212; M. Ramakrishna 038; M.N. Saudamini

Delhi

Wishful thinking

8226; Prakash Karat is back to playing his favourite game. He is again talking of an alternative to the BJP enemy No. 1 and the Congress. Does he really think this is achievable? Whether he likes it or not, the BJP and the Congress are the only two parties that can muster votes. These two parties certainly can8217;t come to power on their own any more, but at least they are forces to reckon with. If the CPM is visible at the Centre, it is only because of the so-called common minimum programme that the Left signed with the Congress. Otherwise, who really wants their kind of governance?

The people of this country should not take these matters lying down any more. We would like to see an in-depth description of what is in store for us before we vote any more coalitions in.

The CPM never lost a single opportunity to topple the government at the Centre, they seemed more at loggerheads with their partners instead of sticking to the manifesto they signed. What track record do they have to even dream of power at the Centre? Nandigram and industrial unrest in states where they are in power are enough to put off any voter. Try as hard as they may, it is impossible for them to come to power at the Centre.

8212; Roda D. Hakim

Baroda

Right precedent

8226; The New Year8217;s Eve molestation at Juhu, Mumbai and the backlash over the shameful act has set a precedent of sorts. Now, reports of such incidents are trickling in on a regular basis. Allegations of atrocities on women are on the rise, or so it seems, and the general public is appalled at the apathy of the authorities in taking stringent action against the perpetrators of these crimes. The conviction of those involved in the infamous Bilkis Bano rape case six years after the gory incident somehow rekindles one8217;s faith in the judiciary.

8212; Pachu Menon

Margao, Goa

Others like Bilkis

8226; The Bilkis Bano rape case verdict marks the triumph of justice after six long years. This is a case where justice was delayed but not denied. But now the big question is: what will happen to all the other cases of Gujarat 2002, many of which did not make it to the headlines?

8212; Bidyut K. Chatterjee

Faridabad